IRC News

Illinois Resource Center Announces Groundbreaking New Computer Science Initiative for Bilingual Educators
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Illinois Resource Center Announces Groundbreaking New Computer Science Initiative for Bilingual Educators

Lindsay Eanet2022-01-19T11:13:09-06:00

The Illinois Resource Center is proud to announce an exciting new computer science professional development program for motivated teachers who serve English learner students in Illinois. This is the first program of its kind solely directed towards teachers working with English learners. This innovative program, in partnership with Digital Leaders Now (DLN), the Learning Technology Center of Illinois (LTCI), and CODE.org, is designed to respond to today’s digital learning and computer science integration needs, as well as to lay the groundwork for English learner students to access a variety of growing career opportunities. As fast-growing career tracks open in fields from coding and network [...]

Illinois Resource Center Announces Groundbreaking New Computer Science Initiative for Bilingual EducatorsLindsay Eanet2022-01-19T11:13:09-06:00

In Memoriam – Zoila Garcia

Silvia Rogel2020-06-10T13:11:29-05:00

The Illinois Resource Center is saddened to hear of the passing of long-time IRC supporter, Zoila Garcia. Our deepest sympathies go out to her family. Zoila Garcia, a passionate proponent of dual education, passed away June 7, 2020. Ms. Garcia had been principal at Whittier Elementary School in Chicago and, previous to that assignment, had been a long time educator at Inter-American Magnet School. In those roles, she touched the lives of countless students and families, particularly honoring their languages and cultures. Zoila will be sorely missed. Donations in memory of Zoila Garcia can be made through PayPal/credit card or via check payable [...]

In Memoriam – Zoila GarciaSilvia Rogel2020-06-10T13:11:29-05:00

Developing Language Skills from a Distance
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Developing Language Skills from a Distance

Maggie Essig2020-05-11T08:36:44-05:00

by Maggie Essig This blog entry was originally published by Maggie Essig on her blog, maggieessig.com/blog. When I was in the classroom, my district went on strike. I didn’t see my students for ten days, and I worried about them every day. I missed their smiling faces and their silly jokes. I missed teaching them so much it made me cry. I don’t want to imagine what it would be like if I were in the classroom during the COVID-19 pandemic. I am in awe of teachers who quickly adjusted to remote crisis teaching while having to wonder if their students [...]

Developing Language Skills from a DistanceMaggie Essig2020-05-11T08:36:44-05:00

Take Care. That is the Curriculum.
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Take Care. That is the Curriculum.

Maggie Essig2020-05-10T15:55:46-05:00

by Olivia Mulcahy This blog entry was originally published by Olivia Mulcahy on her blog, claimed.blog. A while ago I wrote about how we might reimagine homework as the task of taking care. Now, as so many people are hunkering down to do all their living and schooling and working at home, I’m thinking we need to take this idea to another level entirely. It’s an idea I think might help any of us get through the crises catalyzed and exacerbated by the Coronavirus, but right now I’m specifically thinking about how it might help guide schools as they manage an enormous and [...]

Take Care. That is the Curriculum.Maggie Essig2020-05-10T15:55:46-05:00

NEWSCAST Feb 2020

Silvia Rogel2020-02-13T12:41:00-06:00

The latest commentary from your most trusted professional learning organization By S. Rogel Annual Statewide ESSA Conference The annual ESSA (Every Student Succeeds Act) was held in Chicago on February 10 - 12, 2020 at the Sheraton Grand Chicago Hotel. This year's conference theme, "The Equity Imperative," reflected the importance of promoting practices that improve student academic outcomes for communities across the state. We worked hard to bring you exceptional speakers including State Superintendent Carmen Ayala and Chief Executive Officer for CPS Janice Jackson (Monday). Jason Leahy, Executive Director of the IL Principals Association, and Chip Donohue, Founding Director [...]

NEWSCAST Feb 2020Silvia Rogel2020-02-13T12:41:00-06:00

Host a Census Night at Your School
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Host a Census Night at Your School

Em Hall2020-02-19T11:46:20-06:00

Billions of dollars in federal funding are at stake for Illinois in the 2020 Census. Schools can play a critical role in ensuring every Illinois resident is counted. Here’s how your school can host a Census Night, where families can complete the census online with assistance from school staff. Pick a date and time that works for your community during the online self-response period March 12 – April 27. Completing the census online means census-takers do not have to come to residents’ doors. Pick a location with sufficient internet connectivity. The census is mobile-friendly and can be completed on a personal [...]

Host a Census Night at Your SchoolEm Hall2020-02-19T11:46:20-06:00

4 Experiences 21st Century Learners Need: Lessons from a Robot Vacuum
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4 Experiences 21st Century Learners Need: Lessons from a Robot Vacuum

Em Hall2020-03-30T14:34:56-05:00

by Rachell Anderson I recently purchased a robot vacuum, and I cannot speak more highly of it! I was sick of the constant layer of dust on the wood floors, and this little guy is making it so I don't have to Swiffer twice a day. Now you might be thinking, "Rachell, congrats on your vacuum, but no one wants to hear about your fun new gadget, we're here for the ed related material;" but hear me out. As I was working from home today I decided to run the vacuum (side brag- all I literally have to say is, "Alexa, [...]

4 Experiences 21st Century Learners Need: Lessons from a Robot VacuumEm Hall2020-03-30T14:34:56-05:00

Why I Love Testing
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Why I Love Testing

Em Hall2020-03-30T14:33:53-05:00

by Olivia Mulcahy Wait…What? For real. I love testing because… I know what is expected of me and have already shown myself that I am ready for the test. My teachers have already observed me and given me the feedback that confirms that I am ready for the test. I know I will be successful on the test. The test will give me multiple opportunities to demonstrate my knowledge, skill and understanding via multiple modalities. I will get to use all my languages during the test to show my learning–I will get to show my learning of a new language, and [...]

Why I Love TestingEm Hall2020-03-30T14:33:53-05:00

EL Lens on the ISTE Standards for Students

IRC2020-03-30T14:36:18-05:00

by Maggie Essig As part of becoming a ISTE Certified Educator, I have spent the past few months diving into the ISTE Standards for Students and Educators. Specifically, I have been evaluating and experimenting with where English Learners (ELs), their teachers, and language acquisition fit into this set of technology standards. Today, I will be speaking at the 42nd Annual Illinois Statewide Conference for Teachers Serving Linguistically & Culturally Diverse Students (check out #IRCBilingual18 on Twitter to follow our learning) about how the ISTE Standards for Students can support ELs in all settings. More commonly known at the Bilingual Conference, this [...]

EL Lens on the ISTE Standards for StudentsIRC2020-03-30T14:36:18-05:00