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As you know, education is constantly changing. This means the needs of the students and educators is also changing. To better meet the changing needs of all those involved in education, the Idaho Chapter of the International Reading Association is in the process of redefining it's policies and functions. There will be several changes in which you may be interested.
1. CHANGE
ICIRA will continue to have local councils AND has added the option to be members at large.
REASON
Many teachers in Idaho have become too involved to attend council meetings and perform council duties on a yearly basis. Many local councils have dissolved due to lack of officers and members. (See attached map for inactive and active councils.) Our membership is about half what it was 8-10 years ago.
2. CHANGE
Membership in ICIRA is now renewable on a yearly basis on the expiration of the prior years registration. A renewal notice will be sent out on the expiration date. The ICIRA membership chairman will send out this notice. Formerly, membership was form July 1 to June 30.
REASON
Many times during the year, teachers attended activities and wish to become members of ICIRA. When they discover that their membership is only good for a short time no matter what amount they pay, they decide that the will wait until the fall and then they forget to join.
3. CHANGE
The Portals journal will no longer exist. A newsletter and/or content pare will be published several times a year at a much lower price and with fewer work hour.
REASON
Idaho universities are no longer able to provide an editor and staff to publish the journal. The total price of the journal has become exorbitant and beyond the financial means of the ICIRA.
4. CHANGE
An ICIRA webpage is being designed to better serve the needs of the members with up to date information about reading issues and events in Idaho and the nation.
5. CHANGE
ICIRA plans to conduct six regional meetings in July to update educators about reading legislation passed by the 1999 Idaho Legislature. A letter will be sent to all the school district superintendents requesting that a representative be appointed from each district and/or school to attend these meetings. Talk to your superintendent if you are interested in being a representative.
REASON
Educators need to be informed about current reading legislation issues and how they will effect instruction. ICIRA wishes to be an active participant on disseminating this information.
ITEMS THAT HAVE NOT CHANGED
ICIRA is still a progressive, viable advocate for literacy in Idaho.