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Special Education Preparation Standards

The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)'s Preparation Standards define what special educators must know and master for safe and effective practice.

These standards are used to inform preparation programs, accreditation organizations, and credentialing agencies.

2020 Initial K-12 Standards

teacher with class

Newly released in 2020, this set of standards is a revised update to the 2012 Initial Special Education Preparation Standards with a narrowed focus on working with students in kindergarten through grade 12.

2012 Initial Preparation Standards

Initial Special Education Preparation Standards

Our Initial Special Education Preparation Standards are designed for programs that prepare beginning special educators for their careers in the field.

Advanced Preparation Standards

Advanced Special Education Preparation Standards

Our Advanced Special Education Preparation Standards are designed for programs that help special educators progress or pursue new roles within special education.

Last Updated:  20 August, 2020

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