CEC Accreditation Background and Requirements
In 2020, the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) began work to become an independent accreditor of special educator programs. The purpose of CEC Accreditation is to build upon CEC’s history of National Recognition as a SPA (Specialized Professional Association) and to create an accreditation process that is a robust, targeted approach focused on developing candidate proficiencies, candidate performance on CEC standards, public accountability, and contextual indicators of quality in alignment to the existing CEC Professional Preparation Standards.
CEC formed an Accreditation Commission tasked with developing the accreditation process, procedures, and requirements. In November 2020, the CEC Board of Directors executed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Commission, providing the Commission operational independence with respect to accreditation policy, process, and decision-making.
The Accreditation Commission consists of the following seven individuals:
Rebecca Watts (Chair) | Regional Vice President, Western Governors University |
Mary Harrill | Senior Director, Higher Education Accreditation and Program Support, NAEYC |
Claire Hughes | Professor of Special Education and Gifted and Talented, Cleveland State University |
Adam Moore | Associate Professor of Special Education & Graduate Program Coordinator, University of Rhode Island |
Kevin Rubenstein | Assistant Superintendent for Student Services, Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205 |
Jenalee Hinds | Teacher Preparation & Educational Studies, Northern Kentucky University |
Mickie Wong-Lo | Associate Professor, Director Special Education, Biola University |
The CEC Commission is designing an accreditation process for initial preparation programs that prepare candidates for their first credential in special education and advanced special educator programs that prepare candidates for subsequent credentials. Special educator preparation programs operating within the United States and its territories and within U.S. based institutions operating abroad are eligible for national accreditation by CEC.
CEC Accreditation requirements include provision of an integrated sequence of coursework leading to a degree and/or credential (e.g., state licensure) that entitles the holder to perform professional special educator services. CEC Accreditation will launch using the following sets of standards:
- 2020 Initial Practice-Based Professional Preparation Standards for Special Educators
- 2020 Initial Practice-Based Professional Preparation Standards for Early Interventionists/Early Childhood Special Educators
- 2012 Advanced Special Education Preparation Standards
The CEC Commission may choose to include additional sets of professional preparation standards in the accreditation process in the future. Such additions would include a public review period.
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