The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) works to improve the educational success of individuals with disabilities and/or gifts and talents.
Core Values
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The dignity and worth of all individuals.
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Social justice, inclusiveness, and diversity.
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Professional excellence, integrity, and accountability.
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Rich and meaningful participation in society for all individuals with exceptionalities.
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Effective individualized education for all individuals with exceptionalities.
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The importance of families in the lives and education of all individuals with exceptionalities.
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Collaboration and community building to improve outcomes.
Mission
CEC is an international community of educators who are the voice and vision of special and gifted education. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for individuals with exceptionalities and their families through professional excellence and advocacy.
Vision
CEC is a diverse, vibrant professional community working together and with others to ensure that individuals with exceptionalities are valued and included in all aspects of life. CEC is a trusted voice in shaping education policy and practice and is globally renowned for its expertise and leadership. CEC is one of the world’s premiere education organizations.
Adopted by the CEC Board of Directors, January 2008
OUR BELIEFS
WE BELIEVE. . .
- in advocating for the advancement of the education of individuals with exceptionalities.
- all individuals have the right to an education.
- all individuals have the ability to learn and attain self-fulfillment.
WE BELIEVE. . .
- in equitable access to and meaningful participation in quality educational opportunities for individuals with exceptionalities.
- in the development of preventative programs and services for children deemed to be at risk.
- in the opportunity for lifelong education for all individuals with exceptionalities.
WE BELIEVE. . .
- full participation of individuals with exceptionalities enriches all communities.
- education is a collaborative effort among learners, educators, families, communities, governments, businesses, and industries.
- CEC is THE professional organization of and for all special education professionals.
WE BELIEVE. . .
- qualified professionals are essential to meeting the diverse educational needs of individuals with exceptionalities.
- all special education professionals have a continuing responsibility to improve their practice.
- CEC has responsibility to assist special education professionals in improving their practice.
WE BELIEVE. . .
- special education professionals have knowledge and skills to share with education and other professionals to meet the diverse learning needs of individuals with exceptionalities.
- special education professionals should practice in a manner consistent with CEC’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Practice.
- special education professionals have a responsibility to collaborate with other professionals who work with individuals with exceptionalities to improve the delivery of instruction.
WE BELIEVE. . .
- governments have a responsibility to assure the provision of a free and appropriate education for all individuals with exceptionalities.
- CEC is committed to an international orientation to all of its professional activities.
WE BELIEVE. . .
- CEC shapes the future of education by fulfilling its mission.
Adopted by the CEC Delegate Assembly, April 16, 1982
CEC CODE OF ETHICS
We declare the following principles to be the Code of Ethics for educators of persons with exceptionalities. Members of the special education profession are responsible for upholding and advancing these principles. Members of The Council for Exceptional Children agree to judge and be judged by them in accordance with the spirit and provisions of this Code.
Special education professionals are committed to developing the highest educational and quality of life potential of individuals with exceptionalities.
- Special education professionals promote and maintain a high level of competence and integrity in practicing their profession.
- Special education professionals engage in professional activities which benefit exceptional individuals, their families, other colleagues, students, or research subjects.
- Special education professionals exercise objective professional judgement in the practice of their profession.
- Special education professionals strive to advance their knowledge and skills regarding the education of individuals with exceptionalities.
- Special education professionals work within the standards and policies of their profession.
- Special education professionals seek to uphold and improve where necessary the laws, regulations, and policies governing the delivery of special education and related services and the practice of their profession.
- Special education professionals do not condone nor participate in unethical or illegal acts, or violate professional standards adopted by the Delegate Assembly of CEC.Adopted by the CEC Delegate Assembly, April 1983
OUR GOALS…
- To promote and utilize systems for timely communication
- To support professional development for pre-service and active teachers
- To increase our involvement in political issues
Adopted by the CEC Delegate Assembly, April 1995