Council for Exceptional Children
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Council for Exceptional Children
@cecmembership.bsky.social
520 followers 75 following 190 posts
The leading membership and advocacy organization for #SpecialEducation professionals. We support you so you can support your students.
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“Beyond the Labels: Rewriting the Story of Special Education, our #CEC2026 PAC Co-Chairs’ theme, focuses on the impact of narratives in shaping perceptions, guiding behaviors, influencing outcomes, and more.

https://cecconvention.org/convention-news/cec2026-rewriting-story-special-education
Image of a 2025 YIC winner on stage with President Julie Bost. The text reads, "PAC Co-chairs Theme; CEC2026; Rewriting the Story of Special Education; This theme is dedicated to exploring the necessity of shifting perspectives, challenging assumptions, and constructing new understandings across educational spaces. Read Our New Blog Post"
November 26, 2025 at 2:02 PM
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CEC and CIDDL's AI Strategy Summit allows you to get up close and personal with AI in special education. With exciting sessions from leading scholars and experts, this can't-miss event is essential for preparing for this new technological era.

learn.exceptionalchildren.org/artificial-i...
Image of students on laptops; The text reads, "Strategy Summit: Artificial Intelligence; Artificial Intelligence 101: A Foundational Understanding of AI and Its Implications for Special Education; Presented by James Basham and Angelica Fulchini Scruggs; Join Us January 28, 2026 from 11:00 AM – 11:45 AM"
November 25, 2025 at 2:33 PM
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Only one more week to submit your nominations for CEC's Outstanding Student Awards! Find out more about eligibility requirements and how to submit: https://exceptionalchildren.org/awards/student-awards
Navy text on white background for the headline, "Outstanding student awards, deadline approaching." In the middle is a circle photo outlined in red of last year's award winner. At the bottom in white text on navy background, "submissions due, December first, 2025." The C E C logo is in the bottom left corner and a graphic of a megaphone is in the bottom right corner.
November 24, 2025 at 3:02 PM
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In the latest episode of Rewriting the Narrative, Ben Tillotson commemorates and reflects on the 50th anniversary of IDEA with Dr. Bill Bogdan and Dr. Luanne Purcell.

https://exceptionalchildren.podbean.com/e/50-years-of-idea-reflecting-on-progress-purpose-and-possibility/
November 21, 2025 at 10:10 PM
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When you join CEC, you join a global community of education professionals dedicated to the success of infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities. Join by 12/5 and get 10% off publications to help you enhance your practice.

https://exceptionalchildren.org/membership/grow
Image of a teacher holding books and reading one. The text reads, "Let's Grow Together; Join CEC by December 5 and use code GROWNOV25 to receive 10% publications in the store; This coupon doesn't apply to merch in the CEC Store"
November 20, 2025 at 6:01 PM
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ED is transferring key functions to other agencies, and sources indicate that OSERS may soon be moved to HHS. CEC strongly opposes this change, which would weaken IDEA by placing special education under a health-based model.

Read the full update: exceptionalchildren.org/blog/idea-ri...
Image of the U.S. Department of Education Building with the text, "CEC Update from Executive Director Chad Rummel; IDEA at Risk: Move to HHS Still Expected; "To date, the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services has not been relocated. However, we understand from sources that an agreement has been drafted, and the move is very likely to be forthcoming."
November 19, 2025 at 6:17 PM
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📅 Looking to grow your skills and stay current in the field of special education? CEC has a full lineup of upcoming professional development opportunities, all designed to support your practice and elevate your impact.

https://learn.exceptionalchildren.org/
November 19, 2025 at 2:01 PM
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Learn more about Dr. Sarah Howorth, including her contributions to the field of special education and what she has to say about OSEP: https://exceptionalchildren.org/blog/member-advocacy-spotlight-dr-sarah-howorth-vice-president-council-exceptional-childrens
Red text on white in upper left corner, "New." To the right in white text on navy, "Special Education today." In the middle, there is a circle photo of Dr. Sarah Howorth to the left outlined in white and white text on navy to the right, "Member advocacy spotlight: Dr. Sarah Howorth, vice president of C E C's division on autism and developmental disabilities." The C E C logo is in the bottom left corner. In the bottom right in white text on green background, "Read this post and more on our blog!"
November 18, 2025 at 11:00 PM
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Two more days to register to attend CEC's live webinar that will focus on current understanding of autism and factors related to prevalence! Register now: #tab-product_tab_overview_overview" class="hover:underline text-blue-600 dark:text-sky-400 no-card-link" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-link="bsky">https://learn.exceptionalchildren.org/products/cec-live-webinar-understanding-autism-considerations-for-teachers#tab-product_tab_overview
White text on navy background on left side of graphic, "C E C webinar, understanding autism: considerations for teachers." Below that in white text on red oval background, "Free for C E C members." To the right, a photograph of a teacher smiling at a student who uses an abacus. Along the bottom in navy text on white background, "Thursday, November 20, 4:30 PM ET." In the bottom left corner is a calendar graphic and in the bottom right corner is the C E C logo.
November 18, 2025 at 9:01 PM
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CEC's partners are helping us honor the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)'s 50th anniversary by sharing their contributions, reflections, and more. eLuma shares their insight in our latest blog post.

https://exceptionalchildren.org/blog/cecs-partners-reflect-50-years-idea-eluma
White background on top with the CEC and IDEA 50th Anniversary logo; In the middle on green background is a circle photo to the left of a teacher with her students, all looking at a book. To the right in white text on green, "C E C's Partners reflect on fifty years of I D E A: eLuma." The eLuma logo is in the bottom left corner. In the bottom right in white text on blue, "read this post and more on our blog!"
November 17, 2025 at 11:10 PM
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Join us this week for our AI Quick Takes series! From foundational AI concepts to hands-on tools and responsible implementation, you’ll gain practical insights you can apply right away.

#product_tab_registrationistration" class="hover:underline text-blue-600 dark:text-sky-400 no-card-link" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-link="bsky">https://learn.exceptionalchildren.org/quick-takes-artificial-intelligence#product_tab_registration
Image of a human hand and robot hand touching between a pane of glass, with a light shining at their connecting fingers. The text reads, "Quik Takes; Artificial Intelligence; AI 101 for Educators: Implementing AI to Support Student Learning; Join Us November 20 for Session 1"
November 17, 2025 at 7:30 PM
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Join CEC and the National Center for Special Education Research for a webinar on effective writing instruction. Register now: https://learn.exceptionalchildren.org/products/cec-ncser-live-webinar-from-good-to-great-strengthening-writing-instruction-with-research-based-strategies
White text on navy background underneath a photo of a young boy working on a paper with the help of his teacher, "C E C and the National center for special education research webinar." Beneath that in white text on blue background, "From Good to Great: strengthening writing instruction with research-based strategies." The N C S E R and C E C logos are in the top right corner. A red circle with white text, "Free for all" is to the right. Along the bottom, "Tuesday, December 2, 3 P M E T."
November 17, 2025 at 2:30 PM
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Don't miss your last chance to save on #CEC2026! Early bird rates end on November 14. Get the best rates on the can't-miss event for educators and professionals dedicated to supporting students with exceptionalities!

Register today: https://cecconvention.org/
Blue and white graphic with an image of an alarm clock going off. The CEC 2026 logo is present. The text reads, "Last Chance for Early Bird Rates; Early Bird Rates End Nov. 14"
November 12, 2025 at 2:01 PM
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This Veterans Day, we honor and thank all the brave men and women who have served our country. Thank you for your service and courage.
Dark blue background with an image of an American flag with the text, "Veterans Day; Honoring all who served"
November 11, 2025 at 5:02 PM
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Join CEC and CIDDL for our first AI Strategy Summit. From foundational AI concepts to hands-on tools and responsible implementation, you’ll gain practical insights you can apply right away.

#product_tab_registrationistration" class="hover:underline text-blue-600 dark:text-sky-400 no-card-link" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-link="bsky">https://learn.exceptionalchildren.org/artificial-intelligence-ai-strategy-summit#product_tab_registration
Graphic showing a young student on a laptop. The text reads, "Strategy Summit: Artificial Intelligence; Join education innovators at CEC’s AI Strategy Summit to explore how artificial intelligence can empower educators, advance accessibility, and transform learning for every student. Join Us January 28, 2026 from 11:00 AM - 4:45 PM"
November 7, 2025 at 3:17 PM
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Join CEC and CIDDL for this exciting series, offering bite-sized professional development sessions on the topic on everyone's mind: artificial intelligence!

Learn more and register today: #product_tab_registrationistration" class="hover:underline text-blue-600 dark:text-sky-400 no-card-link" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-link="bsky">https://learn.exceptionalchildren.org/quick-takes-artificial-intelligence#product_tab_registration
Image of a human hand and robot hand touching between a screen with a light at the point of contact. The text reads, "Quick Takes: Artificial Intelligence: Designed for busy educators, these bite-sized sessions make it easy to stay ahead of the curve and use AI to support every learner’s success. Register Now - Series Begins November 20"
November 6, 2025 at 7:15 PM
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TODAY: Join CEC and DLL for an exciting webinar on creating meaningful connections and enhancing your family engagement skills. Don’t miss this chance to empower families in helping their students succeed and thrive.

Register now: learn.exceptionalchildren.org/products/cec...
Image of a teacher high-fiving a seated student. The text reads, "CEC & DLL Series Family Engagement Webinar Series; Nov 6, 6:00-7:30 PM; Making Meaningful Connections: Facilitating School-wide and Community-based Family Engagement with Culturally Diverse Families"
November 6, 2025 at 2:36 PM
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TODAY: Join parents, educators, and advocates for a virtual Town Hall to stand up for the 8+ million children with disabilities whose rights are at risk. Learn about the latest threats to IDEA and how you can take action. Together, we stand up for special education!

us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Graphic with an image of a teacher leaning over a group of huddled students. The text reads, "Protect IDEA: A Town Hall to Protect Children with Disabilities; Tuesday, November 4, 4:00 PM ET; Co-Hosts: The Center for Learner Equity, The Arc, National Down Syndrome Conress; National Center for Learning Disabilities; Council for Exceptional Children, COPAA"
November 4, 2025 at 3:02 PM
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Join parents, educators, and advocates for a virtual Town Hall on Tuesday, Nov. 4, at 4 PM ET to stand up for the 8+ million children with disabilities whose rights are at risk. Learn about the latest threats to IDEA and how you can take action.
us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Image of a teacher with seated students. The text reads, "Protect IDEA: A Town Hall to Protect Children with Disabilities; We invite you to join a grassroots virtual Town Hall for parents, teachers, and advocates for children with disabilities; Tuesday, November 4, 2025, Starts at 4:00 PM ET; Co-Hosts: The Center for Learner Equity, The Arc, National Down Syndrome Conress; National Center for Learning Disabilities; Council for Exceptional Children, COPAA"
October 31, 2025 at 2:14 PM
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📢 Calling all general educators! 🧑‍🏫
#CEC2026 isn’t just for special educators—it’s for you too. Discover new strategies to strengthen collaboration, support IEPs and 504 plans, and build inclusive classrooms where every student thrives.

Read more: cecconvention.org/blog/general...
Dark blue and off-white background with an image of two CEC2025 attendees talking while sitting in a general session. The text reads, "New Blog: General Educators Belong at CEC's Convention; By attending a conference focused on special education, general educators gain valuable insights, tools, and strategies that benefit all students and strengthen overall teaching practice."
October 29, 2025 at 1:59 PM
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We are nearly halfway to our matching challenge goal! Donate now to double your gift and help protect children and youth with disabilities. #4specialeducation

exceptionalchildren.donorsupport.co/page/GivingD...
October 28, 2025 at 6:25 PM
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It’s CEC Giving Day! Every gift today in support of special education is matched—doubling your impact on eight million children and youth with disabilities.

Give now: exceptionalchildren.donorsupport.co/page/GivingD...

#4SpecialEducation
Red graphic with a smiling boy giving the peace sign wearing a white t-shirt with CEC's logo. The text reads, "CEC Giving Day; Double your impact."
October 28, 2025 at 1:44 PM
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The removal of federal leadership in special education puts eight million children and youth with disabilities at risk. Join us tomorrow to help protect their services. All donations will be matched! #4SpecialEducation 

Learn more: https://exceptionalchildren.donorsupport.co/page/GivingDay2025
Graphic with red background and a smiling child giving a peace sign in a white t-shirt showing CEC's logo. The text reads, "Tomorrow: CEC Giving Day; October 28, 2025"
October 27, 2025 at 10:00 PM
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Join us this Thursday to learn strategies for building trust and maintaining consistent, culturally responsive communication with diverse families by registering for the second webinar in our family engagement series.

https://exceptionalchildren.org/events/dll-family-engagement-webinar-series 
Graphic showing a teacher holding a clipboard speaking with a seated family. The text reads, "CEC & DLL Series" Family Engagement Webinar Series; Developing Relationship-Rich Partnerships with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Families to Improve Students’ Long-Term Life Outcomes; Oct 30, 6:00-7:30 PM"
October 27, 2025 at 3:24 PM
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Save the date! On October 28, your gift to CEC will be matched dollar-for-dollar to support eight million children and youth with disabilities. #4SpecialEducation

https://exceptionalchildren.donorsupport.co/page/GivingDay2025
Red background with an image of a young boy giving a peace sign in a white shirt with CEC's logo. There is a banner that reads, "Save the Date" with the text, "CEC Giving Day; October 28, 2025"
October 23, 2025 at 10:00 PM