The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) is the largest international professional organization whose goal is to improve educational outcomes for individuals with exceptionalities, students with disabilities, and/or gifted. Established in 1922, CEC sets professional standards, provides professional development, assists professionals in obtaining resources for effective professional practice, advocates for historically underserved individuals with exceptionalities, and advocates for appropriate governmental policies. In 1976, CEC formed a partnership with the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) for approving teacher preparation programs and subsequently developed a systematic procedure for validating knowledge and skills standards for each of the 17 divisions within the CEC organization. Each of CEC's divisions focuses on a single facet of special education, bringing together professionals who are interested in research, exchanging ideas, ...