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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.

1. Special education professionals are committed to developing the highest educational and quality of life potential of individuals with exceptionalities.
   
2. Special education professionals promote and maintain a high level of competence and integrity in practicing their profession.
   
3. Special education professionals engage in professional activities which benefit individuals with exceptionalities, their families, other colleagues, students, or research subjects.
   
4. Special education professionals exercise objective professional judgment in the practice of their profession.
   
5. Special education professionals strive to advance their knowledge and skills regarding the education of individuals with exceptionalities.
   
6. Special education professionals work within the standards and policies of their profession.
   
7. 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.
   
8. Special education professionals do not condone or participate in unethical or illegal acts, nor violate professional standards adopted by the Delegate Assembly of CEC.

   The Council for Exceptional Children. (1993). CEC Policy Manual, Section Three, part 2
   (p. 4). Reston, VA: Author.
   

Originally adopted by the Delegate Assembly of The Council for Exceptional Children in April 1983.