Advocates Seek Support for Gifted Education Program
Advocates for students who are gifted, including CEC and TAG members, are working to restore financial and other support for the 24-year-old Jacob K. Javits Gifted and Talented Students Education Program, which addresses the underrepresentation of students who have disabilities, students who are from low income and minority backgrounds in gifted programs.

U.S. Secretary of Education Calls CEC Member to Say "Thanks!"
Benjamin White, a senior at East Michigan University and a student member of CEC, received a phone call May 10 from U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. White was one of just four teachers that Secretary Duncan selected to call personally during Teacher Appreciation Week and express his appreciation for their dedication and work.

Program Chairperson for 2014 and 2015 CEC Convention and Expo Sought
The Council for Exceptional Children is seeking applications for a Program Chairperson for the 2014 (Philadelphia) and 2015 (San Diego) CEC Convention and Expo. The Convention Program Chairperson plays a pivotal leadership role in the success of CEC’s annual convention, the largest and most comprehensive professional development event in the field of special education. Apply today!

CEC Seeks Input From Members on Teacher Evaluation
CEC is currently putting together a position on Teacher Evaluation, and we want to hear from our members! Please read this background document and then respond to our survey.

TED Accepting Applications for Editor of Teacher Education and Special Education
The Teacher Education Division (TED) of CEC invites applications and nominations for the editorship of Teacher Education and Special Education (TESE). TESE is a peer-reviewed publication, whose purposes are to support the goals of TED and to stimulate thoughtful consideration of the critical issues shaping the future of teacher education. Apply by June 1.

Reality 101: Maurice Sendak—An Obituary in Book Recommendations
Jessica reflects on the death of the children’s book author Maurice Sendak and how she incorporates her favorite Sendak book’s into her classroom.

Tool of the Week: Adult Outcomes: Incorporating the Transition Plan into the Student IEP
Students with disabilities need opportunities to gain employability skills, learn about career opportunities, and participate in career and technical training. This week’s tool helps guide the process and gives examples of how best to build desired adult outcomes into the IEP. Subscribe to Tool of the Week.

Standards Open the Door for Best Practices from Special Education
Teachers across the United States are adapting  to the Common Core State Standards. For students with disabilities, the standards could eliminate some of the time they lose moving between schools and states, said CEC’s Lindsay Jones. Read more in Education Week.

ED Answers Questions During CEC Twitter Town Hall
During CEC’s Annual Convention, CEC members and Twitter followers from across the country came together to participate in a Twitter Town Hall with U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services Alexa Posny. If you were unable to participate in the Town Hall, you can read an archive of the conversation online.

CEC Policy and Advocacy Team is on Twitter!
Follow CEC’s Policy and Advocacy Team as they tweet news and developments that affect your work in real time. Stay on top of the policy discussions taking place in the halls of Congress, at the U.S. Department of Education and with CEC members @CECAdvocacy.

CEC Seeks New Assistant Executive Director for Professional Development Services
The Assistant Executive Director for Professional Development Services, under the general direction of the Executive Director, is responsible for the leadership, direction and day-to-day management of all professional development service matters for the Council for Exceptional Children. View the full job description and requirements.

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