Which standard specifically relates to professional development for educators in special education?

• A. Standards for credentials and employment for Special education professionals
• B. NASET
• C. Pervasive development disorder
• D. CEC standards for professional development

Answer: (D)

Professional development standards focus on how teachers grow and improve their skills to better serve students with disabilities. The standard from the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) for professional development specifies what educators should know and do to engage in ongoing, evidence-based learning, collaborate with families and colleagues, use data to inform practice, and apply research-supported strategies in the classroom. This makes it the best fit for questions about standards that specifically relate to professional development in special education.

The other options don’t fit as standards for ongoing professional learning: standards about credentials and employment cover licensure requirements rather than ongoing development; NASET is an organization, not a standard; pervasive development disorder is a diagnostic category, not a professional development standard.