WKU News

Bowling Green, KY, October 2, 2024 – The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) is proud to announce the release of its revised Initial Practice-Based Professional Preparation Standards for Gifted Educators, a revision of the 2013 Initial Teacher Preparation Standards in Gifted and Talented Education. These standards were created by contributions by workgroup members Susan K. Johnsen and Julia L. Roberts (Co-Chairs), Cheryll Adams, Elissa Brown, Susan Corwith, Alicia Cotabish, Debbie Dailey, Claire Hughes, Jean Lee, Kristie Speirs Neumeister, Bruce Riegel, and Javetta Jones Roberson.

Created in collaboration with CEC’s Special Interest Division, The Association for the Gifted (TAG), and the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC), these comprehensive standards are designed to enhance the preparation and ongoing professional development of educators who work with students demonstrating gifts and talents.

 “Updating standards for teacher preparation in gifted education was such an important endeavor, one for which I was delighted to have a leadership role. Updating the 2013 Standards to 2025 is a major contribution to the field of gifted education and talent development,” said Co-Chair, Julia L. Roberts.

The CEC’s revised standards focus on equipping gifted educators with the skills and knowledge necessary to address the unique needs of gifted learners. The standards are anchored in evidence-based practices and reflect the latest research in the field of gifted education. They offer a structured framework for the development of educators who are committed to fostering the cognitive, social, and emotional growth of gifted students, including those from traditionally underserved and underrepresented populations.

The CEC’s Initial Practice-Based Professional Preparation Standards for Gifted Educators are now available for implementation by educational institutions, school districts, and professional development programs across the nation.

For more information about the standards or to access the full document, please visit https://exceptionalchildren.org/ or contact Brad Duncan (bduncan@exceptionalchildren.org).

More About The Council for Exceptional Children
The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) is the largest international professional organization dedicated to high-quality education that is inclusive and equitable for individuals with disabilities and/or gifts and talents. Learn more about CEC at https://exceptionalchildren.org/.

More About The Center for Gifted Studies
Located on the Western Kentucky University campus in Bowling Green, Kentucky, The Center for Gifted Studies has been serving children who are gifted and talented, their educators, and their parents for over 40 years. The Center provides exciting educational opportunities for gifted young people, rigorous professional development for teachers, and support for parents of gifted young people. Under the direction of Dr. Julia Roberts, The Center has become one of the preeminent advocates for gifted education in the United States.

For more information or any questions, contact Julia Roberts at (270) 745-6323 or julia.roberts@wku.edu.