The Utah State Board of Education on Aug. 8 approved updated standards for special-education program approval that incorporate a version of the Council for Exceptional Childrens standards while adding state-specific clarifications. The action followed a lengthy public-comment period in which dozens of university faculty, practicing special educators and the Utah chapter of the Council for Exceptional Children urged the board to retain CEC-aligned standards.

Members of the public told the board the CEC standards provide a research-based framework for preparing special educators, support federal compliance (IDEA, Section 504) and enable continuity between higher education, K-12 practitioners and professional development. Dr. Mallory Poole, a special-education professor, urged the board to "reconsider the decision to reinstate the current 2020 CEC standards," arguing that removing those standards would weaken teacher preparation and increase turnover. Multiple speakers said the boards June vote had relied on older 2012 standards and lacked consultation.

In response, board members adopted a package labeled "Standards for Special Education Program Approval (Aug 2024)." The new document narrows any external reference by explicitly incorporating the 2020 CEC standards and adding an additional state component emphasizing adherence to Utah special-education rules and teacher-ethics requirements. The board also directed staff to file the new standards and to republish related rule R277-304 with language referencing the approved document.

Why it matters: Special-education teacher preparation standards define what recent graduates must know and be able to do. The boards decision affects educator-preparation programs at Utah universities and will influence accreditation, coursework and candidate assessments used statewide.

What's next: The board approved a follow-up motion to refile R277-304 for publication and delegated to staff work with higher-education partners during implementation. Several public speakers and Utah CEC representatives offered to serve as technical resources during the transition.