SPED 6900 - Issues, Trends Ethical, Legal and Professional Guidelines in Special Education
Fall 2026 Syllabus, Section A01, CRN 41676,
Credit hours: 3
Course Meeting Times
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Instructor
Courtney Cruz
Email: clcruz@ysu.edu
Course Description
6900. Issues, Trends & Ethical, Legal and Professional Guidelines in Special Education. This course is designed to provide the candidate with an exploratory study of the issues, trends, as well as the ethical, legal and professional guidelines in special education Candidates will become familiar with legal policies and procedures as well as practice ethical guidelines as related to students with exceptionalities. Candidates will understand how to advocate for improves outcomes for learners with exceptionalities and their families as well as design and implement professional learning activities to increase their own practices. 3 s.h.
Course Readings
| Group | Title | Author | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Required | Exceptional lives: Practice, progress and dignity in today’s schools. | Turnbull, A., Rutherford Turnbull, H., Wehmeyer, M., Shogren, K., and Burke, M.M. |
Turnbull, A., Rutherford Turnbull, H., Wehmeyer, M., Shogren, K., and Burke, M.M. (2024). Exceptional lives: Practice, progress and dignity in today’s schools. (10th ed).
The course readings are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, research developments, current events, and/or to ensure better learning.
Assignments/Assessments
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Schedule of Topics and Assignments
| Week of | Reading(s) | Proposed Topic | Due/To Prepare for Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8/24 | Read Chapter 1: Exceptional Lives Text by Turnbull et al. Additional readings and viewings on BB |
Federal IDEA= Foundations, Procedures & Rights | Discussion Board (DB): Class introduction Sunday, August 30 by 11:59pm Assignment: Federal Case Summary and Reflection Sunday, August 30 by 11:59pm |
| 8/31 | Read CH 1 Exceptional Lives Text by Turnbull et al. Additional readings and viewings on BB |
State Implementation of IDEA: Procedures & Responsibilities | DB: 1st post by Thursday, September 4 by 11:59pm; 2 peer posts by Sunday 11:59pm Assignment: Position Paper/State Comparison Mini Chart Due: Sunday, September 6 by 11:59pm Chapter 1 quiz |
| 9/7 | Read CH 2 Exceptional Lives Text by Turnbull et al. Additional readings and viewings on BB |
Professional Ethics & Ethical Decision-Making in SPED | DB: 1st post by Thursday, September 10 by 11:59pm; 2 peer posts by Sunday 11:59pm Assignment: No assignment due. Start critical task assignment due Week 7 Chapter 2 quiz |
| 9/14 | Read CH 3 Exceptional Lives text by Turnbull et al. Additional readings and viewings on BB |
Family Engagement, Cultural Competence, & Community Collaboration | DB: 1st post by Thursday, September 17 by 11:59pm; 2 peer posts by Sunday 11:59pm Assignment: Intervention Specialist Family Information Brochure Sunday, September 20 by 11:59pm Chapter 3 quiz |
| 9/21 | Read CH 4 Exceptional Lives text by Turnbull et al. Additional readings and viewings on BB |
Ethical Advocacy, Identification Practices, & Professional Judgment | DB: 1st post by Thursday, September 24 by 11:59pm; 2 peer posts by Sunday at 11:59pm Assignment: Continue working on your critical task due in Week 7 |
| 9/28 | Read CH 4 Exceptional Lives text by Turnbull et al. Additional readings and viewings on BB |
Advocacy for Students & IS Professional Empowerment | DB: 1st post by Thursday, October 1 by 11:59pm; 2 peer posts by Sunday at 11:59pm Assignment: Advocacy Letter or Video Sunday, October 4 by 11:59pm; Work on your critical task Chapter 4 quiz |
| 10/5 | Additional readings and viewings on BB | Professional Identity and Mentorship | Assignment: Final Synthesis Paper: Critical Task Saturday, October 10 by 11:59pm NO DB this week. |
The course schedule, policies, procedures, and assignments in this course are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, by mutual agreement, and/or to ensure better learning.