SPED 6906 - Understanding and Addressing the Characteristics and Behaviors of Learners with Exceptional Needs
Fall 2026 Syllabus, Section A01, CRN 41679,
Credit hours: 3
Course Meeting Times
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Instructor
Courtney Cruz
Email: clcruz@ysu.edu
Course Description
6906. Understanding and Addressing the Characteristics and Behaviors of Learners with Exceptional Needs. This course is designed to provide the candidate with the knowledge and understanding of how individuals with exceptionalities grow and develop in an inclusive learning environment. Candidates will understand how multiple influences, including diversity, families, communities and individual differences shape an individual with an exceptionality’s development and learning. The candidate will then use this knowledge to develop high-quality learning experiences based on strengths and needs. 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). Pearson.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10/19 | CH 7 Exceptional Lives Text by Turnbull et al. Additional readings provided in BB |
Specific Learning Disabilities | Discussion Board (DB) 1st post by Thursday Professional Instructional Response Quiz: Chapter 7 |
| 10/26 | CH 9 Exceptional Lives Text by Turnbull et al. Additional readings provided in BB |
Emotional/Behavioral Disorders | DB 1st post by Thursday Functional Behavior Analysis & Proactive Support Plan Quiz: Chapter 9 |
| 11/2 | CH 12 Exceptional Lives Text by Turnbull et al.Autism Spectrum Disorder Additional readings provided in BB |
Autism Spectrum Disorder | DB 1st post by Thursday Professional Instructional Presentation Quiz: Chapter 12 |
| 11/9 | CH 11 Exceptional Lives Text by Turnbull et al. Additional readings provided in BB |
Intellectual Disabilities | Instructional Adaptation Plan for a Learner with ID Quiz: Chapter 11 |
| 11/16 | CH 8 & 13 Exceptional Lives Text by Turnbull et al. Additional readings provided in BB |
Speech/Language, Traumatic Brain Injury, and MD | Work on Critical Task – Case Study Quiz: Chapter 8 & 13 |
| 11/23 | CH 14 Exceptional Lives Text by Turnbull et al. Additional readings provided in BB |
Other Health Impairment and Physical Disabilities | Canva slide contribution Critical Task: Case Study Quiz: Chapter 14 |
| 11/30 | CH 15 & 16 Exceptional Lives Text by Turnbull et al. Additional readings provided in BB |
Visual Impairment, Hearing Impairment | Final Scholarly Reflection Quiz: Chapter 15 & 16 & final review |
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.