SPED 6917 A01: Effective Instruction

SPED 6917 - Effective Instruction for Learners with Exceptional Needs

Fall 2026 Syllabus, Section A01, CRN 41928,

Credit hours: 3

Course Meeting Times

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Instructor

Courtney Cruz

Email: clcruz@ysu.edu

Public Instructor Information

Instructor Title: Dr. Courtney Cruz 
Instructor Professional Qualifications:

Ph.D., Special Education, Kent State University, 2026
Master’s, Early Childhood Education, Youngstown State University, 2014
Bachelor’s, Early Childhood Education, Mount Vernon Nazarene University, 2004

Instructor Office Location:

Beeghly Hall # 2419

Department of Teacher Education

Beeghly College of Liberal Arts, Social Sciences, and Education (BCLASSE)

Youngstown State University

Instructor Office Phone: 330-941-3223

Private Instructor Information

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Course Description

6917. Effective Instruction for Learners with Exceptional Needs. This course is designed to provide the candidate with the knowledge about individuals with an exceptionality development and assessment data to inform decisions about effective instruction. Candidates will understand how to use explicit and systematic instructional strategies including active student engagement and motivation, differentiated instruction, flexible and small groups, specialized individualized instruction, self -regulated learning and meta-cognition strategies. The candidate will then use this knowledge to plan and guide instruction to meet the rigorous content goals for each individual with an exceptionality’s academic and social-behavioral needs. 3 s.h.

Course Readings

Group Title Author ISBN
Required Strategies for teaching learners with special needs Polloway, E. A., Patton, J. R., Serna, L., & Bailey, J.

Text: Polloway, E. A., Patton, J. R., Serna, L., & Bailey, J. (2021). Strategies for teaching learners with special needs (12th edition). Pearson.

The course readings are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, research developments, current events, and/or to ensure better learning.  

Additional Course Materials

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Course Learning Outcomes/Objectives/Goals

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How to Succeed in This Course

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Attendance Expectations

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Late Work Submission Policy

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Additional Course Expectations

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Artificial Intelligence Policy Statement

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Assignments/Assessments

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Grading and Grading Scale

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University Policies

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Schedule of Topics and Assignments

Week of Reading(s) Proposed Topic Due/To Prepare for Class
10/19 Read CH 1 & 2 introduction about teaching students with special needs Discussion Board (DB) 1st post due Thursday, 2 peer responses due by Sunday
UDL
10/26 Read CH 3 & 4 This module is about differentiated instruction and classroom management Discussion Board (DB) 1st post due Thursday, 2 peer responses due by Sunday
DI Power Point
11/2 Read CH 5, 6 & 7 This module is about Strategies for Spoken Language and Reading Discussion Board (DB) 1st post due Thursday, 2 peer responses due by Sunday
IRIS Module #1
11/9 Read CH 8 & 9 This module is about strategies for written language and mathematics Discussion Board (DB) 1st post due Thursday, 2 peer responses due by Sunday
IRIS Module #2
11/16 Read CH 10 & 11 This module is about strategies for social studies and science Discussion Board (DB) 1st post due Thursday, 2 peer responses due by Sunday
Adapted Lesson Plans
11/23 Read CH 12 & 13 This module is about strategies for study skills and social skills Discussion Board (DB) 1st post due Thursday, 2 peer responses due by Sunday
Observation/Interview Report
11/30 Read CH 14 & 15 This module is about strategies for functional academics and transition CRITICAL TASK Strategy File
Culminating Quiz

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. 

Additional Information

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