Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

 Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

Universal Design for Learning (UDL)is a set of principles that provides teachers with a structure to develop instruction to meet the diverse needs of all learners. A research-based framework, UDL suggests that each student learns in a unique manner so a one-size-fits-all approach is not effective. By creating options for how instruction is presented, how students express their ideas, and how teachers can engage students in their learning, instruction can be customized and adjusted to meet individual student needs.

To support all students including students with disabilities to successfully engage with the Common Core, educators can apply the UDL framework to Common Core-aligned tasks. To access Common-Core aligned tasks with UDL supports, click here.

Resources to Support Universal Design for Learning

Here are some resources to help you gain a better understanding of UDL and how to implement its principles by creating instructional goals, methods, materials, and assessments that reduce barriers and provide accessibility and opportunities for all students:

Resources to Take ActionDetails on Resources
Homepage for CastLearn more about the basic concepts of UDL; UDL in public policy; implementation of UDL with video applications; and the research UDL is based on.
UDL Guidelines: Version 2.0A complete narrative describing the context within which CAST developed the UDL Guidelines including explanations and examples of each principle and checkpoint presented in multiple versions and various formats.
UDL at a GlanceA short YouTube video created by CAST which illustrates the three principles of Universal Design for Learning.
Free Technology Toolkit for UDL in all ClassroomsThis toolkit provides a wealth of resources for teachers interested in implementing UDL into their classrooms including: literacy tools, graphic organizers, math tools, study skills tools, and more.
Cast UDL Curriculum Self-CheckUse this site to help you apply UDL principles in your teaching to reach and engage all of your students, as well as ideas on how to build options and flexibility into each element of your curriculum. The goal of UDL is to enable all students to gain knowledge, skills, and enthusiasm for learning.
Questions to Guide our Thinking When Creating Universally-Designed CurriculumEducators are provided with guiding questions around which concepts and skills to consider when developing curriculum, as well as which options will provide the greatest accessibility for student success.
Questions to Ask When Planning a Lesson Using UDL PrinciplesEducators are provided with sample questions to guide their lesson planning around Checkpoints 1.1 through 9.3.