Universal Design for Learning
The goal of using Common Core Learning Standards (CCLS) is to provide the highest academic standards to all of our students. Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a set of principles that provides teachers with a structure to develop their instruction to meet the needs of a diversity of learners. UDL is research-based framework that suggests each student learns in a unique manner. A one-size-fits-all approach is not effective to meet the diverse range of learners in our schools. 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. In this manner, we can support our students to succeed in the CCLS.
Below are some resources to help you understand the three principles of UDL; providing options in representation, action/expression, and engagement. As UDL calls for multiple options, the possible list is endless. Please use this as a starting point. Think about your own group of students and assess whether these are options you can use.
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Universal Design for Learning Cover Sheet | As UDL calls for multiple options for learning, the possible list is endless. This coversheet provides a starting point to address the principles of UDL: representation; action/expression; and engagement. Think about your own group of students and assess whether these are options you can use. |
Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST). | UDL is a set of principles for curriculum development that give all individuals equal opportunities to learn, using flexible approaches that can be customized for individual needs. |
VIDEO: UDL: Principles and Practice | This suite of videos was created to give examples of what UDL looks like in a classroom. Examples range from Grade 1 to Grade 6. |
Three Brain Networks Activity from CAST | When you view an image, all three brain networks are at work. Your recognition network rapidly identifies objects and discerns the overall context. Your strategic network determines how you examine the image and what information you will gain from it. And your affective network determines how long and how carefully you look. All three networks together determine what you actually see. |
Universal Design for Learning Guidelines – Graphic Organizer (CAST) | The UDL Guidelines, an articulation of the UDL framework, can assist anyone who plans lessons/units of study or develops curricula (goals, methods, materials, and assessments) to reduce barriers, as well as optimize levels of challenge and support, to meet the needs of all learners from the start. |
UDL Guidelines – Educator Checklist Version 2 | You will find teacher-friendly examples and resources that illustrate each of the UDL checkpoints. Exploring these examples and resources not only helps to clarify what is meant by each of the checkpoints but also gives teachers ideas of ways to implement UDL in their classrooms. |
Free Technology Toolkit for UDL in All Classrooms | This wikispace site provides a free technology toolkit for UDL in all classrooms |