UDLMeeting the Needs of all

Learners

LARGE TYPE

"Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a framework for designing curricula

that enable all individuals to gain knowledge, skills, and enthusiasm for learning. UDL provides rich supports for learning and reduces barriers to

the curriculum while maintaining high achievement standards for all."

from the Center for Applied Special

Technology - http://www.cast.org

Recent research in neuroscience shows that each brain processes information differently. The way we learn is as individual as DNA or fingerprints. In its research, CAST has identified three primary brain networks and the roles they play in learning.

CAST (Center for Applied Special Technology)

founded in 1984

A universally-designed curriculum offers the following:

• Multiple means of representation to give learners various ways of acquiring information and knowledge

• Multiple means of action and expression to provide learners alternatives for demonstrating what they know, and

• Multiple means of engagement to tap into learners' interests, challenge them appropriately, and motivate them to learn

Universal Design for LearningCritical Elements

• Clear Goals – Goals are communicated in ways that

are accessible to all students

UDL Critical Elements Cont..

• Inclusive, Intentional Planning– Proactive planning addresses diverse student

needs based on the teacher’s knowledge of their student

• Flexible methods and materials– Variety of media and methods

• Timely Progress Monitoring– Formative assessments are frequent & timely

Two approaches

– Retrofitting (realizing that a process is not working so decide instead to remodel and find a solution after the fact in order to fit the student into the existing program)

– Universal Design for Learning (this approach creates and designs products and environments so that they can be used without modifications)

Differentiating Instruction Collaborative Planning and Teaching for UDL: Thousand/Villa/Nevin

UDL Resources

• http://udlselfcheck.cast.org/resources.php resources for the core curricular areas

http://pages.suddenlink.net/drshankweb/index_files/Page1318.htm

Lots of UDL resources and links

http://www.paec.org/fdlrstech/udl.html Tools from the Florida Dept of Ed

http://bookmarks.oaisd.org/tags.php/literacy+universal%20design%20for%20learning

Tools and links from Ottawa Area ISD Great literacy tools

http://thinkfinity.comFree lesson plans and educational resources

REMC Resources

• Discovery Streaming (close captioning)

• Editorial Cartoons and Printable Maps in SIRS Discoverer

• Classroom Performance Systems

• GPS Systems

• Encyclopedia Britannica

Interactives and lessons

Supports for the classroom

• Read aloud-computer or screen reader• Braille printer• Spoken or written translation• Mapping software

– Inspiration/kidspiration – http://bubbl.us (free)

• Free Online Graph paper– http://incompetech.com/graphpaper/

• Premiere Accessibility Suite– http://www.readingmadeez.com/

Next Steps for Today

• Break

• Session 3 – Jim Wenzloff