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Universal Design for Learning

Are you meeting the needs of all learners?

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ENTS

October 1, 2013

Are you
meeting the
needs of all
learners?

Universal Design for Learning

By: Melissa Quinn

What is UDL?
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a
set of principals provided for creating and
developing curriculum that works for all
students. All students are not designed the
same or think in the same way. UDL uses
flexible approaches that allow teachers to
adjust and customize the learning
experience for each students individual
needs.

History of UDL
UDLs roots can be found in early civil
rights and special education legislation.
This early legislation emphasized the rights
of all students to receive a free and
appropriate public education in the least
restrictive environment. In the late 1980s,
researchers at the Center for Applied
Special Technologies (CAST) formulated
the UDL framework developing what is
now called Universal Design for
Learning.

UDL Principles
Principle 1: Provide multiple means of
representation (recognition network)
Principle 2: Provide multiple means of
action and expression (strategic network)
Principle 3: Provide multiple means of
engagement (affective network)
(Ralabate, 2011)

What, How, and Why of

Learning
WHAT: Provide multiple means of
representation. (Principle 1)

Provide options for perception.

(Vision, Hearing, or Touch)
Provide options for language,
mathematical expressions and
symbols.
Provide options for
comprehension.

HOW: Provide multiple means of

action and expression. (Principle 2)

Provide options for physical

action
Provide options for expression
and communication.
Provide options for executive
functions. (Goal setting,
planning and strategy
development, managing
information, and monitoring
progress)

WHY: Provide multiple means of

engagement. (Principle 3)

Four Components of UDL

GOALS
Goals are the learning expectations and
are usually aligned with state standards.
They are represented by the knowledge,
concept, and skills students are required
to master according to the standards.

METHODS
Methods are the instructional strategies
used to support student learning. They
should to be evidence-based and based
on and understanding of the learners
involved.

MATERIALS
Materials are the way we present our
content and demonstrate learning.
Multiple options should be offered along
with embedded support.

ASSESSMENT
Assessment is the process of gathering
information about a progress toward
mastery of the material. Assessments
should accurately measure the students
knowledge, skills, and engagement.

Provide options for recruiting

interest.
Provide options for sustaining
effort and persistence.
Provide options for selfregulation.
http://www.udlcenter.org/

Lorem Ipsum Dolor

Universal Design for Learning

Spring 2016

Are you meeting the needs of all learners?

Examples

Technology Resources

How UDL can transform classrooms to be

inclusive for all students.

Resources and Tools that provide learning

options for students.

Class climate Encourage open

communication with students to discuss
disability-related accommodations or
other special learning needs.

Multiple mean of representation

Interaction Group communication that

is accessible to all participants.
Physical environments & products
Classroom, activities, materials, and
equipment are physically accessible and
usable to all students.

http://teacherweb.com/IN/MtHealtyElementary/St
ephanieCraig/REACHallofyourstudents.jpg

Delivery methods Using multiple

methods to deliver content, when possible
give students a choice of learning
options.

Video Presentations
o iMovie
o Keynote
o Haiku Deck App
o Visuwords
Graphic Organizers
o Webspiration
o Popplet
Speech-to-text software

Multiple means of action and

expression

Information resources and

technology Course materials,
notes, and other information
resources are engaging and flexible.

Feedback Feedback should be

specific and on a regular basis.
Assessment Assess students
progress regularly using multiple
methods and tools.

Vary methods for response

o Clickers
o Accessibility Options
Media for Communication
o Animoto
o Book Builder
Goal Setting/Planning
o Setting Goals with
Students
o Webspiration

Multiple means of engagement

Accommodation Plan and

accommodate for students whose
needs are not met by instructional
design.

http://fdlrs.leeschools.net/Adapted%20from%20
PDA%20Module%20Technology%20for%20St
udent%20Success.htm

Connecting with Others

Resources

Individual choices
o Book Adventure
Goals & Objectives
o Rubistar

Supporters

UDL Connect Features and

activities available to support
teachers in implementing the UDL
principles.

UDL Resource Library Offers

resources to improve the
understanding of UDL and
support implementation.

CAST - Educational research &

development organization
providing learning opportunities
for all students through UDL.

http://community.udlcenter.org/

http://www.udlcenter.org/resource
_library

http://www.cast.org/index.html

Forums/Discussions
Collaboration
Blogs
Implementation Skills
Understanding

Videos
Presentations
Articles
Links

National Center on Universal

Design for Learning
http://www.udlcenter.org/