A Closer Look at Universal Design

for Learning (UDL)

Liz Berquist shares the basics of UDL

What is UDL?
In today’s K-12 classrooms learner diversity is the norm, rather than the exception. UDL
addresses learner diversity at the point of curriculum development (Meo, 2008). UDL
provides rich supports for learning and reduces barriers to the curriculum while
maintaining high achievement standards for all (CAST, 2008). What makes UDL unique is
that this emphasis for change is placed upon the curricula, instead of on the student, a
departure from the traditional approach of modifying, or retrofitting, curricula based on
the individual needs of students (Rose and Meyer, 2005).

Who is talking about UDL?

The state of Maryland is leading the way with UDL initiatives. HB 59/SB 467, passed in
April 2010, is the first state level bill to address UDL. The bill established a state-level UDL
task force to explore the incorporation of the UDL principles into curriculum. Several
counties have worked with the Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST) on a number
of recent UDL professional development workshops.

Are we talking about UDL in the COE?

We are! The Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 (HEOA) states that pre-service
teacher education programs should design instruction that models the UDL principles in
order to better prepare future educators for working with diverse learners. COE courses
have covered UDL for quite some time but in recent semesters, faculty members in the
instructional technology and special education departments have worked together to
carefully redesign two courses using the UDL principles. The group was inspired by the
2010 National Educational Technology Plan, which presents UDL as a way to design and
implement accessible curriculum and assessments in order to meet the needs of 21st
century learners.

How can I learn more?

On March 3 and 4th, Dr. Todd Rose, research scientist at the Center for Applied Special
Technology (CAST), and faculty member at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, will
present The new learning sciences: How variability in learning informs teaching in the 21st
century. Dr. Rose will discuss what modern neuroscience tells us about the origins of
variability in learning, and what this means for the way that we design learning
environments within the context of Universal Design for Learning. This event is open to
the greater Towson community and will begin at 6:30pm in the Lecture Hall. If you are
interested in attending this event, please register at
http://edportfolio.wikispaces.com/UDL.