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Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
Universal Design for Learning is a set of principles for curriculum development that give all individuals equal opportunities to learn.
The use of strong evidence-based instructional practices in English language arts (ELA) and math can help all students meet the rigorous academic content standards mapped out in the Common Core Standards. Combining these practices with appropriate technologies and accommodations can improve access for your students with disabilities to ensure that they meet the high expectations set by the standards.
UDL provides a blueprint for identifying learning goals, evidence-based practices, technology tools, and assessments to meet the needs of all students. It offers flexible approaches you can adjust to meet each student’s needs. It also uses a range of technology tools to reduce barriers to skill development and to improve learning, while maintaining high achievement standards for all students. Explore the information, resources, and examples to translate UDL principles into action.
Use the Lesson Plan Builder to translate what you learn about Universal Design for Learning into practice.
What are the UDL Guidelines?
The UDL Principles provide a framework for designing learning environments that address the variability of learners in today’s classrooms. The principles offer options for achieving clear learning goals, valid and flexible assessments and appropriate materials and methods. The three principles align to what we know from the current research in the neurosciences:
- Provide multiple means of engagement
- Provide multiple means of representation
- Provide multiple means of action and expression
The principles include guidelines and checkpoints to guide in the design of flexible and robust learning environments. Read more about the UDL Principles and UDL Guidelines.
What is meant by UDL and Expert Learners?
UDL supports the development of “expert learners.” Expert learners are motivated to learn, understand what they need to learn, and know how to learn. They are resourceful and knowledgeable, strategic and goal-directed, and purposeful in their pursuit of knowledge. Read more about expert learners.
UDL at a Glance: A short YouTube video created by CAST illustrates the three principles of Universal Design for Learning.
Introduction to UDL: CAST co-founder David Rose tells the story of how the concept Universal Design for Learning came into fruition.
Find more resources in our PowerUp Resources & Research Database.
- A Parent Guide to Universal Design for Learning Resource Type: Info Brief/Article Category: Universal Design for Learning This Parent Advocacy Brief offers parents the basics about the UDL approach, as well as helpful tips for talking with their schools about it.
- Bringing Lessons to Life with Animoto Resource Type: Info Brief/Article Category: Writing Strategy Guide for using Animoto, which can be used by students to illustrate their writings, create videos of digital photos, and present research. Educator tips and lesson ideas are presented. Grades 5-12.
- Bringing Lessons to Life with Animoto Resource Type: Info Brief/Article Category: Writing Strategy Guide for using Animoto in the classroom, which can be used by students to illustrate their writings, creating videos of digital photos, and presenting research. Educator tips and lesson ideas are presented. Grades 5-12.
- Common Core Standards: What special educators need to know Resource Type: Info Brief/Article Category: Universal Design for Learning Describes Common Core State Standards, including their impact for special educators, and assessments.
- Education Week: 'Embodied Learning' Blends Movement, Computer Interaction Resource Type: Info Brief/Article Category: Universal Design for Learning Students who are able to engage in learning by being physically involved take more interest in classroom time. SMALLabs use a camera, projector, computer, and wand in an open classroom for students to interact educational games and lab-like settings for science and math.
- Education Week: Studies Find Payoff in 'Personalizing' Algebra Resource Type: Info Brief/Article Category: Universal Design for Learning Research is showing that when students are able to have math problems personalized to their learning style when learning a new or hard-to-grasp math concept, learning is enhanced and continues even after methods are no longer applied. Various softwares can be used in personalizing math problems for students.
- How to Plan Instruction Using the Video Game Model Resource Type: Info Brief/Article Category: Universal Design for Learning This article discusses how learning modeled on the best aspects of gaming can help teachers differentiate instruction and address the needs of all students.
- Learning a Second Language with Multimedia Materials Resource Type: Info Brief/Article Category: Universal Design for Learning According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the number of students in the U.S. who live in homes where the first language is not English has doubled over the last 20 years. This article outlines the structural and cognitive approaches to support students’ acquisition of a second language.
- Learning Math Resource Type: Info Brief/Article Category: Universal Design for Learning Even in math, printed text is the primary method for gaining instructional information in many classrooms. This article provides an introduction to designing instruction to help students (including those who are using already using Accessible Instructional Materials) read for math learning.
- Making the Written Word Easier for Readers with Print Disabilities Resource Type: Info Brief/Article Category: Universal Design for Learning Using technology-aided instruction is one way to help children with reading difficulties. This article describes how the National Instructional Materials Accessibility Standard (NIMAS) helps qualifying students with disabilities receive textbooks and other important materials in an accessible format at the same time as their fellow students.
- Not all Digital Textbooks are Created Equal Resource Type: Info Brief/Article Category: Universal Design for Learning One of the UDL Guideline principles is to provide educational content in multiple and flexible formats to help ensure that every learner has basic access to the information they’re expected to learn. Traditional print-based curricular materials aren’t able to provide such flexibility due to the nature of the print format, which means individuals with learning, print, and physical disabilities, English language learners, and others who may struggle to use print must attempt to locate alternate formats.
- Perspectives on UDL and Assessment: An Interview with Robert Mislevy Resource Type: Info Brief/Article Category: Universal Design for Learning Dr. Robert Mislevy, a leading expert in educational assessment, technology, and cognitive science, shares his insights on the integration of UDL and assessment. Dr. Mislevy points out that a principled application of UDL can increase the value and validity of large scale assessment for a greater number of students.
- Scaffolding English Language Learners and Struggling Readers in a Universal Literacy Environment with Embedded Strategy Instruction and Vocabulary Support Resource Type: Info Brief/Article Category: Universal Design for Learning Today teachers are charged with including all students in literacy instruction, even those who have previously struggled in traditional school environments. One group that has struggled in the past is English Language Learners (ELLs). In this article, researchers discuss a four-week study that used supported digital text to assist ELLs with reading comprehension. They found that embedding features did help promote learners’ use of comprehension strategies.
- Speak to Me: Teaching with Voki Resource Type: Info Brief/Article Category: Writing Strategy Guide for Educators who use a digital program called Voki. By creating avatars students can become more engaged in classroom activities; e.g., creating an avatar of a book character or using an avatar to read their poems aloud. Grades 6-12.
- Teaching with Zooming Slideshows through Prezi Resource Type: Info Brief/Article Category: Writing Strategy Guide for using Prezi which helps students develop critical thinking skills. Studetns can use Prezi to collaborate on group projects, share research, present illustrated short stories, and create autobiographies. Gradies 6-12.
- UDL Guidelines - Version 2.0: Research Evidence Resource Type: Info Brief/Article Category: Universal Design for Learning UDL Guidelines are based on research from several very different fields, and from many different researchers at many different universities and research organizations. In this article, CAST lays out how that research has been reviewed, compiled, and organized by its educators and researchers over a ten-year period.
- Using Multimedia Materials to Engage and Challenge Learners Resource Type: Info Brief/Article Category: Universal Design for Learning Learn how the benefits of multimedia technologies can engage, motivate, and instruct all students, especially those with disabilities. Based on CITEd’s suite of Research in Brief articles, this webinar provides a research-based framework to guide your practice, and introduces you to a wealth of free, online, content-rich multimedia resources to enhance your instruction and differentiation efforts.
- CAST UDL Online Modules Resource Type: Presentation/Webinar Category: Universal Design for Learning These two online modules introduce the theory, principles, and application of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to teacher candidates and in-service teachers. They provide higher education faculty with a multimedia, interactive, online-learning environment that can be embedded in instructional methods courses.
- Recorded Webinars Resource Type: Presentation/Webinar Category: Writing A list popular webinar links from Thinkfinity and Thinkfinity partners. Webinars provide guidance on using digital media in your classroom, including teaching with resources from National Geographic, the Smithsonian, and other online resources.
- Universal Design for Learning and Teacher Preparation Resource Type: Presentation/Webinar Category: Universal Design for Learning What teachers need to know and be able to do to implement UDL in their classrooms, and what this means for system change.
- Universal Design for Learning Online Training Module Resource Type: Presentation/Webinar Category: Universal Design for Learning This module helps users learn about the principles of Universal Design for Learning, identify the benefits of Universal Design for Learning (both for you and your students), understand the rationale of implementing Universal Design for Learning, explore alternatives in conducting your classes, learn how to implement Universal Design for Learning in your classes.
- Universal Design for Learning: A Framework for Access and Equity Resource Type: Presentation/Webinar Category: Universal Design for Learning This presentation presents UDL as a vehicle for equity and access.
- CAST Learning Tools Resource Type: Toolkit Category: Universal Design for Learning These tools developed by CAST include a UDL Curriculum Self-Check, UDL Lesson Builder, and Strategy Tutor.
- UDL Guideline 2: Provide options for language, mathematical expressions, and symbols Resource Type: Toolkit Category: Universal Design for Learning Information, examples, and resources that support teaching of key math terms, symbols, syntax, and notations. UDL Guideline 2 offers a variety of strategies to help students think more carefully about their ideas and the ideas of their peers.
- UDL Guidelines -- Checkpoint 6.2 Support planning and strategy development Resource Type: Toolkit Category: Universal Design for Learning An important skill for students in any content area, and especially in math, is the ability to think aloud and demonstrate how they arrived at an answer. UDL Checkpoint 6.2's examples, resources, and research help teachers support students in thinking aloud and developing plans, including the tools they will use, for solving math problems.
- UDL Guidelines -- Checkpoint 6.3 Facilitate managing information and resources Resource Type: Toolkit Category: Universal Design for Learning Creating an organized list, table, chart, or other graphic organizer is an important problem-solving strategy. UDL Checkpoint 6.3 offers resources, examples, and research on a variety of internal scaffolds and external organizational aids to help students organize information.
- UDL Guidelines -- Checkpoint 7.1 Optimize individual choice and autonomy Resource Type: Toolkit Category: Universal Design for Learning Offering students choices can develop their self-determination and make them proud of their accomplishments. It also increases the degree to which they feel connected to their learning. UDL Checkpoint 7.1 provides resources and supporting research on fostering choice in the classroom.
- UDL Guidelines -- Guideline 3: Provide options for comprehension Resource Type: Toolkit Category: Universal Design for Learning Constructing knowledge from information is an active process that requires teachers to provide scaffolds to ensure all learners have access to knowledge. UDL Guideline 3 provides information, resources, examples, and supporting research on how to help students learn to transform accessible information into usable knowledge.
- Games, Learning and Society with Constance Squire, White House Senior Policy Analyst - Aspen Ideas Festival 2012 Resource Type: Video Category: Universal Design for Learning Video of Constance Squire and John Seely Brown discussing how gaming actually develops team building and problem solving skills. They claim that motivating virtual games, when combined with educational lessons, will yeild a positive result for students and teachers alike.
- Learn About Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Resource Type: Video Category: Universal Design for Learning This video describes the roots of Universal Design.
- Temple Grandin: The World Needs All Kinds of Minds Resource Type: Video Category: Universal Design for Learning Watch Temple Grandin talk about autism, thinking in pictures, and diverse learners.
- Todd Rose: Variability Matters Resource Type: Video Category: Universal Design for Learning This video shows Todd Rose, from CAST, at the Cyberlearning Research Summit on January 18, 2012 discussing UDL and diverse learners.
- UDL at a Glance Resource Type: Video Category: Universal Design for Learning A short YouTube video created by CAST illustrates the three principles of Universal Design for Learning.
- Professional Development Resources Resource Type: Website Category: Universal Design for Learning Explore a variety of resources, compiled by CAST, that support understanding and implementation of Universal Design for Learning. Also, download professional development slides and activities that are useful in teaching others about UDL.
- Games, Learning and Society with Constance Squire, White House Senior Policy Analyst - Aspen Ideas Festival 2012 Resource Type: Video Category: Universal Design for Learning Video of Constance Squire and John Seely Brown discussing how gaming- a modern controversy- actually develops team building and problem solving skills. Virtual games that grab a student's interest, when combined with educational lessons, will yield a positive result for students and teachers alike.
- Speak to Me: Teaching with Voki Resource Type: Info Brief/Article Category: Writing Strategy Guide for Educators who can use a digital program called Voki for students to create avatars to get them more engaged in classroom activities. For instance, students can create an avatar of a book character they are learning about in class, or they can use an avatar to read their poems aloud. Grades 6-12.
- Teaching with Zooming Slideshows through Prezi Resource Type: Info Brief/Article Category: Writing Strategy Guide for using Prezi in the classroom, which helps to develop critical thinking by allowing students to think outside the classroom. Prezi can be used by students for collaborating on group projects, sharing research, presenting illustrated short stories, and creating autobiographies. Grades 6-12.
- Education Week: 'Embodied Learning' Blends Movement, Computer Interaction Resource Type: Info Brief/Article Category: Universal Design for Learning Students who are able to engage in learning by being physically involved take more interest in classroom time. SMALLabs are discussed, which use a camera, projector, computer, and wand in an open classroom for students to interact educational games and lab-like settings for science and math.
Find more resources in our PowerUp Resources & Research Database.
- Applying Principles of Universal Design to Test Delivery: The Effect of Computer-based Read-aloud on Test Performance of High School Students with Learning Disabilities Resource Type: Research Category: Universal Design for Learning Standards-based reform efforts are highly dependent on accurate assessment of all students, including those with disabilities. The accuracy of current large-scale assessments is undermined by construct-irrelevant factors including access barriers, a particular problem for students with disabilities. Testing accommodations such as the read-aloud have led to improvement, but research findings suggest the need for a more flexible, individualized approach to accommodations. The current pilot study applies principles of Universal Design for Learning to the creation of a prototype computer-based test delivery tool that provides students with a flexible, customizable testing environment with the option for read-aloud of test content.
- Abell, M., (2006). Individualizing learning using intelligent technology and universally designed curriculum Resource Type: Research Category: Universal Design for Learning The American education system and its rigorous accountability and performance standards continually force educators to explore new ways to increase student achievement. The improvement in computer technology and intelligent computing systems may offer new tools for student learning and higher academic achievement. These systems have the potential to meet individual student learning needs using universally designed curricula and assessments. The purpose of this paper is to present a conceptual framework that harnesses the potential of intelligent learning systems, machine learning models, and universal design for learning principles to help formulate next generation instructional materials. Journal of Technology, Learning, and Assessment, 5(3).
- Mike Bock, (2012). Education Week: 'Embodied Learning' Blends Movement, Computer Interaction Resource Type: Research Category: Universal Design for Learning Students who are able to engage in learning by being physically involved take more interest in classroom time. SMALLabs are discussed, which use a camera, projector, computer, and wand in an open classroom for students to interact educational games and lab-like settings for science and math.
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