Session 1: How are Assessments Universally Designed?
One of the earliest ways Universal Design was applied in education was through the creation of universally-designed state assessments. During this session, participants will learn how the dozens of available accessibility supports and variety of item types on assessments provide multiple means for student engagement, perception, and action & expression. Understanding how assessments are universally designed can inform the design of learning experiences that are equally, if not more, accessible.
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Session 2: Access for All in the Classroom
Smarter Balanced offers three tiers of accessibility resources on its interim and summative assessments: universal tools, designated supports, and accommodations. These supports continue to increase in number and availability. During this webinar, participants will learn to access accessibility strategies in Tools for Teachers to understand the connection between accessibility on assessments and accessibility during instruction. A portion of the webinar will focus on new accessibility supports and strategies for English Learners.
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Session 3: Beyond Multiple Choice: Fostering Expert Learning
The goal of Universal Design for Learning is to develop students who demonstrate expert learning; that is, they are purposeful and motivated, resourceful and knowledgeable, and strategic and goal-directed. Today, students aren’t just completing multiple choice questions; rather, they must weigh decisions when given multiple choices. This webinar wraps up the accessibility series and explores how offering options during instruction can support student agency and prepare them for increasingly complex and rigorous challenges in the classroom and during assessment.
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