Firm goals, flexible means. We need to have clear and specific goals. Katie Novak explains what this means in this video.
Basically, there are two different types of standards (learning goals/outcomes). Content standards asks learners to demonstrate their knowledge whereas methods standards asks learners to demonstrate a skill, or show they know how to do something. These can be classified by looking at some descriptor words within the standard.
So, why are we talking about this? Well, essentially when you think about what the expectations look like for each type of standard, you may see one being easier to provide multiple means of representation and action and expressions than the other. While each standard is different in terms of the approach, you can equally employ UDL guidelines to each.
Examples of Standards
In her book, Unlearning, Novak describes the importance of 'detangling' the learning goals. To make sure the intended goals of a lesson, unit or course is designed universally, one must really analyze the different parts of the goals to get at the essence of the learning. Does this goal require students to learn a new skill, understand content, or speak to a behaviour? Untangling the parts of the goals and focusing on each part helps us to plan how we will scaffold and support each part and it makes it more clear to students what success of this looks like.