What, Why, How UDL

What is UDL? (Click to learn more)

“UDL is an educational framework based on decades of neuroscience research and is endorsed by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). This framework is being adopted by teachers, schools, and districts around the globe and is considered best practice for teaching ALL students in an inclusive learning environment.” -Katie Novak

So, You Think You Know About UDL? Start with this article from ESchool News for a general overview.

UDL Infographic by Dr. Katie Novak.

This 6-minute video, from the UDL Implementation and Research Network reminds us of the science behind UDL.

The differences between UDL and Differentiated Instruction. A 2 minute video from Katie Novak.

UDL Guidelines from the CAST. UDL originated at the Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST) at Harvard.

The CAST site itself is a tremendous resource. You can check out FAQs about UDL, learn about the extensive research behind UDL, or just get lost in the Guidelines.

Here’s an 18 minute webinar that reviews key information about UDL. This is a wonderful introduction or review of UDL.

Why UDL? (Click to learn more)

Much of our current educational system embodies a one-size fits all approach, or is designed for the “average” learner. We know from research that all learners are variable, that the idea of the “average learner” is a myth. Everyone is a mix of strengths and weaknesses, and everyone learns differently. UDL calls this “learner variability.” Once we understand learner variability, UDL helps us plan for it in advance.

The End of Average - In this very enthusiastic video based on the work of Todd Rose, Shelley Moore rallies us to embrace the . Dr. Rose’s book, The End of Average, talks about the problem researchers were trying to address when they developed UDL: learner variability.

UDL and the Learning Brain - An article from CAST

“Why UDL Matters for English Language Learners”, March 2018 – Language Magazine

This video is a short explanation of learner variability from Matt Bergman, a leading teacher in UDL implementation.

Addressing the Variability of Learners in Common Core Aligned Assessments

How do we do UDL? (Click to learn more)

There is no one way to “do UDL”. In fact, many of our talented educators are ALREADY thinking in a UDL way, or using UDL-aligned strategies--maybe without even knowing it! A good piece of advice is to start small! Maybe you gradually chip away at the same barrier for months at a time. Perhaps you focus on one of the 31 UDL Checkpoints that really resonates with you. Maybe you think more broadly, and focus on a whole UDL Principle, like Engagement. How ever you tackle UDL, start with whatever feels comfortable for you!

5 Examples of what UDL looks like in the classroom. Starting small makes UDL feel approachable.

What Does UDL Look Like? This blog post from Katie Novak takes on the “million dollar question”

UDL Lesson Planner from Katie Novak. It asks us to consider our Goals, Methods, Materials and Assessments through a UDL (and UbD, for you backwards design fans) lens.

Teacher’s Guide to UDL. Another (universally designed) tool from Katie Novak.

UDL Flow Chart A “Yes” or “No” flowchart to determine if what you’re planning is UDL-aligned. Sounds a little harsh to be told “No” so directly, but the content is informative and guides us to a “Yes!”

UDL Implementation Rubric. Just reading this can give you a sense of what UDL looks like in practice. Remember, it takes time to become a UDL expert!

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