a visible framework for designing curriculum and instruction for all levels of learning.
Benefits:
allows all students to gain knowledge, skills, and enthusiasm for learning
provides rich supports for learning
reduces curriculum barriers
maintains high achievement standards for all learners
Universal Design for Learning is inclusive because...
identifying and accepting diverse populations and corresponding differences in need. This includes the awareness that inequities also lie in heterosexism, ableism, and racism.
acknowledging diversity and immersing oneself in culture and identity. This includes recognizing the diversity within identity groups.
promoting diverse authors and texts, obtaining skills and dispositions that enable us to recognize or respond to condition that deny access to educational opportunities based on cultural identity. This includes separating the practice of celebrating diveristy with ensuring equity.
Systemic and Institutional Barriers:
under resourced schools
lack of social capital or family resources
limited access to tenured teachers
limited access to counseling
less rigorous college prep courses
Exposure to discrimination and microaggressions:
these experiences increase through adolescence
Additional barriers:
poverty
exclusionary discipline practices or policies
implicit bias in school staff
educator stress and burnout
Social Emotional Learning is a key intervening variable in student learning success, and these SEL needs are intertwined in the process of meeting the needs of all students.