Introduction to an Exemplar Resource

According to the National Center for Learning Disabilities, "One advantage of CBE is that it recognizes that all students have strengths and challenges and learn best at their own pace, sometimes with supports. The flexibility and individualization of CBE is also at the heart of effective instruction for students with learning and attention issues and is a core tenet of many special education laws. If implemented well, CBE provides schools a structure to individualize learning for all students. For example, CBE allows students to demonstrate mastery in many ways, such as through portfolios of work or projects, which may be more reflective of actual knowledge and demonstrate deeper understanding. A more flexible structure that readily allows for differentiation is likely to increase the inclusion of students with learning and attention issues in general education and support their access to the general education curriculum. CBE also empowers students to play an active role in their own learning, which may help build self-advocacy skills. While helpful for all learners, developing an understanding of unique strengths and needs is critical to students with learning and attention issues, many of who may benefit from accommodations throughout their lives."

Click on the document to the left to read more about how CBE can support all learners' needs.

The National Center for Learning Disabilities created the infographic to the left to support school leaders with understanding the steps in ensuring an equitable system for all learners.

According the infographic, "Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a set of principles for curriculum development that give every student the opportunity to learn. UDL addresses:

• How information is presented (representation)

• How students demonstrate what they know (expression)

• How students interact and engage with the material (engagement)"

UDL plus MTSS = equity by design.