Universal Design for Learning

In this video, Katie Novak, international expert on Universal Design for Learning (UDL), breaks apart the components of Universal Design for Learning and how all learners can benefit when instruction is delivered with UDL in mind. Katie also explains how inclusion, MTSS, and differentiation align to remove barriers for learners and provide them with the best learning opportunities.
»Watch the video
If you have questions or want additional information, please contact your regional PaTTAN office.

1.  UDL is a framework to optimize learning for all learners
2.  UDL practitioners share these fundamental core beliefs:

• Variability is the rule, not the exception.  Students don’t have to do the same things at the same time.
• All students can work toward the same firm goals and grade-level standards.
• All students will become expert learners if barriers are removed

3.  UDL isn’t a checklist or a chunk of time set aside on the master schedule when we all  do “UDL”.
UDL is a framework that allows us to consider:

• What is it that all learners need to know or be able to do? 
• What barriers may prevent students from learning?
• How do I design flexible pathways for all learners to learn and share what they know?

To further your knowledge of the UDL Framework, consider reading this article on the 6 Myths about Universal Design for Learning, by Katie Novak.  »Novak Education

The Universal Design for Learning framework (UDL) makes learning accessible to EVERY learner. The Danielson Framework for Teaching (FfT) is an instrument that explicitly provides teachers with clear expectations within the components of planning, classroom environment, instruction, and professional practice. The “Crosswalk between UDL and FtF” helps educators establish critical connections between these two frameworks and provides guidance on how to infuse Universal Design for Learning into the Danielson Framework for Teaching.

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a framework to improve and optimize teaching and learning for ALL learners. Traditional classroom approaches and UDL classroom approaches to education are very different.
 

Learn more about the differences between traditional classroom and UDL classroom with this resource from Understood.org.

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a shift in perspective: we must intentionally shift our focus away from blaming the learner (“The students are constantly blurting out the answers”) to identifying the problem within the environment (“This lecture format does not allow students to share their responses”).

Reframing the problem can be challenging. Here are some good sentence-starters to help assure that you have accurately identified the barrier:

• “The design of the lesson doesn’t provide for…”

• “The learning activities aren’t…”

• “The location of the materials isn’t…”

• “The lesson hasn’t built in scaffolding for…”

Consider using this Troubleshooting Template, shared by National CAST Faculty Member, Jennifer Pusateri, to guide you through the process of stating the problem, reframing the problem to assure it is not directed at the learner, and then aligning the true problem with potential solutions using the UDL Guidelines. 

» Fillable Troubleshooting Template

Did you know Universal Design for Learning (UDL) can be used to support students across specific content areas? Consider these math UDL strategies:
 

• Representing mathematical equations in several forms (i.e., objects, words, pictures, graphs)
• Posting number lines (small versions on student desks, or a large one along a wall) for easy reference
• Engaging in learning through math games

 
Expert UDL author and presenter, Katie Novak, provides a great resource to support math teachers in UDL implementation. Check it out!

» UDL Math Guidelines

If you have questions or want additional information, please contact your regional PaTTAN office. Follow @pattanupdates and #PaTTANUDL for key UDL concepts and resources.

Universal Design for Learning and Social Emotional Learning (SEL) overlap and can be woven throughout the instructional day to support all learners.

• Learn about the SEL Core Competencies and the related UDL guidelines & checkpoints with this valuable » resource.
• Use practices to enhance both UDL and SEL such as welcoming activities, engaging strategies, and optimistic closure of lessons.
• Take a look at how to design learning with UDL and CASEL’s three Signature Practices in mind with this » resource.

As a parent, you are a powerful change agent who can advocate for making the curriculum accessible for your child. As a result of your efforts, all students benefit due to minimizing barriers to learning and maximizing learning opportunities.

Take the time to learn about UDL, a framework for a fully accessible curriculum so you can advocate for its adoption in curriculum, teacher training, and district- and statewide assessments.
 

 A Parent’s Guide to Universal Design for Learning (UDL) National Center for Learning Disabilities • ncld.org

For more information, review this Parent Advocacy Brief: “A Parent's Guide to Universal Design for Learning”