UDL (Universal Design Learning) in Action

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a framework that addresses the, inflexible, “one-size-fits-all” curricula that is a primary barrier to fostering expert learners within instructional environments. Learners who are “in the margins”, such as learners who are gifted and talented or have disabilities, are particularly vulnerable. However, even learners who are identified as “average” may also not have their learning needs met due to poor curricular design. UDL helps address learner variability by suggesting flexible goals, materials, methods, and assessments that empower educators to meet these varied needs. Curricula that is created using UDL is designed from the outset to meet the needs of all learners, making costly, time-consuming, and after-the-fact changes unnecessary. This course will explore the basics of UDL as well as offer creative ideas for moving UDL from theory to practice. The projected outcome of this course is to provide classroom teachers with the knowledge, understanding, and methodologies for UDL as well as help them access highly effective ideas that will help them address diverse learning needs and increase all students' access to the general curriculum.