Universal Design for Learning - Research and Resources

"The introduction of new next-generation, multidimensional science standards in the last few years has led to increased expectations in science achievement for all students, including students with extensive support needs (ESN). Inquiry-based teaching is an effective strategy to teach science to support attainment of these new expectations. However, few resources exist for teachers of students with ESN engaging in inquiry-based science instruction. The purpose of this article is to describe the Science Inquiry Lesson Supports Plan, a tool for teachers to organize inquiry-based science teaching within the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework for students with ESN in inclusive settings. General and special education teachers can plan science lessons using the 5E model of instruction to teach next-generation science in an inclusive setting, using UDL principles to remove barriers to learning."

"Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a framework that can be applied when planning inclusive mathematics to benefit all students in a classroom, including students with extensive support needs. This article provides a step-by-step process for using the UDL framework to plan instruction, meeting the needs of all learners. Strategies such as collaboration, prioritizing learning goals, contextualizing mathematics to make it meaningful to learners, and planning for variability across the three principles of UDL—multiple means of expression, representation, and action and expression—are discussed."

"How can inclusive early educators plan and deliver challenging instructions to help all young learners succeed in kindergarten? This guide has authoritative answers from some of today's most renowned names in early childhood education."

Universal Design for Learning in the Early Childhood Classroom, Second Edition focuses on proactively designing PreK through Grade 3 classroom instruction, environments, and assessments that are flexible enough to ensure that teachers can accommodate the needs of all the students in their classrooms.

Creating Young Expert Learners is an accessible and engaging guide for early childhood educators. Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a framework for the proactive design of classroom instruction, with an emphasis on meeting the needs of learners of all abilities in the classroom. With three principles at its core—multiple means of engagement, multiple means of representation, and multiple means action and expression—UDL is based in the science of learning to ensure that classroom instruction offers the supports needed to help young children become expert learners who take ownership of their own learning. Creating Young Expert Learners includes a theoretical introduction to the concept of UDL as it applies to young children, as well as practical examples of common early childhood learning units designed within a UDL framework.

In this comprehensive guide, you'll learn how to apply UDL principles to your early childhood environment to create a welcoming, engaging, and effective learning environment for every child.

This article seeks to highlight the importance of consciously implementing universal design for learning principles in practice in early childhood intervention.