Universal Design for Learning - Research and Resources

As schools become more diverse with students of differing abilities and needs, this self-reflective and action-oriented guide helps you create and support more inclusive schools and classrooms that intentionally educate all students. Chapter 8 is most centered on Universal Design for Learning.

"Equity by Design is intended to serve as a blueprint for teachers to alter the all-too-predictable outcomes for our historically under-served students. A first of its kind resource, the book makes the critical link between social justice and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) so that we can equip students (and teachers, too) with the will, skill, and collective capacity to enact positive change."

"Universal Design for Learning is the best way to teach all students effectively but how can a busy teacher get started with UDL right now? Answers are in this vibrant, research-based guidebook."

"Clearly written and well organized, this book shows how to apply the principles of universal design for learning (UDL) across all subject areas and grade levels. The editors and contributors describe practical ways to develop classroom goals, assessments, materials, and methods that use UDL to meet the needs of all learners."

"You'll start with a big-picture guide to creating an inclusive culture in your classroom and school, with invaluable guidance on key topics like team collaboration, universal design for learning, co-teaching, social-emotional supports, and accommodations. Then you'll get 40 specific, teacher-tested strategies to modify your curriculum for students who work below grade level."

"Written for both general and special educators from grades Pre-K through 12, What Really Works with Universal Design for Learning is the how-to guide for implementing aspects of Universal Design Learning (UDL) to help every student be successful."

"In an educational milieu in which standards and accountability hold sway, schools can become places of stress, marginalization, and isolation instead of learning communities that nurture a sense of meaning and purpose. In Ensouling Our Schools, author Jennifer Katz weaves together methods of creating schools that engender mental, spiritual, and emotional health while developing intellectual thought and critical analysis. Kevin Lamoureux contributes his expertise regarding Indigenous approaches to mental and spiritual health that benefit all students and address the TRC Calls to Action." Chapters 4 and 6 are most centered on Universal Design for Learning.

To reach all, we must reach each  Diversity in our classrooms is an asset that educators can leverage when we ensure our instruction is tailored to the strengths and needs of eachstudent. That's where Universal Design for Learning (UDL) comes in. UDL ensures all students succeed by enabling educators to remove barriers to learning. The tenets of UDL challenge educators to engage students and sustain their interest, represent instruction in accessible ways, and support students to demonstrate their learning in multiple ways. This guide shows how UDL can serve as a pathway to equitable learning outcomes through Practical advice for creating safe, affirming learning environments that encourage belonging Demonstration of how to represent content, concepts, and skills in different ways to provide students with multiple modes of expression Tables for planning and reflection Graphics illustrating multiple means of expression

Teach some of the most important skills your students will ever need!  "Please, try harder." "Please, pay attention." "Please, behave." Most students want to do what it takes to succeed, but sometimes that's easier said than done. Executive function skills such as self-regulation, focus, planning, and time management must be taught, and they take practice. When you work on them in class, you give students the tools they need to not only learn but also monitor themselves.   Teaching executive function skills in your classroom doesn't have to be difficult. This unique guidebook--designed with busy teachers in mind--introduces a flexible seven-step model that incorporates Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles and the use of metacognition. Features include Descriptions of each skill and its impact on learning Examples of instructional steps to assist students as they set goals and work to achieve success. Strategies coded by competency and age/grade level Authentic snapshots and "think about" sections Templates for personalized goal-setting, data collection, and success plans Accompanying strategy cards Whether you teach kindergarten, high school, or anything in between, you can make executive function training part of your teaching. As students' proficiencies improve, you will see their confidence and capability increase--setting the stage for their success in school and in life.