Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

​​​​​​​​​​Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is an educational practice that works in unison with differentiated instruction. According to the National Center on Universal Design for Learning, UDL is, “a set of principles for curriculum development that give all individuals equal opportunities to learn.

CAST (2024). Universal design for learning guidelines version 3.0 [graphic organizer].Wakefield, MA: Author.​​

• CA​ST​: The CAST organization is focused on transforming educational design through the Universal Design for Lea​rning framework​ and UDL G​uidelines​. See L​earning Resources, Technical Assistance for Accessibility​​ and Online Tools for information and support on implementing UDL. Specific resources which may be of interest include:
• ​​​Key Questions to Consider When Planning Lessons​
• ​​UDL Tips for Designing Learning Experiences​​ 
  
• The Universal for Design Learning ​(UDL) video series below can be used as a training tool for school districts in planning and providing UDL strategies.​
  
• ​UDL 101: Overview and Classroom Application video​
  
• UDL 101: Overview and Classroom Application presentation​
  
• UDL Engagement: Overview and Classroom Application video​
  
• UDL Engagem​ent: Overview and Classroom Application presentation​ 
  
• UDL Engagement: Welcoming Interest and Identities video​
  
• UDL Engagement: ​Welcoming Interest and Identities presentation​
  
• UDL Engagement: S​​ustaini​ng Effort and Persistence video​
  
• UDL Engagement: Sustainin​g Effort and Persistence presentation​
• UDL Engagement: Emotional Capacity video​
  
• UDL Engagement: Emot​ional Capacity presentation​​
  
• UDL Representation: Overview and Classroom A​pplication video​
  
• UDL Representation: Overview and Classroom presentation​
  
• UDL Representation:​ Perception video​
  
• UDL Representation: Percep​tion presentation​
  
• UDL Representation: Language an​d Symbols video​
  
• UDL Representation: Language and Symbols presentation​
  
• UDL Representation: Building Knowledg​e video​
  
• UDL Representation: Building Knowledge​ presentation​
  
• Lesson Plan/Videos: When teachers plan lessons using UDL, they are creating "a rich learning environment that is designed around the needs of all students, not just those with identified needs."  Universal Design for Learning is an effective instructional approach that promotes curriculum accessibility for all learners by incorporating Digital Learning opportunities. This increases engagement in the classroom, thus addressing achievement gaps for targeted populations of students. ​
• ​​UDL ​Lesson—Photo Story - An elementary UDL lesson on Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing and Superfudge. 
• UDL Math 2nd ​Grade Lesson—This video shows how UDL is incorporated at an elementary school in New York.
• UDL Guidel​ines in Practice​: Grade 6 Science—Universal Design for Learning is demonstrated in a science class.
  
• UDL Tips from CAST​​: This listing from CAST​ of “Quick Read” UDL Tips on a variety of topics can be downloaded, printed and displayed.   
• Universal Design for Learning: Creating a Learning Environment that Challenges and Engages all Students​: This module from the IRIS Center explores the three principles of UDL and how to apply those principles to learning goals, instructional materials, instructional methods and assessments.
  
• Universal Design for Lear​ning Guidelines​: This graphic explains the principles of UDL in a different format, with practical ways to bring them into lesson planning and instruction.​
  

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