Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Where does it fit? 2016

About the National UDL Task Force Mission - Promoting the use of UDL to improve academic achievement and educational opportunities for all learners. We work to influence the Administration and Congress to adopt UDL principles in federal legislation and policy and integrate UDL into all learning settings. Membership: Nearly 50 national education and disability organizations. Learn more at

Purpose of this PowerPoint To provide some basic information to think about how UDL fits into the mission of your coalition. To get you thinking about how UDL fits into the context of the programs important to your coalition.

Definition The term "universal design for learning" means a scientifically valid framework for guiding educational practice that: (A) provides flexibility in the ways information is presented, in the ways students respond or demonstrate knowledge and skills, and in the ways students are engaged; and (B) reduces barriers in instruction, provides appropriate accommodations, supports, and challenges, and maintains high achievement expectations for all students, including students with disabilities and students who are limited English proficient. Higher Education Opportunity Act (P.L ) & Every Student Succeeds Act (P. L )

UDL Guidelines I Representation II Action & Expression III.Engagement 1. Perception 4. Physical Action7. Recruiting interest 2. Language & Symbols 5. Expressive Skills & Fluency 8. Sustaining Effort & Persistence 3. Comprehension6. Executive Functions9. Self-regulation Provide Multiple Means of: Multiple Options for: See full version at

Add Your Coalition’s Key Points to this Depiction of UDL All students can learn with UDL Multiple means of representation Multiple means of action and expression Multiple means of engagement

Another Way to Think About UDL in the Context of Your Coalition Coalition Name Here List key principles/beliefs from your coalition (e.g. teacher equity) xxx UDL All students can learn UDL improves students’ academic achievement UDL improves students’ educational opportunities Classroom instruction designed from the outset to ensure multiple means of representation, expression and engagement

Example of UDL in Federal Law: ESSA Title I, Part A, Sec. 1111(b)(2)(D)(i)(IV) – Alternate assessment aligned with alternate academic achievement standards (Page 62): "describes in the State plan the steps the State has taken to incorporate universal design for learning, to the extent feasible, in alternate assessments" Title I, Part B, Sec. 1201(a)(2)(I) – State Assessment Grants – allowable use of funds (Page 208): “(I) Developing or improving assessments for children with disabilities, including alternate assessments aligned to alternate academic achievement standards for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities described in section 1111(b)(2)(D), and using the principles of universal design for learning.“ Title I, Sec. 1204(e)(2)(A)(vi) – Innovative Assessment and Accountability Demonstration Authority – in application for funds (Page 228): "A demonstration that the innovative system will ‘‘(vi) be accessible to all students, such as by incorporating the principles of universal design for learning "

Example of UDL in Federal Law: ESSA (continued) Title II, Sec. 2221(b)(1)(J) – Literacy Education for All, Results for the Nation – Definition of Comprehensive Literacy Instruction (Page 363): "The term 'comprehensive literacy instruction' means instruction that – (J) incorporates the principles of universal design for learning" Title IV, Sec. 4104(b)(3)(C)(i)(II) – Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grants – State Activities (State Use of Funds) (Page 463): ‘‘(II) use technology, consistent with the principles of universal design for learning, to support the learning needs of all students, including children with disabilities and English learners" Title VIII, Sec. 8002(51) – General Provisions – Definition of UDL (Page 807): ‘‘(51) UNIVERSAL DESIGN FOR LEARNING.— The term ‘universal design for learning’ has the meaning given the term in section 103 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1003)."

UDL in Practice UDL is an evidence-based practice. UDL is a part of several state-wide initiatives UDL is being used on college campuses. universal-design-education/overview

Example of UDL in Practice Instruction Curriculum Assessment Professional Development

An Example of UDL in Curriculum See more at

Resources For more information, contact the UDL Task Force Co-Chairs: Debbie Taub, Nancy Reder,