Universal Design for Learning: Access, Assessment & Engagement for All Jolene Troia Education Consultant Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction

Education is in a state of CHANGE!

Why do we need to make changes? Increasing diversity in classrooms Adoption of Common Core State Standards and Common Core Essential Elements New Educator Effectiveness system Emphasis on high quality instruction, collaboration, balanced assessment, and culturally responsive practices Increased emphasis on data Traditional methods are not working for ALL students

Fewer than 11% of students with intellectual disabilities are fully included in regular education classrooms (Smith & O’Brien, 2007) – Many of these students simply haven’t been given the chance to try

“Among the chief obstacles faced by people with intellectual disabilities are the limiting expectations that others have for them.” – Thomas Armstrong, Neurodiversity in The Classroom

The way we learn is as unique as our fingerprints

Brain Imaging Showing Individual Differences 3 different people learning the same finger tapping task

Universal Design for Learning Is what? A scientifically valid framework that Provides multiple means of access, assessment, and engagement and removes barriers in instruction Does what? to achieve academic and behavioral success for all For what?

Reduces barriers Meets the wide range of needs of all learners One size fits all approach is not effective Inspired from universal design in architecture Universal Design for Learning

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Barriers

Diving into the UDL Framework

Components of the UDL Framework 3 Principles 9 Guidelines Checkpoints Examples

ACCESSASSESSMENTENGAGEMENT Adapted from CAST

Three UDL Principles AccessAssessmentEngagement Provide Multiple Means of Representation Provide Multiple Means of Action and Expression Provide Multiple Means of Engagement

Resources to Explore the UDL Framework WebsiteAppWheelWiki udlguidelines/principle1 onlinegrants.org/ spaces.com/

Already doing UDL?

A Look at UDL Principles & Practice

UDL Starts with Student Strengths

Strengths of Individuals with Cognitive Disabilities You have to KNOW your students and collaborate with the general education teacher to capitalize on these strengths Individual for each child but there are some general strengths that can be found in various disabilities

Strengths of Students with Down Syndrome excellent imitation skills good sense of humor strong visual-motor skills well developed non-verbal social skills very friendly from Neurodiversity in the Classroom by Thomas Armstrong

Strengths of Students with Williams Syndrome strong musical abilities good oral expression skills enjoy being with other people strong understanding of the emotional state of others and facial cues good auditory memory from Neurodiversity in the Classroom by Thomas Armstrong

Strengths of Students with Fragile X Syndrome excellent memory great sense of humor good imitation skills strong empathy for others from Neurodiversity in the Classroom by Thomas Armstrong

Strengths of Students with Prader-Willi Syndrome enjoy reading good at jigsaw and word search puzzles long term memory nurturing from Neurodiversity in the Classroom by Thomas Armstrong

Strengths of students with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome strengths in music, playing instruments, singing and composing strong abilities in writing, poetry and art interests in woodworking, computers, mechanics and skilled vocations such as welding or electrical work helpful and friendly from Neurodiversity in the Classroom by Thomas Armstrong

Strengths of Students with Autism well developed visual skills skilled at perceiving details excel at memorizing rote material good with machines or computers specific interest areas from Neurodiversity in the Classroom by Thomas Armstrong

4 Components of UDL Curriculum GoalsMaterialsMethodsAssessments Adapted from the National Center on Universal Design for Learning

Goals Traditional Goals may get skewed by the inflexible ways and means of achieving them UDL Goals are attained in many individualized ways, by many customized means Adapted from the National Center on Universal Design for Learning

Materials Traditional Mostly print (text) and everyone gets the same materials Few options UDL Variety of materials, media, and formats to reach learners with diverse abilities, styles, and needs equally well Adapted from the National Center on Universal Design for Learning

Methods Traditional Teacher centered (lecture) Burden on student to adapt to “get it” UDL Teacher is a facilitator of learning, students are interactive Burden is on the curriculum Adapted from the National Center on Universal Design for Learning

Assessment Traditional Confuse goals with means Summative – when it’s too late to adjust instruction UDL Many possible means as long as they measure learning Uses a variety of formative and summative means and is flexible enough to provide accurate, ongoing information that helps teachers adjust instruction and maximize learning in a meaningful way. Adapted from the National Center on Universal Design for Learning

Activity Evaluate an IEP goal through a UDL lens Determine if the goal allows for multiple means of access, assessment and engagement If not, how could you change the goal to better reflect the UDL principles?

UDL and Other Initiatives RtI CCSS and CCEE Assistive Technology State Assessments Differentiation Educator Effectiveness Universal Design for Learning

Critical Factors to UDL Implementation State leadership needs to embrace UDL UDL must be understood as a general education initiative that moves beyond special education from Universal Design for Learning (UDL): Initiatives on the Move

Next Steps Continue to explore the UDL framework and UDL resources Move beyond traditional methods of instruction Take small steps (one guideline, one lesson, one unit) Work toward systemic change

The problem is not the students… “When you plant lettuce, if it does not grow well, you don't blame the lettuce. You look into the reasons it is not doing well. It may need fertilizer, or more water, or less sun. You never blame the lettuce…” ~Thich Nhat Hahn In summary, please remember…

Links: National Center on UDL Interactive Wheel UDL Toolkit Dynamic Learning Maps – UDL Training Module

Resources

Questions