UDL Framework

According to the National Center on Universal Design for Learning, “Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a framework that provides ALL students equal opportunities to learn. It encourages teachers to design flexible curricula that meet the needs of all learners” (National Center on Universal Design for Learning, 2012). The Center adds that “using UDL principles in general education classrooms makes curriculum and instruction accessible and engaging. Curriculum barriers are reduced; learning is supported; students gain knowledge, skills, and enthusiasm for learning; and their learning is validly assessed” (National Center on UDL, 2012). In classrooms, you may have a melting pot of students with different backgrounds, ethnicities, learning

“Curricula (goals, methods, materials, and assessments) designed using UDL put an emphasis on creating effective, flexible goals, and the Common Core Standards provide an important framework for thinking about what goals will be most effective” (National Center on UDL, 2012). The center feels that a successful goal must be adaptable enough to permit students to meet it in a variety of methods. “To do this, the standard must not embed the means (the how) with the goal (the what)” (National Center on UDL, 2012). In addition, UDL is included in the Common Core Standards section labeled ‘application to students with disabilities’. The authors consulted the description laid out in the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008, when referring to UDL, which “may give the impression that UDL is just for students with disabilities. However, UDL not only applies to students with disabilities, it applies to all other learners as well” (National Center on UDL, 2012). The Center, in its FAQ guide, reiterates that UDL is not only tailored to students with disabilities, but that “all students can benefit from the types of instruction used to reach learners ‘on the margins,’ as the learning needs of all individuals vary a great deal. As such, UDL should be used within inclusive general education classrooms” (National Center on UDL,