Breaking the Barriers: Universal Design for Learning

Universal Design for Learning Breaking the Barriers May 29, 2008

Why do we evaluate?
To determine the effectiveness of curriculum materials and methods
To compare achievement levels within and across schools, school systems, districts and states
To evaluate student knowledge and skill

Barriers to Accurate Assessment
Individual learning differences
Media constraints
Lack of appropriate supports
Lack of integration with curriculum

Individual learning differences
Individual differences in content recognition
Individual differences in strategic expression
Individual differences in engagement

Media constraints
Considering the type of skill or knowledge being measured and the medium in which it is being assessed
Crossing media lines to gain a richer understanding of what students know

Lack of appropriate supports
Focus on the goal of the assessment
Don’t remove daily supports during an assessment

Lack of integration with curriculum
Most traditional assessments are detached from instruction and practice
We need to examine the interaction between student and curriculum over time
Observe and talk to students
Ongoing assessment allows us to measure the evolution of the learning

Increasing Assessment Accuracy and Accessibility
Flexibility in presentation
Flexibility in expression and strategic supports
Flexibility in engagement

Flexibility in presentation
Varied media
Different Supports
links to background info / vocabulary
Concept map
Key points
Diagram

Flexibility in expression and strategic supports
Technology tools make it easier for the teacher to provide multiple options
Teachers can combine a variety of tools to track learner progress

Flexibility in engagement
Include embedded assessment
Ensure that every student is working at a comfortable and appropriate stage of difficulty
Vary the content

Motivation
“the essential engine of learning”

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Breaking the Barriers: Universal Design for Learning

by Lisa Thumann from the SGEI, Kean University on May 29, 2008

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Breaking the Barriers: Universal Design for Learning — Presentation Transcript