Universal Learning Academy

2. 2019-2020 School Year 2

3. 3
• Universal Learning Academy is a Pre-Kindergarten through 5th
Grade elementary school that was designed for YOUR child!
• At ULA, we incorporate the strategies and practices of
Universal Learning Design to provide the best education
possible for your child.
• We believe that children learn in different ways and at different
paces and our school and facility strive to provide the best
individualized education possible for your child.

4. 4
• Universal Design Learning is a practice that helps give all students
an equal opportunity to learn and succeed.
• The UDL framework proposes that educators:
• Represent information in multiple formats and media
• Provide multiple pathways for students’ action and expression
• Provide multiple ways to engage students’ interests and motivation (Rose &
Meyer, 2002).
• UDL focuses on the three brain networks to meet learner
differences:
• Recognition Networks
• Strategic Networks
• Affective Networks

5. Where learning is achieved in a
flexible environment designed
for our students by our
students!
• At Universal Learning Academy
each child’s individual
differences and learning styles
pave the way to their
individualized education.
• Our students are the driving
force behind our school culture,
environment, and energy.
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6. 6
• Universal Learning Academy focuses on the success, needs,
and diversity of each of our students. Our school uses
Universal Design Learning practices to ensure that each of our
students can be successful while achieving their maximum
potential. The expectations are high at Universal Learning
Academy, but the atmosphere is flexible and focused.
• It is our belief that each child has the potential to be amazing!
We are devoted to finding the best pieces of the puzzle to use
for your child’s success!

7. Our Playground!
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When Universal
Learning Academy was
designed we wanted it
to be accessible for all.
Each entrance,
bathroom, and
classroom are
wheelchair accessible.
We also created a
horseshoe design one
story building with wide
hallways for our
students with visual
and physical
disabilities.
We are most excited
about our handicap
assessable playground
and physical education
building so that all
students may

8. We believe that
students should be
grouped by age for the
best learning outcome.
We believe that when
students are grouped
by age there is more
opportunity for social
growth, relationship
building, and
communication.
Flexible seating
opportunities are
available in each
classroom in a variety
of ways.
We strive to provide
and environment that
is conducive to
learning for each child.
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9. SMALL GROUP INSTRUCTION
9
Class sizes will be
created on a need
bases, but we aim to
have a 15:2 student
teacher ratio. Each
class will have a full
time paraprofessional.
We believe that smaller
class sizes provide
more opportunity for
individualized
instruction and
opportunity. This allows
for our students to have
the free time and
environment needed to
excel.

10. Hands-on STEM learning activity.
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We offer a learning environment
that uses hands-on learning, small
group and individualized
instruction, technology, and
individualized work plans.
Teachers will create weekly work
plans for students that allow for
their instruction and skills to be
tailored to their exact needs.
Instruction will be offered in various
ways depending on student needs
and best learning environment.
Students will have choice and the
ability to work through their work
plan in the way the choose. We
believe that giving student choice
and accountability are important in
their success.

11. 11
• Our school uses a general curriculum that is followed
throughout the school. Expectations are high, but instruction is
flexible. We feel that while maintaining flexibility we can still
teach with rigor and high expectations.
• Our students are given a high quality education at their pace
and in a manner that best fits their needs.
• We do not put a timeline on when skills should be completed
throughout the school year and use our curriculum as a guide
for our classrooms.

12. 12
We offer technology in a
variety of ways and have a
1:1 ratio available for
students.
We offer 2 computer labs,
a study hall, iPad carts per
classroom for grades PK-1
and Chromebook carts for
grades 2-5.
We believe that technology
is an important component
in the education of our
students and offer a
variety of technology
throughout the school for
students.
Each classroom is
equipped with a
Promethean board, ELMO,
and iPad/Chromebook

13. 13
• Students will be assessed throughout the curriculum as they
complete units. Unit exams will be given to assess the skills
covered and may be assessed using projects, presentations,
written exams, oral exams, or verbal recorded projects.
• Students are given a choice at the end of a unit on their method
of assessment.
• There will be no yearly standardized testing. We feel it is best
to assess students along the way throughout the school year.
• Assessments are not given class wide because students will
complete units at their pace. We take a more individualized one
on one approach for assessments.

15. References
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Rose, D. H., & Meyer, A. (2002). Teaching Every Student in the Digital Age Universal Design for Learning.
Alexandria, VA: ASCD.