Parents need to know that good teaching begins with Universal Design for Learning. This presentation tells you what Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is and why it can benefit all children. It may help reduce the number of children overidentified for special education.

1. Universal Design for Learning Just plain old good teaching

2. Good teaching Good teaching starts with an understanding that no child is the same. Good teaching utilizes materials, methods and assessment that are flexible. Good teaching aims to meet the need of ALL children rather than just some. Prepared by Dr. Yvette Latunde

3. What is Universal Design for Learning? Implementation of principles that allow diverse learners to engage with any curriculum Developed initially to address physical barriers in architecture Applies to curriculum Prepared by Dr. Yvette Latunde

4. What does it look like? Traditional Teaching • Teachers typically deliver content one way. • Students are passive learners who acquire information through memorizing, practicing, and taking tests. • The learning environment encourages students to sit quietly and work on an identical task. • Students' skills and knowledge of content are assessed using one method. Universal Design for Learning (UDL) • Teachers deliver content in multiple ways. • Students are active learners who engage and analyze the content to gain understanding. • The learning environment encourages students to explore the content based on personal interests, preferences, or abilities. • Students are allowed to demonstrate their skills and knowledge of content using one of several methods. IRIS Center/Vanderbilt 2/5/2010 4

5. How does this benefit ALL students? Allows more students to access the curriculum Allow students to demonstrate learning in a variety of ways Allow students to utilize their strengths, learning preferences to access the curriculum. Prepared by Dr. Yvette Latunde

6. Learning styles and strengths Teachers and parents have learning styles and strengths. These strengths and preferences influence how teachers and parents teach children. To learn about your child’s strengths http://www.ldrc.ca/projects/miinventory/mitest.html To learn about your own strengths http://iris.peabody.vanderbilt.edu/udl/forms/barsch.php Use this information to provide equitable opportunities for all students to learn . Avoid bias of your own style. Prepared by Dr. Yvette Latunde

7. How does UDL affect instructional materials? Prepared by Dr. Yvette Latunde

8. IRIS Center/Vanderbilt

9. What is wrong with traditional methods? IRIS Center/Vanderbilt

10. How does UDL affect assessment? Prepared by Dr. Yvette Latunde

11. IRIS Center/Vanderbilt

12. Prepared by Dr. Yvette Latunde