Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is an educational framework that provides equal opportunities for all students to learn by removing barriers. A UDL school has accessible classrooms with adjustable furniture, technology supports, and flexible grouping. Teachers receive ongoing training and support collaborative planning. Instruction uses multiple formats and media, feedback, and adjustable levels of challenge. Assessments are frequent, formative, and flexible to support learner variability.

1. Universal Design
for Learning
UDL in the Elementary Classroom
by Maurine Adamek

2. What is
UDL?
Universal Design for
Learning is a set of
principles for
curriculum
development that
gives all individuals
equal opportunities to
learn.

3. Structure
Classes
Personnel
Instruction
General Curriculum
Technology
Assessment
Elements of a UDL School

4. Structure
• One story
• Handicap Accessible
• Large classrooms
• Automatic doors for hands-free access
• Clean and inviting atmosphere
• Unique architectural design elements that promote
creativity
• State of the art facity

5. Classes
• Students grouped by grade level
• Co-Teaching classroom
• Student to teacher ratio = 20 to 2
• Flexible Learning
• Technology Station
• Reading Station
• Small Group Learning Station
• Adjustable furniture
• Science Center
• Tables arranged for easy collaboration
• Lamps, sofas, tent, fort
• Multiple seating options

6. Personnel
• Salary - 10% above base pay
• Highly qualified and motivated
• Incentives for creativity and student achievement
• All staff receives UDL training
• Staff receives updated technology training
• Built-in time for planning and implementation
• Professional development on student-centered learning
• Training on co-teaching models
• Brain network training

7. Instruction
• Provide multiple examples
• Highlight critical features
• Provide multiple media and formats
• Support background knowledge
• Provide flexible model of skilled performance
• Provide opportunities to practice with supports
• Provide ongoing, relevant feedback
• Offer flexible opportunities for demonstrating skills
• Offer choice of content and tools
• Provide adjustable levels of challenge
• Offer a choice of rewards
• Offer a choice of learning context

8. Examples of
UDL in
action!

9. General Education - Flexible
Responsive Curriculum
• Options for how information is presented
• Options for how students respond or demonstrate their
knowledge and skills
• Options for how students are engaged in learning
• Opportunities for all student to access, participate in,
and progress in the general-education curriculum by
reducing barriers to instruction

10. Technology
• Digital Textbooks
• Reading Pens
• Smartboards
• iPads
• Laptop computers
• Text-to-Speech
• Computer Simulations

11. Assessment
• Align assessment to learning goals
• Offer authentic opportunities for assessment
• Assess engagement as well as content knowledge
• Include frequent formative assessments
• Eliminate unnecessary barriers in assessment
• Support learner variability through flexible assessments
• Use and share rubrics to clarify expectations
• Involve learners in their learning progress through
assessment data
• Reflect on summative assessments for future lesson design
• Build communities of practice that support curricular
modification from assessment data