UDL in the Classroom - A Tip Sheet for Educators

By: Ryan Keefe, EC-SEAT Scholar

What is UDL?

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a framework that provides ALL students equal opportunities to learn. UDL encourages teachers to design flexible curricula that meet the diverse needs of all learners. 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 
• Students learning is validly assessed. 

Visit http://udlguidelines.cast.org/ to learn more!

Benefits to UDL

Students come to the classroom with a variety of needs, skills, talents, interests and experiences. For many learners, typical curricula are littered with barriers and roadblocks, while offering little support.

• UDL encourages the design of flexible, supportive curricula that are responsive to individual student variability. 
• UDL improves educational outcomes for ALL students by ensuring meaningful access to the curriculum within an inclusive learning environment. 
• UDL offers flexibility in the ways students access material, engage with it and show what they know. 

UDL Resources

• CAST – The Center for Applied Technology is a nonprofit education research and development organization working to expand learning opportunities for all individuals through UDL.
• Center for UDL – Founded in 2009, the Center for UDL supports effective implementation of UDL by connecting providing resources and information about: advocacy, implementation and research.
• The IRIS Center – The IRIS Center creates online resources about evidence-based practices to help improve the learning and behavior outcome of all students, particularly struggling learners and those with disabilities.