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a ready-to-run workshopUniversal Design for Learning
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Universal Design for Learning (UDL) (Workshop)

Instead of designing a lesson for an imaginary average student and retrofitting supports, UDL designs flexibility in from the start. By planning multiple ways to engage, to take in information, and to show learning, you reach more students without a separate plan for each one.

Key takeaway

UDL builds flexible options for engagement, representation, and expression into a lesson from the start, so fewer students need a separate retrofit.

Format
PLC / team meeting
Length
45 minutes
Group size
Any (works 4-40)
Who can run it
Any teacher-leader
You will need
Slides (5)Printed handoutA lesson to redesignA timer
Aligned to
Learning Forward: Rigorous ContentInTASC 2: Learning DifferencesCAST: UDL Guidelines
Share / assign

Why it works

Universal Design for Learning, developed by CAST, is built on the insight that learner variability is the norm, not the exception. Its three principles, multiple means of engagement, representation, and action and expression, prompt teachers to design flexibility proactively, which reduces barriers for all students and the need for individual retrofits.

The research: CAST's UDL Guidelines; research on learner variability.

The run-of-show

Choose your slot. The agenda, timings, and length update to match.

    The core activity: design in one UDL option

    Teachers leave having added one flexible option to a lesson while keeping the goal constant.

    Design for the edges, benefit everyoneFlexibility built in for students who would otherwise struggle, like multiple ways to show learning, usually helps the whole class.

    Facilitator notes

    Options are not a lower barVarying the path is not lowering the destination. Keep the learning goal the same; change how students get there and show it.

    Adapt it

    Participant handout

    One page for every teacher. Print it, or save it as a PDF.

    K12 Academics · Professional Learning

    UDL: design flexibility in

    <b>Plan for variability:</b> multiple means of engagement, representation, and expression, goal held constant.

    1. The lesson:
    2. The main barrier for some students:
    3. The flexible option I will add:
    4. How I keep the goal constant:
    5. Which UDL principle it serves:

    Make it stick

    One option at a time:

    Common questions

    How is UDL different from differentiation?
    UDL is proactive: you design flexible options into the lesson from the start, for everyone. Differentiation is responsive: you adjust for specific students. They work together.
    Doesn't offering choices mean lowering the bar?
    No. UDL keeps the learning goal the same and varies the paths to it, how students engage, access content, and show what they know.
    Isn't this a huge amount of extra planning?
    Not once it becomes a habit. Start by adding one flexible option, such as two ways to show learning, and build from there.

    Go deeper

    Build it into a bigger day

    Workshop
    Differentiation
    Workshop
    Supporting Multilingual Learners
    Workshop
    Accommodations, IEPs & 504s