The term Universal Design for Learning has been popping up in articles and blogs lately so decided to spend some time seeing what I could uncover about this topic.
Obviously, my first question was, what is the definitive meaning of Universal Design for Learning? For that answer I went to CAST (The Center for Applied Special Technology). CAST is a nonprofit research and development organization that works to expand learning opportunities for all individuals, especially those with learning disabilities.
Back to the definition as prescribed by CAST: Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a research-based framework for designing curricula—that is, educational goals, methods, materials, and assessments—that enable all individuals to gain knowledge, skills, and enthusiasm for learning. This is accomplished by simultaneously providing rich supports for learning and reducing barriers to the curriculum, while maintaining high achievement standards for all students.
The CAST website continues with: Individuals bring a huge variety of skills, needs, and interests to learning. Neuroscience reveals that these differences are as varied and unique as or DNA or fingerprints.
UDL emphasizes three primary brain networks:
- Recognition – The “what” of learning
- Strategic – The “how” of learning
- Affective – The “why” of learning
Since we are a literacy company, I thought about our reading software and whether or not we are compatible with Universal Design for Learning.
Based on the guidelines employed by CAST and Universal Design for Learning, Reading Horizons’ explicit, systematic approach to teaching reading fulfills these mandates by:
- Presenting information and content in different ways through online and direct instruction
- Differentiating the ways that students can express what they’ve learned by appealing to a student’s individual learning styles, whether: visual, auditory, tactile, or kinesthetic
- Stimulating interest and motivation through online games, leveled reading passages, and worksheets
Education will continue to evolve. Learners from pre-kindergarten to graduate school have many diverse abilities and backgrounds, including students with physical, sensory, and learning disabilities. Additionally, teachers are required to work with differing cultural and linguistic backgrounds, varied preferences and motivations for learning, students who are unusually gifted, and many others.
Good reading programs provide instructional materials – great reading programs providing flexible instructional materials, techniques, strategies, assessments, and ongoing professional development.
Ask for a Reading Horizons demonstration or price quote today!