Educators are always working to better understand and incorporate the diverse lived experiences, learning needs, and preferences of their students into the curriculum. With a mix of varying abilities, language skills, and strengths, planning inclusive lessons can be a challenge. 

That’s where our new course, 5253: Using Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to Create Inclusive and Equitable Classrooms can help! Universal Design for Learning, or UDL, is a set of principles for curriculum development, which enable teachers to optimize lessons to meet diverse learner needs. By implementing UDL strategies with a social justice lens, teachers can shift from a one-size-fits-all curriculum to a more equitable classroom that students deserve. With accessibility, empowerment, and rigor at its core, this course aims to minimize barriers to learning and open up multiple pathways for student success.

Take a look at the UDL principles below:

Infographic: Novak Education 

Our new course will help you take a fresh look at the curricular and instructional design to ensure that the learning you provide aligns with UDL best practices, as well as social justice, culturally responsive, and equitable teaching practices. You’ll gain practical strategies for lesson and assessment design, ideas for increased engagement, and take a peek into classrooms that are finding success. Whether you are just starting out with UDL, or are looking for inspiration to improve implementation, this course will guide you!

Through your work in the course, you will:

1.  Use prompts about Universal Design in Learning (UDL) and equity to reflect on your current practice and inspire professional growth.

2.  Evaluate and develop lesson(s) using the CAST UDL Guidelines for greater inclusivity and equity.

3.  Collaborate with colleagues to increase awareness of UDL practices and their impact on students’ learning. 

4.  Implement CAST UDL Guidelines to design assessments that minimize barriers that may interfere with student performance. 

5.  Challenge the status quo to incorporate supportive strategies for executive function skills practice into UDL lessons.

6.  Engage in practices that support the cultivation of culturally responsive, personalized, and socially just learning spaces. 

Check out our new course 5253: Using Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to Create Inclusive and Equitable Classrooms for the strategies you need to facilitate academic and social growth that empowers students as agents of positive change!