Universal Design For Learning Essay

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a scientifically based framework that has been around for over 25 years. UDL is a curriculum-designed approach to teaching that focuses on addressing a variety of learning needs and learning styles and builds the tools right into the curriculum design. UDL decreases the barriers to learning for students and ensures access and participation in the general education curriculum. The UDL experts at the Center for Applied Special Technologies (CAST) developed guidelines and resources to help educators reduce barriers and make appropriate accommodations while challenging students with and without disabilities. CAST is a nonprofit research and development organization devoted to Universal Design for Learning. Educators can access the UDL guidelines and resources on the CAST website.
A UDL curriculum provides flexible learning opportunities and accommodations for all learners with and without disabilities as well as students with limited English proficiency. In order to develop and carry out UDL lessons, materials, and assessments, educators must have a comprehensive understanding of the concepts they will teach and the diversity that exists in the classroom in order to remove obstacles in the learning environment and fully engage all students. Educators should design the curriculum to meet
These categories are organized based on the three broad networks of the brain that helps students acquire knowledge. The brain has one network for recognition, another for skills and strategies, and a third network for caring and prioritizing. According to the CAST website, recognition networks are the “what” of learning, strategic networks are the “how” of learning, and the affective networks are the “why” of learning. In order to be successful in school, all students need to gain knowledge, skills, and enthusiasm for