Building Classrooms with Universal Design for Learning
With the establishment of UPK, LEAs, preschools, and learning organizations have been designing and creating inclusive classrooms to support student learning with a lens on universal design for learning (UDL). UDL gives all students an equal opportunity to thrive and succeed, while providing different ways to keep students motivated when learning. This approach offers flexibility for teaching and learning by allowing students to access material and demonstrate or show what they know.
To support student learning, the Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST) established UDL Guidelines,
which are centered around engagement, representation, action, and expression. According to CAST (2018), “UDL is a framework to guide the design of learning environments that are accessible and challenging for all. Ultimately, the goal of UDL is to support learners to become 'expert learners' who are, each in their own way, purposeful and motivated, resourceful and knowledgeable, and strategic and goal driven. UDL aims to change the design of the environment rather than to change the learner.” Research shows that learners thrive in environments where they are offered multiple means of engagement.
As new classrooms open up in your school system, start designing, creating, and exploring UDL! Not only will it provide students with activities that will be of interest to them, it will enhance their overall motivation to learn.
Your partners in education,
The San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) UPK-3 Team
