Supporting Struggling Learners Through Universal Design for Learning

Universal Design for Learning describes an educational philosophy that provides all individuals with equal opportunities to learn. This tool fosters teacher/administration reflection, planning, and resource collection to ensure that a curriculum is designed with the needs of all students in mind. Because individual learners bring a variety of learning styles, readiness levels, and interests to the classroom, it is necessary to design a flexible instructional plan that can be personalized to meet each student’s needs. A universally designed curriculum is the foundation upon which customized student learning objectives, student growth objects, assessments, and materials are built. Universal Design for Learning , developed by the nonprofit organization CAST , provides a proactive approach to meeting the needs of all learners in a classroom. As you consider an upcoming lesson or unit, consider the needs of students in your classroom, and incorporate a wide range of resources to provide opt