The course will provide an overview of skills and competencies needed to support implementation of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in the learning communities we serve. With a focus on the four components of the core of teaching and learning, modeled after the best-selling book, Innovate Inside the Box: Empowering Learners Through UDL and the Innovator’s Mindset, the course is designed to help to scale the core through the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL).

Each module will include a variety of resources to increase options for representation and increase engagement throughout the course. Additionally, there will be numerous options for action and expression so all course assignments are relevant, authentic, meaningful.

The Four Lenses of Learning framework reflects a comprehensive perspective on language, literacy, and learning. These lenses identify teaching and learning as:

Meaning-centered - Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is focused on activating the affective network of the brain - which seeks meaning and engagement. A consistent focus of this course is helping participants take evidence-based strategies and connect them to the design and delivery of meaningful, empowering teaching and learning.
Social - In Universal Design for Learning (UDL), it is critical to foster collaboration and community to build engagement. The power of social relationships, both in-person and online are critical pillars for building effective learning communities.
Language-based - we learn through speaking, listening, reading, and writing. This course offers numerous opportunities for rich literacy experiences as participants grow as expert learners and consistently engage in the five reading, writing, and talking processes.
Human - at the core of leading and learning are relationships. This course will focus on making meaningful connections among leaders, educators, and the communities they serve to ensure that all learning experiences create equal opportunities for learners to meet rigorous goals, create personalized learning experiences, and embody the Innovator’s Mindset.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

By the end of the course, participants will:

Develop a position on the core of teaching and learning that is empirically and theoretically supported
Facilitate deep reflection and help participants to refocus intentions and actions to have a more significant impact on the outcomes for all learners
Develop new and better ways to design, and to determine the impact of authentic teaching and learning on student learning using multiple means of evidence including student feedback, family and community engagement, and qualitative and quantitative data as students work toward goals that are relevant, authentic and meaningful

Building a Strong Foundation for Universal Design for Learning and Innovation (PLN41A) - Spring 2022