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Leadership and Technology
Universal Design for Learning
Bridging the Gap through Universal Design for Learning
"Bridging the Gap through Universal Design for Learning" (UDL) is a DOE cross- division initiative for educators who are committed to improving educational outcomes for all learners. The central practical premise of UDL is that a curriculum should include alternatives to make it accessible and appropriate for individuals with different backgrounds, learning styles, abilities, and disabilities in widely varied learning contexts. The "universal" in universal design does not imply one optimal solution for everyone. Rather, it reflects an awareness of the unique nature of each learner and the need to accommodate differences, creating learning experiences that suit the learner and maximize his or her ability to progress. (CAST)
The goals of this professional development are: Identifying principles of UDL, applying UDL strategies to classroom practices, using technologies that support UDL in the classroom, applying UDL to curriculum planning, and developing concrete action plans for the continuous integration of UDL principles.
Districts that are interested in addressing the challenges of IDEA and learning how to make the general curriculum accessible for all learners should participate in the online or the residential UDL institute. The suggested audience is district and/or school-based teams. Team Membership for a District Team should include: Special Education Teacher, Regular Education Teacher, Curriculum Supervisor, Special Education Supervisor and Technology Supervisor. A school-based team may also register for the online institute. The school team should include: Special Education Teacher, Regular Education Teacher, Administrator, and Librarian/Media Specialist or Technology Specialist.
The institute is offered in two formats: face-to-face and online. The two designs will include the same content, just presented in a different format.
The residential component of "Bridging the Gap" is designed to provide a hands-on experience that highlights UDL. Participants will receive the Teaching Every Student through UDL Textbook, explore software with UDL features, interact with other professionals from various schools and districts, review laws and legal parameters of IDEA, Section 504 and 508, and have the opportunity to develop a district or schoolwide action plan.
The online institute will be conducted "anytime, anywhere" using a computer that has connectivity to the Internet. The online component consists of weekly assignments, posting to the discussion board, and assigned readings.
Although online education provides a flexible environment for learning, there are certain skills that are necessary for success. In an asynchronous course, the participant should possess self-discipline, good reading and writing skills, and a willingness to work independently. If you have a school or district team that is interested in this style of learning and have a desire to address the needs of all learners in a classroom, please register for "Bridging the Gap through Universal Design for Learning" using the online registration provided on this website.
Districts and schools interested in face-2-face opportunities should contact Quentina Timoll or send an e-mail to the address provided.
Three six-week online courses are offered throughout the year: September (fall), January (spring), and May (summer).
For additional information or answers to questions email:
UDL@ladoe.org
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Bridging the Gap 2007- 2008 Schedule
UDL: An Introduction - September 10, 2007 – October 22, 2007
UDL: An Introduction - January 21, 2008 – March 3, 2008
UDL: An Introduction - June 9, 2008- July 28, 2008
Registration is available via CourseWhere:
http://www.solutionwhere.com/ldoe/cw/main.asp
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Announcing the Louisiana Accessibility Initiative
The Department of Education has established an Accessibility Initiative as a collaborative endeavor to foster curriculum support for all learners. This project brings together a cadre of individuals across the DOE including programs focused on curriculum, assessment, students with disabilities, Universal Design for Learning, assistive technology, Title I, 504, textbooks, and teacher preparation programs. The Accessibility initiative will work to develop and implement statewide structures that will guide all stakeholders to manage the task of providing curriculum access, provide cohesion between state initiatives to address accessibility, and meet the criteria of the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Click here to obtain more information about the Accessibility Initiative.
Accessibility Initiative
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