Learning Tools

http://www.cast.org  is the main website that can be very helpful when learning about UDL.  CAST stands for Center for Applied Special Technology.  From there, you can find many useful links within cast.org.  When you enter this homepage, you can then: 1) Learn about Cast. 2) Find out what they do in research and development. 3) See what learning tools they have to offer.

http://www.cast.org/teachingeverystudent/  can be a very helpful website to learn about UDL.  I really enjoyed the video about the principles of UDL.  You can watch this video by clicking the link below:

http://lessonbuilder.cast.org/window.php?src=videos


http://www.udlcenter.org/aboutudl/udlguidelines expains that, "Universal Design for Learning (UDL) helps educators meet goals by providing a framework for understanding how to create curricula that meets the needs of all learners from the start."

Below is a Curriculum Barriers Template that is available on the CAST website.  The chart analyzes the materials and methods you and the students use to present the material, and student qualities that may create a potential barrier or missed opportunity during a lesson.  You can find this template at: http://www.cast.org/teachingeverystudent/tools/curriculumbarrierstemplate.cfm


             Curriculum Barriers            Model Template

Grade: 3                 Teacher: Mrs. G.                Subject: Science              Standard: 6.23—Plants lifecycle  
Goal: Research and present information on a flower. 

Materials and Methods	Student Qualities	Potential Barriers/Missed Opportunities
Printed textbook	Kevin—Low vision Bill—Loves computer graphics Brian—Limited English	Difficulty seeing small text Textbook does not tap into this interest and skill Difficulty decoding and understanding the word meaning
Lecture/whole class presentation	Jose—Limited English Helen—Home problems Kiwa—Loses focus, dreams	Difficulty comprehending meaning May not engage with material, distracted from listening May not engage with material, distracted from listening
Library research	Brian—Organizational problems Kiwa—Trouble with key concepts	May have trouble keeping track of what he is learning May not be able to abstract the important content for project
Written report	Sarita—Poor writing mechanics Jake—Talented at drawing	Difficulty expressing her ideas effectively Does not tap into Jake’s drawing skill
Flower drawing	Phillip—Fine motor problems	Drawing is physically arduous—may not engage him
Oral report on flower	Jorge—Saxophone player Brian—Easily discouraged	Does not tap into Jorge’s musical talent May intimidate Brian
Independent project	James—Strong leadership and collaboration skills Helen—Distracted, personal concerns Elizabeth—Deep knowledge of plants	Context won’t draw on his leadership and collaboration skills. Helen could have difficulty working alone.