The Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Certificate is designed to engage professors in self-directed learning, interactive group learning, one-on-one coaching, and peer-to-peer sharing activities, as they work through understanding and applying the UDL framework at progressively deeper levels. The certificate is designed to leverage and connect UDL expertise across the college to support sustainable adoption. We compare this long-term goal to the growth of the ‘rhizome’. Participants will be encouraged to reflect on how aspects of this model could be implemented at their own institutions.

Session Video Recording
Slide Deck (PDF) (PowerPoint)
Interactive Notes Document

This research examines UDL framework applications among teacher candidates pursing their initial or cross endorsement certification in special education at a regional comprehensive university in Connecticut. Research results examine their progression in knowledge and application of the UDL framework in the K-12 settings. Along with the UDL Reporting Criteria (Rao et al., 2019), this presentation highlights explicit examples of our program’s implementation of UDL-focused preparation including instructor modeling, embedded supports, scaffolded progression, lesson planning, and classroom applications. Participants are encouraged to engage in our interactive discussions, exploratory activities, as well as multi-media and sample resources with colleagues from different disciplines.

Session Video Recording
Wakelet

The UDL- SICC Goal Setting and Planning Tool can be used to turn data from the UDL-SICC Self-Assessment into meaningful, realistic implementation goals. School teams may choose to build on areas of UDL implementation strength or focus on areas of needed growth. Setting goals across several domains helps ensure a global, holistic approach to UDL school improvement.

Click here to view the UDL School Implementation & Certification Criteria (UDL-SICC)

The self-assessment is designed to help school teams map their school’s current UDL practices to determine where they are and what next steps they can take on their UDL journey. Leadership teams use school data to identify areas of strength and growth related to schoolwide UDL practices and to identify potential entry points for improving UDL implementation. School teams can use the outcomes of this self-assessment to:  

• determine an area of focus;
• set an improvement goal;
• identify ongoing data that can be used to substantiate progress toward the goal;
• develop an action plan; 
• determine a timeline for revisiting and revising the plan and goal; and
• determine readiness for UDL School Certification

Click here to view the UDL School Implementation & Certification Criteria (UDL-SICC)

The UDL-SICC Full Criteria document provides a comprehensive description of the SICC. The UDL-SICC is built around four domains; School Culture and Environment, Teaching and Learning, Leadership and Management, and Professional Learning. They provide an organizational structure for thinking about schoolwide UDL implementation. Each domain is defined by its four elements, which guide implementation and are measured during certification. It includes grounding information about the criteria organization and structure, and provides detailed information, by domain, for all elements. Each element is defined by intent, indicator, and level. 

• Intent describes the purpose behind the element and its significance to school-wide UDL implementation.
• Indicators define and set the standard for full implementation of each element, and are used to monitor progress toward implementation. 
• Levels describe the continuum of practices that improve implementation, leading to certification of the element.

Click here to view the UDL School Implementation & Certification Criteria (UDL-SICC)

The UDL Implementation Readiness Indicators Tool supports school teams with determining a school’s readiness for UDL Implementation, helps teams avoid the potentially costly mistake of launching implementation efforts prematurely.

It’s important to recognize that readiness is contextual. A school team may be ready to scale up one initiative while still exploring readiness for another. All schools have unique qualities and needs. Understanding your school’s attributes will help your team determine where to begin your UDL implementation journey.

Click here to view the UDL School Implementation & Certification Criteria (UDL-SICC)