Universal Design for Learning: Reaching ALL
Students in Science
Delinda van Garderen, Cathy Thomas & Kate Sadler
University of Missouri
Science Instruction & Diverse
Learners
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Diverse learners often underperform in science.
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NAEP – 50% of 4th graders & 67% of 8th graders with
disabilities scored at below basic level (NCES, 2013)
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Many special educators report being unprepared
to teach science (Kahn & Lewis, 2014)
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Many special educators may serve in collaborative
roles or have primary responsibility for delivering
science instruction (van Garderen et al., 2012)
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Session Goals
1. Understand key ideas related to UDL and how to apply
the framework to (re)design lesson plans.
2. Identify and develop solutions connected to the
principles of UDL to address barriers for learning
science.
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5E Learning Cycle
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Universal Design for Learning
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UDL is a framework that addresses and redresses
a primary barrier to learning:
Inflexible one-size fits all curricula
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Helps teachers be intentional and systematic in
addressing needs of diverse learners
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Is applied at the design level of instruction
Proactive rather than reactive!
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What Is UDL?
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UDL and Cognitive Science
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UDL and 3 Principles
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Applying UDL in Planning
Several important considerations:
1. Two ways to approach UDL
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Retrofitting an existing lessons/5E learning cycles (e.g. from
existing curriculum)
Developing new lessons/5E learning cycles that embeds UDL
as you plan
2. When implementing, consider barriers related
to
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Student characteristics
Science learning
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Applying UDL in Planning
3. Universal Design for Learning considers barriers in the
curriculum and is available in the classroom
environment for students who need it as well as
students who may prefer the option.
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Solutions may be embedded as general practices to make the
lesson more accessible
Solutions may be embedded specific to student(s) need to
make the lesson more accessbile
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Solutions may (or may not) be an accommodation or modification.
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Final Thoughts
UDL Resources
www.cast.org
http://www.udlcenter.org
http://www.udlcenter.org/aboutudl/udlguidelines
Science Content/Curriculum Resources
https://learningcenter.nsta.org
http://undsci.berkeley.edu/resourcelibrary.php
https://www.aaas.org/program/science-netlinks
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Questions or comments?
This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation
Discovery Research K12 Program under Grant No. DRL-1316683. Any opinions,
findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of
the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science
Foundation.
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