Universal Design for Learning

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a research-based framework for improving student learning experiences and outcomes by focusing on careful instructional planning to meet the varied needs of students. UDL is not a special-education initiative. Through the UDL framework, the needs of all learners are considered and planned for at the point of first teaching, thereby reducing the need for follow-up or alternative instruction.

Following the principles of UDL, Amplify Science units and lessons are designed to be universal and flexible in allowing choice; different paths toward goals; and multiple means of engagement, representation, action and expression, and assessment, so that all students have an opportunity to learn during lessons and be successful with lesson and unit goals. While Amplify Science lessons are intentionally designed to be universal and flexible, each student is unique and teachers will need to understand their students’ individual learning strengths and needs in order to refine or enhance lessons through differentiation strategies to make them truly universal. All lessons are designed with a range of students in mind, providing multiple points of entry and modalities of learning (e.g. talking to peers, viewing short explanatory videos, reading, writing, conducting investigations, etc.) for students to engage with the content. In addition, to support teachers with the decisions they need to make in order to ensure that all students have access to learning, each lesson contains a Differentiation Brief that outlines specific supports for diverse learners, as well as flexible options for adapting lessons according to students’ needs. UDL principles and guidelines, as well as practical suggestions for classroom teaching and learning, can be found at the National Center for UDL (udlcenter.org).