Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a framework for designing lessons and learning environments that anticipate learner variability and reduce barriers. Start with a clear learning goal, then build in flexible ways for students to engage, access information, and demonstrate what they know.
The three UDL principles
- Engagement covers how students participate, sustain effort, and connect with the learning.
- Representation covers how students perceive and make sense of information.
- Action and expression covers how students practice, communicate, and show their learning.
What UDL looks like in a classroom
In a reading lesson, everyone works toward the same goal: explaining a passage’s main idea with evidence. Students can read or listen to the passage and respond in writing, in audio, or with an organizer. The same criteria apply to each response.
See the worked elementary reading lesson, explore the UDL Guidelines, or use the lesson plan template and checklists to plan your own lesson.