Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Guidelines: A framework to improve and optimize teaching and learning for all people, based on scientific insights into how humans learn.
The UDL Guidelines are a tool used in implementing Universal Design for Learning, developed by CAST. They provide concrete suggestions applicable to any discipline or domain, ensuring all learners can access and participate in meaningful, challenging learning opportunities. The guidelines support educators, curriculum developers, researchers, and parents in applying the UDL framework to practice.
The goal of UDL is to foster learner agency that is purposeful, reflective, resourceful, authentic, strategic, and action-oriented. These guidelines are continuously developed based on new research and practitioner feedback.
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Development
Created by CAST based on scientific insights into human learning
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Application
Used by educators, curriculum developers, researchers, and parents
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Goal
Foster purposeful, reflective, resourceful, authentic, strategic, and action-oriented learner agency
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Evolution
Continuously updated based on research and practitioner feedback
Introducing UDL Guidelines 3.0
On July 30th, 2024, CAST released UDL Guidelines 3.0, marking a significant update to this living, dynamic tool. This new iteration responds to a strong call from practitioners and researchers to address critical barriers rooted in biases and systems of exclusion. The update aims to fulfill the promise of the Guidelines as a tool for designing learning environments that more fully honor and value every learner.
Key Features of UDL Guidelines 3.0
- Addresses critical barriers rooted in biases and systems of exclusion - Aims to more fully honor and value every learner - Responds to feedback from practitioners and researchers - Designed to guide the creation of inclusive learning environments
Impact on Education
- Enhances the design of learning environments - Promotes greater inclusivity in education - Supports educators in addressing diverse learner needs - Encourages a more equitable approach to teaching and learning
UDL Guidelines 3.0 Webinar Series
CAST is offering a series of free, dynamic webinars designed to empower educators, administrators, and leaders with the latest insights and practical strategies from the new UDL Guidelines 3.0. These webinars provide an opportunity to explore the future of inclusive education and gain valuable knowledge about implementing UDL principles in various educational settings.
The ultimate goal of Universal Design for Learning is to foster learner agency. This concept encompasses several key attributes that empower learners to take control of their educational journey. UDL aims to develop learners who are:
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Purposeful & Reflective
Learners who set meaningful goals and critically evaluate their progress and strategies.
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Resourceful & Authentic
Students who can effectively utilize various resources and apply learning to real-world situations.
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Strategic & Action-Oriented
Individuals capable of developing and implementing effective learning strategies and taking initiative in their education.
About the UDL Guidelines Graphic Organizer
The UDL Guidelines Graphic Organizer is a visual tool that helps educators and learners understand and implement the principles of Universal Design for Learning. This organizer provides a structured overview of the guidelines, making it easier to interpret and apply UDL concepts in various educational contexts.
Using the Graphic Organizer
The organizer is designed to be user-friendly, allowing educators to quickly reference different aspects of UDL. It can be used for lesson planning, curriculum design, and professional development.
Interpreting the Organizer
Each section of the organizer corresponds to a key principle of UDL, with specific guidelines and considerations listed under each. This structure helps users understand the relationships between different UDL components.
UDL Guidelines Downloads
CAST provides various downloadable resources related to the UDL Guidelines, including printable versions of the Guidelines Graphic Organizer. These downloads are available in multiple languages and include both current and past versions of the guidelines. This accessibility ensures that educators worldwide can benefit from UDL principles in their native languages.
Current Version
UDL Guidelines 3.0 in multiple languages
Past Versions
Access to previous iterations of the guidelines
Translated Materials
Guidelines available in various languages to support global implementation
Research Behind UDL Guidelines
The UDL Guidelines are grounded in extensive research on learning sciences, cognitive psychology, and neuroscience. CAST provides information about the research evidence used to develop the Guidelines, ensuring that the framework is based on solid scientific foundations. This research-based approach lends credibility to UDL and helps educators understand the rationale behind its principles.
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Learning Sciences
Insights from studies on how people learn effectively
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Cognitive Psychology
Understanding mental processes involved in learning
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Neuroscience
Brain-based research on learning and development
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Educational Research
Studies on effective teaching and learning strategies