What is Universal Design for Learning

Universal Design for Learningis a set of principles for curriculum development that give all individuals equal opportunities to learn. UDL provides a blueprint for creating instructional goals, methods, materials, and assessments that work for everyone--not a single, one-size-fits-all solution but rather flexible approaches that can be customized and adjusted for individual needs. Why is UDL necessary? Individuals bring a huge variety of skills, needs, and interests to learning. Recognition Networks The "what" of learning How we gather facts and categorize what we see, hear, and read. Strategic Networks The "how" of learning Planning and performing tasks. Affective Networks The "why" of learning How learners get engaged and stay motivated. Source: CAST - What is UDL? Learn more about UDL:

Make the most of student data When you hear the term data, you might not get very excited. Data has a reputation for being dry, boring and difficult to deal with. All this changes, however, when you consider data’s capabilities. The truth is, of all the amazing technological advancements in recent decades, the ability to quickly capture, analyze and apply data on student learning and progress has the potential to facilitate some of the biggest improvements to our educational system we’ve seen yet. We’ve had access to basic student data through standardized testing for a long time, but only in the past decade have complex data systems become affordable and accessible enough for administrators and teachers to use them to track real-time student data. This isn’t hype. Academics. Yet student data is only as effective as the user’s ability to interpret it. They need help, and it is leadership’s job to provide it. 1. For professional learning related to student data use to really be effective, it needs to be: Two-pronged.

References 2014-2015 Testing Dates The 2014-2015 testing dates are below. The new state tests are in the fall (English language arts and mathematics; high school; and only paper) and in the spring (both paper and online forms are available). The Ohio Graduation Tests are in the fall and the spring, with an optional administration in the summer. The Ohio Achievement Assessment grade 3, reading only, is in the fall and spring. The new state tests replace grade 3 math and grades 4-8 Ohio Achievement Assessments. New State Tests Districts will have flexibility in scheduling the new state tests and choice in the format of the tests. Districts that select to use a paper format for the English language arts and mathematics tests will have a 15-day window. The science and social studies tests have a set 10-day window for both paper and online testing formats. There will be a fall block test window for students who take English language arts and mathematics high school courses. Ohio Graduation Tests Ohio Achievement Assessments

Engaging and Motivating Students Presenting New Information UDL Differentiated Learning UDL and Differentiated Learning UDL Picture IMG 0171