Universal Design Learning is a tremendous tool that allows all students to learn and share what they know in ways that make sense for them. Ideally UDL would be used in all classes with all students as it allows all students to be successful.

UDL is based on three domains: (CAST. http://udlguidelines.cast.org)
Affect Networks which is the why are we learning this. Student engagement in the learning process is crucial with many different ways to engage students and keep them engaged. Some students work best in groups with lessons that are flashy while others prefer a quiet routine. Providing many different ways to engage the students will keep them engaged and learning. For our students, engagement is extremely important. School –wide we recognize that this is vitally important for our students. As a result, Arbor School uses Project Based Learning (Buck Institute for Education. https://www.pblworks.org/ ) as our primary tool for engagement.

Representation Networks is the what of learning. Students all learn differently either auditory, visually, or hands on. Some students will learn a concept fast while others will take longer and need multiple ways of learning before mastering the skill. Lessons that are presented using many different methods will assure students will be given the opportunity to learn. A vast majority of our students are visual, hands-on learners. As a direct result nearly everything we do with the students is taught using one of these methods through the use of multimedia, activities that incorporate movement (sight words on scooters), building atoms from Styrofoam, or learning math facts through music are just some of the ways we help meet the learning styles of our students.

Action and Expression is the how of learning and focuses on how a student organizes and expresses their ideas and requires a great deal of practice and organization. Students should be given multiple ways to express what they know whether it is with essays, speeches, presentations, or video. One of main components to Project Based Learning is that there are multiple ways for students to share what they know. Students who do not test well can show their knowledge through posters, skits, videos or any other method.

The use of UDL in the classroom allows all of the students to learn, grow, and be successful.