Description:

This evaluation of the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) projects examined the fidelity and extent of implementation of UDL and its impact on students and teaching practices. The study included the first three elementary and the first three middle schools in the projects and collected data through classroom observations, student surveys, and staff surveys. There was evidence for positive impacts on teachers' implementation of UDL instructional practices, on the student processes of engagement and independence in learning, and on teacher practices of lesson planning for accessibility and collaboration.

Recommendations:

Program staff should focus training, guidance, and other supports on the following suggestions to improve future implementation of the UDL projects

• Increase the number of UDL practices implemented by encouraging more use of the following practices by all teachers: choices of products, choices of responses, variety of formats for handouts, and reflection about choice.
• Increase the number of UDL practices implemented by encouraging more middle school teachers to incorporate stations/centers and routines for making choices.
• Increase the sharing of materials that enhance accessibility with teachers in other content areas and across grade levels.

File Name: UDL report_Final.pdf (970KB PDF)