Your UDL Lesson Planner: The Step-by-Step Guide for Teaching All Learners

Many teacher resources explore the fundamentals of Universal Design for Learning (UDL). This one takes UDL to the next level for educators who understand the basics—and can't wait to start using UDL in their lesson plans and classrooms.

In this practical, accessible guidebook, UDL expert Patti Kelly Ralabate walks teachers through the entire UDL lesson planning process, from developing learning goals to monitoring student progress. Through vignettes, exercises, video demonstrations, and other immediately useful resources, K—12 educators will discover how to translate UDL from theory to practice and plan lessons that meet every learner's needs. An essential guide for teachers, college instructors, specialized instructional support personnel, IEP team facilitators, curriculum planners, and inclusion facilitators, this book will help educators supercharge their lesson plans with one of today's best teaching approaches—and improve outcomes for students with and without special needs.

This book helps teachers:

• Review and understand the big ideas of UDL—what it is, what it's not
• Create effective learning goals based on content and performance standards
• Make sure learning goals are S.M.A.R.T.: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Results-oriented, and Time-bound
• Design lesson plans that address learner variability—even when teachers don't yet know the specific needs of every student
• Measure what matters by applying UDL principles to assessment of student progress
• Infuse UDL features into traditional instructional methods (with examples of how 10 other educators did it!)
• Enhance UDL lessons with materials, tools, and media that add real value
• Use self-reflection strategies and professional learning communities to continuously strengthen everyday practice

To guide teachers through each phase of the lesson planning process, the book includes scenarios, models, charts, application exercises, reflection questions, check-ins, and 7 classroom videos (available online) that bring key UDL concepts to life. Educators will also follow the lesson planning process of three teachers as they apply UDL for the first time.

Download File

Table of Contents

1. Why is UDL a Lesson Planning Process?
2. Defining Learning Goals – A Critical First Step
3. Taking a Variability Perspective
4. Assessing Learning – Making It Matter
5. Choosing Wisely – Teaching Methods with a UDL Spin
6. Adding Value – Materials & Media in a UDL Environment
7. Putting It Together
8. Reflecting on Expertise

"Patti Ralabate has played an important role in the growth of the UDL field, both through her work at the National Education Association and as CAST’s Director of Implementation. In this book, she deftly guides practitioners through the process of designing lessons using the UDL principles and guidelines. Patti shares timely knowledge that classroom educators can use right away to reach and teach all learners."
- David Gordon, Director of Publishing and Communications, CAST

"This book is a marvelous contribution to the UDL literature. Perfect timing and a perfect topic."
- Loui Lord Nelson, author of Design and Deliver: Planning and Teaching Using Universal Design for Learning

"All teachers need a copy next to their desk to maximize achievement outcomes, ensure deep understanding, and support 21st century success in students of all variability."
- Dr. Katie Novak, Assistant Superintendent, Groton-Dunstable Regional School District, Groton, Massachusetts

"A must have resource for new and veteran teachers… Patricia Ralabate has written the quintessential practical guide for educators who want to create that consistent engagement and meaningful access between the curriculum and each learner in any classroom."
- Elizabeth Stein, NBCT, Special Education Teacher, UDL Instructional Coach, Smithtown, New York

"If you understand and believe in the UDL framework, but need additional support to start planning with UDL, this is your resource! [This book] provides educators with a process for turning their knowledge of UDL into a flexible, focused, learner centered lesson plan."
- Dr. Elizabeth Berquist, Assistant Professor, Towson University

"Grounded in practical examples and replete with resources, Dr. Ralabate highlights why the UDL framework is necessary and important for lesson planning and offers a clear process by which educators can get started immediately."
- Allison Posey, CAST Professional Learning Associate