Resource form DOE
New UDL Resources from CAST - The following are excellent resources on Universal Design for Learning (UDL) from the Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST). You will find these links, resources, and more at the CAST website at http://www.cast.org/or visit the FDLRS Technology website at http://www.fdlrstech.comand click on "Universal Design".
UDL Guidelines - http://www.cast.org/publications/UDLguidelines/version1.html
The UDL Guidelines will assist teachers, publishers, and others in designing flexible curricula that are more accessible, effective, and engaging for ALL learners. They will also help educators evaluate both new and existing curricula goals, media and materials, methods, and assessments.
UDL Guidelines Blog - http://udlguidelines.edublogs.org/
The UDL Blog is a forum for educators and other education stakeholders (parents, policy makers, etc.) to offer comments on how to improve the guidelines; share stories about applying the guidelines; and identify new examples and resources that support application of the UDL Guideline options.
Language Arts
UDL Editions by CAST(Ages 10 and up) - http://udleditions.cast.org/
UDL Editions by CASTare classic texts from world literature presented in a flexible online interface that provides just-in-time, individualized supports for struggling readers, and added-value features that engage novice and expert readers alike.
Learning features includeleveled supports to build reading strategies and help readers understand the elements of the author’s craft;a Texthelp Toolbar for accessibility and language features;context-specific multimedia glossariesand enrichment activities; and multimediabackground resources (developed withsupport from Carnegie Corporation of New York; introduced in partnership with the Google Literacy Project for World Book Day, 2008). Watch the video at http://www.cast.org/movies/udleditions.html.
CAST UDL Book BuilderTM (For teachers of children ages 3 and up) - http://bookbuilder.cast.org/
Free online tool enables educators to develop their own digital books to support reading instruction for children aged 3 and up. Teachers create, edit, and save resource-rich texts. Terry, an animated character, guides educators as they write text, choose images, upload audio, author a multimedia glossary, and develop scripts for the prompts, hints, and models that will help build young readers' skills. A rich Resources section of model books and shared books offer ideas, inspiration, and free content (developed with support from the Massachusetts Department of Special Education, NEC Foundation of America, The John W. Alden Trust, and The Pinkerton Foundation). Please send comments or suggestions to mailto:.
Internet Research and Digital Literacy
CAST Strategy Tutor (Ages 10 and up) - http://cst.cast.org/cst/auth-login
Free online tool to support students and teachers doing reading and research on the Internet. Strategy Tutor helps students read, research, collect, and understand information better and more efficiently. For teachers, Strategy Tutor provides a way to easily create web-based lessons embedded with research-based, highly effective learning strategy and vocabulary supports (developed with generous support from Carnegie Corporation of New York).
Improving Teacher Practice
CAST UDL Curriculum Self-CheckTM - http://udlselfcheck.cast.org/
Free online tool that helps educators build options and flexibility into each element of the curriculum (goals, methods, materials, and assessments)in order to reach and engageall students. The Self-Check is designed as an interactive series of step-by-step questions with embedded coaches and rating scales that help teachers identify specific aspects of their curriculum where they could incorporate UDL into their teaching. Educators also have access to an Explore Resources section for ideas on how to build options and flexibility into each element of their curriculum (developed with support from the Massachusetts Department of Special Education). Please send comments or suggestions to mailto:.
CAST UDL Lesson BuilderTM - http://lessonbuilder.cast.org/
Free online tool that teaches educators to customize standards-based curriculum to meet individual learning needs. Lesson Builder provides teachers with model UDL lessons as well as tools to create and adapt lessons that increase access and participation in the general education curriculum [developedin cooperation with the Access Center (American Institutes for Research)]. Please send comments or suggestions to mailto: