Student Guide Corner

This week I was in a high school Learning Center Support classroom and noticed a student reading from his personal Kindle Fire. The LC teacher mentioned to me that the student preferred reading on the Kindle device. Since I'm always hoping to learn from students, I asked the student why he preferred reading from his Kindle. He told me he liked being able to increase the font size ; it made it easier for him to read the text . Moral of the story - it's the little things that count. I often hear adults state they can't read from a device, they need the feel of the book in their hands. That may work for you but it's not always the best method for your students. Just because you or I might prefer a different presentation doesn't mean it works best for our students. This is one of the principles of UDL , in this case, multiple methods of presentation . The material was now presented in a form that worked best for this particular student. Another BYOD success story.

"He's lazy." "If only she tried harder." Have you ever entertained those thoughts about any of your students? Have you ever heard your colleagues use those statements to describe any of their students? Do you realize how difficult it can be for your struggling learners, ON A DAILY BASIS ? If you never struggled as a student, here is an opportunity to experience, even briefly, what school is like for too many of our students. It is vital we have empathy for what our struggling learners experience on a daily basis. PBS.org has created a set of interactive activities which offer the chance to simulate reading disabilities, writing disabilities or attentional issues. Try it out here .  Click on the challenge you would like to experience firsthand Now, click try it. How does it feel? Can you imagine what it is like to face this difficulty throughout the school day?  Next time, you are tempted to think your student on an IEP is lazy, rethink your reaction. Talk with ...

IMPORTANT : First, read The Homework Myth by Alfie Kohn.   If, after reading this book, homework is still considered necessary for learning, you will want to consider these alternatives. Many districts require assignment notebooks for scheduling homework and long-term assignments. For some students, a paper-based system works effectively. For other students, the assignment notebook provides unintended consequences as a method of frustration.  Not all students are able to independently record homework in an assignment notebook, for a variety of reasons (i.e. difficulty with pencil control, difficulty managing multiple paper materials, unable to use notebooks due to vision or physical disabilities) .   The paper IS the disability for these students. What are alternatives? Thinking creatively, and considering the ubiquitous technology available, here are a few options: 1.    Embed the assignments on the class webpage. Students (and parents) will know where i...

I've heard that refrain numerous times. "But... he doesn't want to be seen as different." It's usually uttered in response to specific technology recommendations offered during the IEP team process. The team typically nods their head in agreement; after all, it is a priority that the student completes school tasks in the same manner as their peers, or uses the same school tools as their friends.(Or is it?) Unfortunately, I realize another team is unaware of Universal Design for Learning principles.  If they understood UDL, they would appreciate the importance of offering MULTIPLE methods of engagement, presentation and expression. Instead, they are sticking to the "one size fits all" approach, an approach which fails to meet the needs of all learners. It's an approach that allows teams to agree, "He doesn't want to be seen as different." My challenge to the team is to change the culture, don't let the student be seen as different...

Why is text-to-speech (TTS) the best kept secret from our students? Is it also the best kept secret from teachers? Do you know about TTS? Is it available on every computer that your students use? The single most important free strategy we can show our students is the ability to use text-to-speech on any computer . Why? Three main reasons. It supports the writing process, especially when editing and revising written work. It provides the ability to access content for students who are reading below grade level. When content is digital it is now accessible and students can access the curriculum independently. No longer are they dependent on others to read to them. It's Universal Design for Learning . As part of the writing process, teach students to use TTS. When students write, the use of TTS often motivates them to write more. They enjoy listening to what they have written. Then, as students edit their work, they are more likely to catch errors when they listen to it (and especially...

In celebration of Earth Day in April, an organized effort to reduce the use of paper, and in fact, go paperless, was spearheaded by Shelley Blake-Plock . About 1,500 teachers nationwide and beyond made the pledge to go paperless that day. A collaborative effort produced a Google Doc with numerous ways to give up paper in the classroom . The beauty of this document is the fact it was created by teachers, for teachers. No administrators were involved. No AT specialists were necessary. What does this mean for us? We know that too often, paper creates the disability for many students. In a non-paper environment, their disability disappears. An invaluable document detailing typical activities using paper and paperless alternatives exists for all to use as a resource. There are great ideas and abundant resources here . It's good teaching and it's Universal Design - embedding UDL principles proactively into instruction. While I applaud the effort that started the paperless trend, ...

I resisted the purchase for a few days but finally realized I needed to get my hands on one myself. I needed to evaluate it as another tool for education, another tool that possibly promotes Universal Design for Learning (provide multiple methods of engagement, presentation and expression). I needed to evaluate it FOR MYSELF. With the students in mind. My initial observations lead me to believe this is TRANSFORMATIVE. Especially for struggling learners (kids on IEPs and 504s for example). Why? 1. The Coolness Factor - Never discredit this. Everywhere I go, whenever I bring out the iPad, everyone's demeanor changes to enthusiastic excitement. They salivate. Their fingers twitch. Give an iPad to a student with special needs and their peers will change their views. Historically, students on IEPs have not been viewed as the Cool Kids. This can be a game changer. The touch technology and available apps offer UDL strategies which can meet the academic needs of our kids. (more in a sub...

Some parts of the country have an unexpected Snow Day. Do you need something to do? I encourage you to explore the redesigned " CAST: Learning Tools " resources. CAST continues to offer invaluable resources that make our jobs as educators easier. For the first time, they have created a resource targeted toward Science teachers called Science Writer. It is a free web-based writing tool that supports middle and high school students in the science report writing process using principles of Universal Design for Learning. Not a Science teacher? Then explore the other FREE Learning Tools which are appropriate for all grades. These tools include embedded prompts which guide students through the learning process. Once you have created an activity, such as when using the UDL Book Builder tool, it is available to all students from one school year to the next. Add these tools to your Educator Toolkit to reach all your students.

Last week, the topic on the Twitter #edchat was differentiated instruction ( archived here ). Steven Anderson did a great job summarizing the discussion in his post, What Exactly is Differentiation ? A few tweets in particular resonated with me. One said, "I have 130 students - how can I differentiate for all of them?" (Good question. You can't). Another said, "Differentiated Instruction requires differentiated assessment." (Absolutely!) A third tweet pointed out the need to have students determine their own learning styles through the use of surveys or inventories. Unfortunately, this was another missed opportunity to explore the tenets of Universal Design for Learning. Everyone knows the buzzwords of Differentiation Instruction, DI for short, or Understanding by Design, UBD, or Multiple Intelligences Theory. Where was the conversation about UDL? When UDL principles are embedded proactively into the curriculum, differentiation occurs seamlessly. UDL is about mu...

It's easier than ever to learn about Universal Design for Learning (UDL). Check these out - 1. A new Universal Design for Learning YouTube Channel 2. Two online instructional modules about UDL available here and described here: These two online modules introduce the theory, principles and application of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to teacher candidates and in-service teachers. They provide higher education faculty with a multimedia, interactive online-learning environment that can be embedded in instructional methods courses. They are designed to be flexible enough to be used as part of an online, hybrid or face-to-face course. Please share this information with your colleagues.

It continues to confound me how few educators have heard of Universal Design of Learning (UDL) principles which promote student success and competence . Even earlier today, Lisa Parisi and I were discussing the lack of UDL awareness in education circles and how surprised we both are by this fact. Sometimes I wonder if it's because the term is typically (and erroneously) connected to special education and assistive technology. If it is connected to special education, do general educators believe it's an educational concept they do not need to understand? If that is the case, we need to correct the misconception. And then I read this.... " A Monumental Step Towards Promoting UDL for All " (via the Assistive Technology Blog) The post described what feels like a watershed moment, a recent event at the National Education Association's main headquarters . The NEA sponsored a symposium entitled Universal Design for Learning and Inclusive Practices with over 200 parti...

When you discover something that is personally tranformative, you share it with others; it's too difficult to keep it to yourself. And because I repeatedly observe teachers struggling with the challenge of how to reach all the learners in their classrooms, I am on a mission . I will do whatever it takes to teach others about UDL, or Universal Design for Learning because I believe UDL transforms teaching practices and makes learning possible for struggling learners. I can not keep this to myself. Recently, I had the opportunity to share about UDL at both NECC in DC, at the interactive UDL Playground and at EdubloggerCon East at BLC09 in Boston. I'm continually mystified by the reality that so few educators have heard about UDL and even fewer are applying the principles of offering multiple methods of engagement, presentation and expression to tap into students' affective, recognition and strategic networks to reach all learners. The connection between new media techn...

A new opportunity to highlight the best in education is now available. It�s CAST�s 25th anniversary! To celebrate, we feature great UDL implementation in the field through the UDL Spotlight. Want to nominate a Spotlight? Then nominate people or programs that embed UDL (Universal Design for Learning) principles in their classrooms. When UDL is effectively incorporated, it transforms learning, engages everyone and allows all learners opportunities to successfully demonstrate what they have learned. When we call attention to the best engaged, active learning and provide the tools that promote it, ( UDL Guidelines , UDL Curriculum Self-Check , and Learning Tools ), then we will start a ripple effect that spreads throughout our schools for the benefit of all our students. Look around you. Is there anyone or any program you believe is nomination-worthy? Head over to the CAST website and spotlight the achievement so that we can all learn from each other. And Happy 25th Anniversary, CAST!

Independence. Too often, independence is an elusive concept in our schools. Why? Because we believe we are accomplishing more when we provide students on IEPs with one-to-one adult supports who scribe for students and read the grade level material when the student is unable. What results? Unfortunately, learned passivity and DEPENDENCE. Is this FAPE, Free, Appropriate Education? If a student doesn't get it when the adult reads the material to him, how likely are they to ask the adult to repeat it? How appropriate is it when a student never has the opportunity to produce written work independently? How can we overcome this? A paradigm shift in how we view disability and accommodation must occur: 1. It is time to end the remediation vs. compensation battle and declare a truce. The emphasis on remediation at the expense of accommodation must stop. Instead, remediation MUST be COMBINED with compensation to accommodate for learning challenges if our students are to feel a sense of c...

From my reader this morning - Joe 1.0 - Joe's Non Netbook by Chris Lehmann The improv video is a brilliant illustration of the textbook as the disability and the need for Universal Design for Learning! How engaged were those students? How able were they to work with the material? How accessible is a textbook? It's clearly time to review our curriculum purchases as we enter another budget cycle.

Can education be transformed or is it just a dream? I may be idealistic but I believe that it is possible to transform education. Not only do I believe it is possible, I believe it is essential especially when considering students who are struggling learners. One way to achieve transformation is to incorporate Universal Design for Learning (UDL), a framework based upon neuroscience research which promotes multiple methods of engagement, representation and expression to benefit all students in our classrooms. The book Teaching Every Student in the Digital Age: Universal Design for Learning (2002) by David Rose and Anne Meyer elucidated the research, the framework and the principles. Sarah McPherson is using social networking tools to encourage interested educators to join an online discussion of the book. The discussion began yesterday and continues through July 1. Join the Teaching Every Student ning and participate with other educators in grasping UDL principles that will tran...

It's not often you come across a teacher like Lisa Parisi. Lisa co-teaches in an inclusion classroom where there is no distinction between regular education and special education kids. Kids are valued without labels. And success happens here. Lisa's most recent blog post, " A Perfect Storm? " details what successful co-teaching in an inclusive classroom looks like. There are four components: 1. A shared philosophy 2. Universal Design for Learning embedded throughout the curriculum 3. Project Based Learning 4. A belief that children work better in small groups Additional factors that promote success: We both work very hard to make our classroom engaging, fun, and supportive. We spend a great deal of time teaching the children acceptance and respect for each other. We both are capable of showing our students that we are learners, too, and as such, have our own struggles to overcome. We both believe in telling children the truth. We want them to understand their strugg...

It's another Monday morning and a dreadful beginning for some of the elementary age students who walk into our classrooms. Why? Because, if it's Monday, it must be "Start the Week with Journal Writing," a ritual where students are asked to write about their weekends. For some students, this is a piece of cake. For others (see previous post), this is like asking them to run a mile to school - they can do it but it is painful and challenging. So, let's think about some alternatives for those students "who have great ideas up here (pointing to head) but can't get them down here (pointing to paper)." Let's think in innovative ways to offer kids different methods of expression. 1. Use Garage Band (Mac) or Audacity (PC or Mac) to record students voices as they describe their weekend activities. Create a weekly Monday morning podcast for an authentic audience. Use the podcast to teach students about oral presentation and audience. What makes a p...

I am forever on the search for thinking outside the box teaching that captures the best instructional methods to engage ALL learners. It is critical to share methods that detail a "whatever it takes" approach to teaching. Dan Meyer (tag line -"Working hard to make it look easy") has created a summer video series that explains his approach to teaching. This post. the next/gen lecturer, details methods that help him rely less on textbooks (which present obstacles to learning for those who have print disabilities) and more on UDL strategies for student success. And that's what it's always about. dy/av : 002 : the next-gen lecturer from Dan Meyer on Vimeo .

One of the best things that resulted when I attended BLC 08 was the opportunity to have many conversations with Joyce Valenza , the world-renown teacher librarian and self-proclaimed "information goddess." She is one of the most dynamic, energetic, and passionate educators that I have ever met. Well, lucky for us, Joyce took on a project and I am thrilled to share the fruits of her labors which we can all benefit from. Many of you have added the blog post, Free Technology Toolkit for UDL in Every Classroom to your delicious accounts. Joyce took that blog post and made it into a wiki, UDLTech Toolkit , that is easy to navigate and visually more appealing than the blog. I encourage you to bookmark this wiki also. Here is a screen shot of the home page. I'm sure you will agree that this is a much easier tool to use and there are additions there that are not in the blot post. Check it out and let me know what you think. And please, pass along this resource to colleagues, pa...