07/10/25

Today, I further explored the idea of the Universal Design for Learning (UDL). UDL gives learners equal opportunities to succeed by planning for variability at the very beginning (A woman ill-prepared is a woman set up to fail!). After watching the video below, what stood out to me most was the idea that we cannot design learning for the “average student,” because that student doesn’t exist.

The Cast UDL guidelines create a framework for this practice. UDL is built around three principles: Representation, Action & Expression, and Engagement. The strength of the content you teach is not as important as HOW you are presenting that content and engaging students with it. The guidelines give specific suggestions for providing choices, reducing barriers, and building independence over time.

Shelley Moore’s video was powerful. Her bowling analogy, how you aim for not only the middle pins, but for the corners too, make the abstract concept of inclusion feel not only tangible, but essential too. It’s not about making individual plans for each student (knocking each pin over one at a time), but about creating a differentiated lesson where everyone feels included (hitting all the pins/as many as you can in one fell swoop).

In sum, today made me think deeper about how to bring UDL into practice. This means planning lessons that are grounded in UDL principles by anticipating diversity, giving meaningful options, and encouraging students to take control of their own learning. UDL supports equity, not by treating everyone the same, but by ensuring everyone has what they need to thrive.