EDSP 630 Universal Design for Learning
(3-0-3) This course is designed to develop teacher knowledge and skills needed to accommodate a wide range of diverse learners in the regular classroom. Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is based on the most widely replicated finding in educational research: students are highly variable in their response to instruction, and accordingly, one of the most significant changes made by Congress (1997) to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is the requirement that students with disabilities must (1) have access to the general curriculum; (2) be involved in the general curriculum; and (3) progress in the general curriculum. In direct response to this legal and philosophical mandate, this course addresses instructional, management and assessment issues pertaining to the successful inclusive class placement of students with disabilities, and to the establishment of the optimal learning environment for all students. The course is appropriate for all teachers whose role includes responsibilities for the education of students with a wide range of diverse needs in school settings.