Access for ALL PLC is an interactive training focused on integrating technology within Universal Design for Learning educational framework within an inclusive classroom. Anyone is welcome to participate in the PLC training, if you would like to have a team participate in the PLC with coaching support, please contact Cindy Malone at cmalone@ucpnet.org. See the Access for ALL PLC Description document for more information about the overall structure, goals and objectives, and timeline.
This session's goal is to learn about developing expert learners, a foundational concept of Universal Design for Learning (UDL). UDL defines expert learners as students who are resourceful and knowledgeable, strategic and goal-directed, and purposeful and motivated. An expert learner, in the UDL framework, is not necessarily a student with content or domain-specific knowledge, but rather any learner who is motivated knows how to find and use the resources available, and can “take action” toward goals. The UDL framework encourages teachers to expect more from their learning environments/curriculum and consider what would happen if the curriculum was developed to include multiple ways in which all learners, including learners with severe disabilities, can learn.
Prior to the meeting, explore some of the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) concepts we will be discussing during the meeting. Please pick 2 options to read, watch, or listen to from the materials below prior to our PLC meeting to prepare for the discussion and activity.
READ: Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Learners with Severe Support Needs by Elizabeth Hartmann
LISTEN/WATCH: Where are all the expert learners? By Bill McGrath
LISTEN/WATCH: Using digital learning and supporting SEL and academics with 2nd graders by UDL in 15min podcast
LISTEN/WATCH: Expert Learning: Universal Design for Inclusive Literacy by California Coalition for Inclusive Literacy
After participating in the PLC session take a moment to reflect on what resonated with you from the conversation, individually and as a team.
During this year-long Professional Learning event, we will discuss different topics monthly. After each session please share a short audio or video reflection on the Monthly Personal Reflections topic. Also, comment by typing, audio, or video response to 2 other individuals who are not part of your team. The reflections are important for teams to identify learning, share and get support on any barriers or difficulties, and so we can ultimately celebrate our successes.
The Team Liaison will organize the Team Reflection activity after the PLC meeting to reflect on goals, questions, and learning from the PLC meeting. Liaisons please work collaboratively with your PLC teams to complete each month’s discussion questions and post a text, audio, or video reflection on the Monthly Team Reflection topic.
Is your PLC goal around developing expert learners, a foundational goal of UDL? If so, take the implementation challenge. Work with your students to explore developing expert learners in your classroom and use the universal support tools provided including Snap&read, Co-Writer or Read&Write. Explore the example in the session google document, review other challenges from the past on Flipgrid, or set up a coaching session for support and ideas. Let us know how the implementation challenge goes!
Teams can share their challenge in any way they choose by email to cmalone@ucpnet.org, post on Access for All Monthly Challenge Flipgrid topic with videos, images, or a text-based story.
Schedule a one-on-one coaching session with Cindy Malone (her calendly schedule) or Janet Peters (her calendly schedule). Email Cindy cmalone@ucpnet.org or Janet jpeters@ucpnet.org with any questions
Supporting Research
Hartmann, E. (2015). Universal design for learning (UDL) and learners with severe support needs. International Journal of Whole Schooling, 11(1), 54-67.
Navaitienė, J., & Stasiūnaitienė, E. (2021). The Goal of the Universal Design for Learning: Development of All to Expert Learners. In Improving Inclusive Education through Universal Design for Learning (pp. 23-57). Springer, Cham.
Registration may be cancelled up to 14 days prior to the event for a full refund. Cancellations received within 14 days of the event will not be refunded. No-show registrations will also not be refunded.