CAST: Universal Design for Learning

CAST Provides Free Online Tool to Improve Curriculum for All
UDL Curriculum Self-Check™  guides teachers to reach and engage diverse learners

Wakefield, MA, March 19, 2008--CAST today announced the release of the UDL Curriculum Self-Check™, a free online tool to help educators apply Universal Design for Learning (UDL), a framework to create and implement flexible curriculum that simultaneously reduces barriers to learning while providing robust educational supports. UDL addresses all the whole curriculum, including instructional goals, methods, materials, and assessments.

The UDL Curriculum Self-Check helps educators get ready for tomorrow's class by providing an interactive series of step-by-step questions that home in on areas of the curriculum where barriers may exist or more supports are needed. Educators also have access to resources for ideas on how to build options and flexibility into each element of their curriculum. Animated "coaches and embedded rating scales help teachers use the UDL Curriculum Self-Check more effectively.

"The UDL Curriculum Self-Check was developed in response to teachers asking for practical ways to implement UDL in their classrooms," says Grace Meo, CAST's Director of Professional Development and Outreach Services. "We believe this tool is an excellent start and welcome teachers to send us feedback or suggestions at UDLSelfCheck@cast.org.

This interactive tool is available at no charge on CAST’s website at http://udlselfcheck.cast.org/. It joins CAST UDL Book Builder and CAST UDL Lesson Builder to provide teachers with a powerful suite of free resources to help improve instruction by applying UDL at all grade levels.

The UDL Curriculum Self-Check was developed by CAST with support from the Massachusetts Department of Education.

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CAST is a nonprofit research and development organization that has earned international recognition for its efforts to expand educational opportunities for all individuals through Universal Design for Learning. To learn more, go to www.cast.org.

CAST's Mission

To expand learning opportunities for all individuals, especially those with disabilities, through the research and development of innovative, technology-based educational resources and strategies.

Did You Know...?

CAST's research areas include literacy, online learning, assessment, textbook design, accessibility, classroom practice, and education policy.

A Word about CAST

"CAST has made a tremendous contribution to educational policy for all students and especially for students with disabilities."
John Kemp, disability rights lawyer