CAST's Professional Development provides preK — college educators with knowledge, skills, strategies, and tools that maximize learning opportunities for all students. Guided by the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and research-based practices, CAST's professional development supports educators' efforts to meet the challenge of today's diverse classrooms by suggesting flexible instructional materials, methods, and assessments to meet these varied needs.
On-Site Institutes at your school, district, or organization combine hands-on learning, use of new technologies, and effective teaching strategies with a variety of on-going follow-up activities to support educators and sustain learning. On-Site Institutes are typically two days in length.
Customizable district-wide consultation and implementation services are available upon request to address the challenges faced by states and school districts that are committed to improving learning outcomes for all students. The guiding framework for these services is Universal Design for Learning.
Two Free Online UDL Modules
Two free online modules introduce the theory, principles, and application of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to teachers and teacher candidates. These modules, each four to six hours in length, can be used in graduate and undergraduate education courses, professional development, consulting activities, and as a resource for educators across the country.At-CAST Institutes
CAST's institutes bring together educators from across the country providing a stimulating learning environment for up to 24 participants. Work with experts from the field of UDL in the exploration of materials, technologies, and methods that challenge and engage all learners. CAST 2012 Summer Institutes
Universal Design for Learning: New Directions in Higher Education
June 4-5, 2012
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is included in the recent Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008. Signed into law by the President, UDL is defined as a scientifically valid framework for guiding educational practice that provides flexibility in the ways information is presented, in the ways students respond or demonstrate knowledge and skills, and in the ways students are engaged. UDL also reduces barriers in instruction, provides appropriate accommodations, supports, and challenges, and maintains high achievement expectations for all students, including students with disabilities and students who are limited English proficient. Experts in the field of Universal Design for Learning will provide new understandings and strategies for supporting and improving learning outcomes for ALL students.For more information, and to register, please click here.
Universal Design for Learning (UDL): Addressing the Variability of All Learners
August 21-23, 2012
How can educators minimize learning barriers and maximize learning opportunities for all students? How can educators design lessons and curriculum units to address the wide range of learners in today's classrooms? What next steps need to be taken to integrate UDL into their school environment? In this three-day institute, participants will explore these questions while learning about the principles and application of UDL. In addition to hearing presentations from leaders in the field of UDL, participants will have the opportunity to actively engage in guided practice and hands-on experiences as they work on the development of a lesson, unit of study, or action plan to integrate UDL into practice.For more information, and to register, please click here.
2012 Summer Institute at Harvard Graduate School of Education
Universal Design for Learning: Reaching All LearnersJuly 9-13, 2012
Realizing the promise of UDL requires the collaboration of experts in teaching, educational administration, policymaking, technology, and publishing. Universal Design for Learning is designed specifically to help educators meet the challenge of teaching diverse learners in inclusive, standards-based classrooms. The institute provides a blueprint for creating flexible goals, methods, materials, and assessments that enable students with diverse needs and learning styles to succeed in the classroom. The institute helps you better understand the responsibilities to diverse learners and provides practical, hands-on solutions for reaching and teaching all learners.
For more information, and to register, please click here.
