Dr. Patti Kelly Ralabate

Memorable Experience(s) with CAST: 

My introduction to CAST and the UDL framework was from Dr. David Rose while I was working for the National Education Association. David was trying to help us convince Congress and the U.S. Department of Education that to meet students' needs best, educators needed to understand how students learned. I was intrigued by the potential impact of UDL. When I retired from NEA, I was fortunate to join CAST as a UDL Postdoctoral Fellow and subsequently as the Director of UDL Implementation and the National UDL Center.

My most cherished experience was joining Dr. Peggy Coyne to lead the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation grant focused on UDL Implementation because we had the opportunity to work with incredible UDL pioneers from four very different school districts, including Baltimore County Public Schools in Maryland and Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation in Indiana.

The grant aimed to investigate the best way to share the UDL framework with school personnel. We developed the UDL Implementation Process with those educators based on a systems-change approach. Our most impactful discovery was that UDL-inspired collaborative teams could dramatically improve engagement and performance for all learners. In essence, we showed that UDL was not only an evidence-based framework but that a UDL lens could (and did) make an exciting difference for educators and learners - all learners.

What Does CAST Mean to You?

My work at CAST inspired me to write five books for educators that define ways to create welcoming, supportive learning environments for all learners. Through CAST, I've made life-long friends who treasure and value what I value - true inclusion.

How has CAST Changed Over the Years?

Initially, CAST was a small group of researchers who wanted to make a difference for struggling learners. Its impact has grown astronomically. Through CAST's work, the UDL framework is now a global movement defined by access, engagement, and inclusion.

What Are You Most Excited About CAST Celebrating its 40th Anniversary?

CAST's 40th Anniversary gives all of us the opportunity to celebrate its ingenious beginnings and its global impact.

Favorite CAST-Related Quote

UDL is a journey "worth doing!" - Dr. David Rose