UDL-IRN, CAST Announce Learning Designed
Date:
Thursday, April 26, 2018
Funding provided by New Profit, the Oak Foundation, & an anonymous donor
---
The UDL-IRN and CAST today announced a Fall 2018 launch of Learning Designed, an online global community platform and educators’ resource bank. Learning Designed is a key component of the multiyear Universal Design for Learning Credentialing and Certification Initiative (UDL-CCI) to develop a voluntary system for recognizing best practices in education program design, product development, and classroom instruction.
The UDL–IRN and CAST are inviting innovators and early adopters to take part in Summer 2018 beta testing of the platform, and are now taking applications to join Learning Designed for the Fall launch.
The announcement was made today in Orlando at the fifth annual UDL–IRN International Summit. Universal Design for Learning is a research-based framework for the design of highly flexible, personalized, and inclusive learning environments.
“Together, CAST and the UDL-IRN are leading this work to build a UDL professional credentials and certification ecosystem that also connects stakeholders to robust learning resources and an online community of support,” according to a joint statement by UDL-IRN CEO, James Basham, and CAST’s Senior Director of Research and Development, Jose Blackorby. “We are grateful to New Profit, the Oak Foundation, and a third funder who wishes to remain anonymous for investing in this important work.”
New Profit issued the following statement: “At New Profit, we invest ahead of the curve in bold social entrepreneurs and innovative initiatives tackling systems-level barriers to equity and opportunity. Our Reimagine Learning Fund is excited to announce an investment in CAST and its partnership with the UDL-IRN, along with a number of other organizations. ... Together, this game-changing group of entrepreneurs can revolutionize classrooms and learning environments of the future.”
About UDL-IRN: The UDL Implementation & Research Network (IRN) was founded in 2010 as a grassroots non-profit supporting global innovation and UDL implementation. Learn more at udl-irn.org
About CAST: Founded in 1984, CAST is an award-winning education innovation organization that developed the Universal Design for Learning framework and guidelines. Learn more at cast.org