UDL Credentials & Certifications for Educators & Product Developers
Project Name
The Universal Design for Learning Credentialing & Certification Initiative (UDL-CCI)
Project Description
CAST and the UDL Implementation & Research Network (UDL-IRN) are leading a field-building initiative to stimulate, support, and sustain best practices in Universal Design for Learning (UDL). This includes developing credentials and certifications that focus on product development, classroom instruction, and school-wide implementation of UDL. The ultimate vision is to meet the growing demand for UDL and how UDL addresses the needs of all learners.
The UDL Credentials include:
- Credential 1: UDL Mindset: This introductory credential covers the key concepts of UDL, such as variability, barriers, and expert learning, and serves as the perfect starting point for a UDL credential journey.
- Credential 2: UDL Analysis: In this credential, participants analyze a real- world scenario and determine how the design reduces barriers, supports learner variability, and connects to the UDL Guidelines.
- Credential 3: UDL Application: Participants plan, implement, gather feedback, and revise their own design of a learning experience (i.e., lesson) using UDL. This credential supports participants to work through the UDL design process, or the intentional planning of the goal, assessment(s), materials, methods, and physical environment.
In addition to the credentials, there are certification opportunities:
UDL School Implementation Criteria
The UDL School Implementation Criteria defines a roadmap for UDL implementation across all aspects of a school, including School Culture and Environment, Teaching and Learning, Leadership and Management, and Professional Learning. The purpose of the criteria is to support an ambitious vision for schoolwide implementation of UDL and provide a flexible roadmap for how to achieve this vision.
UDL Product Certification
The UDL Product Certification, developed in partnership with Digital Promise, is designed to evaluate how strongly an edtech product’s design is aligned to the UDL framework. Products must provide transparent communication about accessibility practices and conformance to customers, and must align to the UDL Guidelines, demonstrating how the product’s design features provide multiple ways for learners to engage with the learning experience, access the learning materials, and express their knowledge and skills.
All criteria in the credentials and certifications were developed in collaboration with an advisory board of school leaders, educators with years of experience with UDL, and implementation specialists who support schools and districts. The credentials and certifications were also built on a foundation of research from the implementation and improvement sciences, as well as research from across the UDL field.
Testimonials
After using the self-assessment as a district team we saw that each of our schools needed growth in a particular area. This was a great tool to get that conversation and thought process moving.
Mike Nikson, Instructional Technology Coordinator, Sheboygan Falls School District
Having the criteria to reflect on was very valuable. We really had to think about where we are, what we are doing really well, and what we weren't.
Laurie Martin, Social Studies Department Chair, Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation
Timeline
2016 – present
Funders
Oak Foundation
Office of Special Education Programs, U.S. Department of Education
Partner
UDL-SICC Advisory Board
Project Leadership
James Basham, Principal
Steve Nordmark, Director
Contact
For inquiries about UDL credentials and certifications in the Learning Designed platform, please email support@learningdesigned.org.