Evidence
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is grounded in evidence and is continually evolving to reflect new learning science research. For four decades, CAST has championed limitless learning opportunities for all, and we serve as an evidence hub that the global community can trust.
Interested young girl participating in Spanish language speaking club, communicating with multiracial group of people of different ages sitting around table..
Leveraging the UDL framework across both physical and digital environments is essential for improving learning outcomes, particularly for students facing challenges to their needs and abilities. A growing body of research affirms that UDL benefits learners of all ages and across learning contexts.
Studies have consistently shown the effectiveness of UDL in real-world educational settings, often supported by federal initiatives.
Universal Design for Learning improves:
- Student outcomes in literacy, content area learning, and engagement.
- Motivation and readiness to pursue STEM career pathways.
- Students with disabilities’ experiences and uses of services in transition to postsecondary education and/or career.
- Educators’ capacity to design instruction to meet the needs of all students.
“Universal Design for Learning is one of the few big and truly transformative ideas to emerge in education in the last two decades.” Martha L. Minow, Harvard Law School
Research shows that UDL increases…
Academic Achievement
Research demonstrates that UDL elevates students’ academic achievement by improving literacy outcomes, and content knowledge across K-12 education areas including STEM subjects. Additionally, UDL has been shown to improve student success in higher education settings, benefiting learners at all academic levels.
Learner Engagement
Studies have shown that UDL improves learner engagement in both K-12 and higher education settings, fostering active participation across diverse student groups. UDL was found to boost motivation and readiness for students to pursue STEM career pathways. It also improves the experiences of students with disabilities, particularly in their transition to postsecondary education and careers.
Educator Learning & Development
UDL enhances the ability of educators to design instruction that meets the diverse needs of students in both K-12 and postsecondary settings, and it also supports effective instruction and learning in online environments. The benefits go beyond student learners – professional learning for educators based in UDL helps them implement these strategies more successfully in their own teaching practices.
Examples and supporting research
UDL is researched and implemented around the world, and the evidence base continues to grow. The articles cited here are just a few examples of the growing number of studies that reveal the benefits of UDL.
Explore the comprehensive evidence base document to find even more research into UDL, and please share your ideas if you have additional findings that you think should be included.
Middle school students participating in a UDL-based curriculum showed significant improvement in reading comprehension skills. (Dalton, et al., 2011)
Students with learning disabilities improved reading comprehension scores after using the UDL-based “Strategic Reader” tool. (Hall, et al., 2015)
Students with and without disabilities had improved test scores in high school chemistry after UDL-based instructional strategies were implemented. (King-Sears, et al., 2015)
Students in a school district implementing UDL-based instruction over a number of years scored above the state average on state tests. (CAST, 2024)
A meta-analysis of 20 studies found that UDL instruction showed moderate-to-large positive effects on student academic achievement. (King-Sears, et al., 2023)
Undergraduate students assisted by UDL-trained tutors have pass rates from 90-100%, higher than under other tutoring models. (East Carolina University, 2017)
After implementing a Universal Design for Learning framework, students increased their active engagement in learning activities such as writing, reading, and participating in class. (Katz, 2013)
College students reported greater self-efficacy and positive affect in classes with greater implementation of UDL principles. (Korabik & Palmer, 2004)
Students had heightened levels of engagement during science lessons that utilized UDL-aligned curricular materials like video games and alternative text. (Marino, 2014)
After using a universally designed science notebook, students with disabilities had higher scores on their motivation for science. (Yu, et al., 2021)
Instructor training in UDL positively impacted university students’ course perceptions, with students reporting positive changes in instructor use of UDL strategies. (Davies, et al., 2013)
Teacher candidates who participated in online UDL modules significantly enhanced their capacity to design and implement UDL lessons with and without technology. (Lee & Griffin, 2021)
Faculty in a teacher education program used UDL to analyze their teaching practice, and identified barriers that impeded student access to materials and engagement, which prompted a redesign of program components and coursework. (Fornauf, et al., 2021)
Teacher candidates in a UDL-designed teacher education program used UDL to design environments for all students, and plan with evidence-based instructional practices across disciplines. (Mackey, et al., 2023)
UDL training courses have significantly positive effects on educators’ ability to design accessible lessons to meet the needs of all learners, and effectively implement them. (Rusconi & Squillaci, 2023)
UDL in public policy
For effective change, investing in educators and enhancing their access to tools and training is crucial. Universal Design for Learning has been recognized as having a transformative impact on education over the past four decades, and can be been found in key federal laws guiding education, career training, and workforce initiatives across the United States, such as:
- U.S. Department of Education’s National Educational Technology Plan 2024
- Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (Perkins V, 2018)
- Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA, 2018)
- Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA, 2018)
Interested in making a difference for educators & learners?
Reach out to CAST to learn how you can support efforts to design inclusive learning experiences.