Description

In this episode, we dive into the transformative power of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) with experts Beth and Loui Lord Nelson. Together, they explore how UDL empowers all learners, offering a flexible framework that accommodates diverse learning needs. Through their extensive experience, Beth and Loui emphasize the importance of learner agency, inclusive practices, and fostering curiosity. They share practical insights into how UDL can be implemented across various educational contexts, enhancing equity and access for every student. 

Whether you're an educator, administrator, or ed-tech enthusiast, this episode provides valuable strategies to shift mindsets, create inclusive learning environments, and sustain long-term change in educational settings. 

🎙️ Episode Highlights with Beth and Loui Lord Nelson

[3:40] The Journey to UDL

• Beth shares how her journey with UDL began in graduate school, where she studied special education.
• [4:19] UDL is not just for students with identified needs but applies to every learner.
• [7:40] Loui discusses her experience leading UDL implementation across an entire district and how the framework has evolved over time.

Introduction to UDL Principles

• Beth and Loui introduce the core principles of UDL: Multiple Means of Engagement, Representation, and Action/Expression.
• They highlight how educators can use these principles to create inclusive classrooms that cater to the variability of all learners.

Learner Agency and Sustainability

• Both Beth and Loui underscore the importance of learner agency.
• They explain how UDL empowers students to take control of their learning and fosters an inclusive classroom culture.
• The duo also shares strategies for sustaining UDL practices over time and adapting them to diverse educational environments.

💬 Notable Quotes
Beth: “Universal Design for Learning is our shared pathway to a more inclusive and equitable world for all global citizens.”

Loui: “Curiosity is the entry point to UDL. It’s about understanding that there are things we don’t know yet about learners, and continuing to explore how the brain works helps us better support them.”

Beth: “Every learner matters. Shifts happen over time, and UDL is about supporting small changes that lead to transformational shifts in the long run.”

Let’s Connect

Linked In: Beth Stark   Loui Lord Nelson 

Website: udlapproach.com, bethstarkconsulting.com 

Connect With Kailyn Fullerton

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaifull/

X: @kaifull

Website: www.upstream-collaborative.org

Connect with Celiah Bunsie

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠Celiah Bunsie⁠⁠⁠ 

Connect With Dana Specker Watts 

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/danaspeckerwatts/⁠⁠⁠⁠

Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/teachwatts⁠⁠⁠⁠

Connect With Mike

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-pierre/⁠⁠

More Resources

• Head over iss.idu to check out ISS website for events and more.

• Sign up for Moreland University to elevate your career as an educator at www.moreland.edu

• Join the community of professional educators considering the role of inclusion in the classroom culture at seniainternational.org

• Check out inspirecitizens who inspire schools to live their mission of global citizenship at inspirecitizens.org

The ISS EDUlearn® Passport is the ultimate subscription for your PD.

Try it out now: ⁠⁠⁠https://lnkd.in/gqytehA3⁠⁠