2017 UDL-IRN Summit has ended

Create Your Own Event

2017 UDL-IRN Summit

12:45pm EDT

Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality: Connecting Emerging Technologies to UDL (* streaming available)

Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality a(VR) re new technologies that are becoming common in commercial activities such as gaming, and are just beginning to be used in educational settings. AR and VR applications have become common on mobile devices and now are being introduced as wearable devices such the Microsoft Hololens, Oculus Rift, and HTC Vive. New AR and VR platforms provide educators unprecedented new resources to support all learners by connecting these tools to the UDL framework. Get hands-on with AR smartglasses and VR headsets and take away lists of classroom-ready mobile apps to get AR and VR educational experiences to your learners.

Speakers

Don McMahon

Assistant Professor, Washington State University

Dr. Don McMahon was a special education teacher for seven years and then became an instructional co-teaching coach for general education and special education teachers. Don graduated from the Special Education PhD program at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. In addition to his... Read More →

Thursday March 30, 2017 12:45pm - 2:00pm EDT
Palms Ballroom E

Breakout Session

12:45pm EDT

Design for All

Get ready for a lesson planning-based UDL adventure! In this presentation, we will be specifically dissecting standards in a STEM environment to create a lesson plan that encompasses all learners, including those with significant disabilities. Whether by high tech, low tech, or no tech, all students can participate and thrive in the UDL classroom. Good design is the key.

Speakers

Julie Kuhn

PATINS Specialist, PATINS Project

Julie Kuhn is a PATINS Specialist. She has a background of 24 years in public schools where she was a special services coordinator for OT, PT, SLP, Preschool and an AT coordinator AT in 5 school districts. Julie’s background as a Board Certified OTR, gives her a unique perspective... Read More →

Sandi (Mahl) Smith

PATINS Specialist, PATINS Project

Sandi Mahl is a PATINS Specialist from Columbus, Indiana. She has a background of 21 years in public schools. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Science Education and Master's Degree in Special Education from Indiana University. Sandi's experience helps her to excel in problem solving... Read More →

Thursday March 30, 2017 12:45pm - 2:00pm EDT
Cypress 4

Breakout Session

12:45pm EDT

Discussion Panel: Implementing and Scaling Up UDL in Higher Ed

This discussion panel will feature a brief review of a qualitative research study in which the author interviewed several faculty in higher ed settings where UDL has gained a degree of success and implantation. We will share insight into how one might better research or practice UDL in higher education going forward. Following the brief presentation of this work, several panelists, representing those who participated in the study, will discuss the author's conclusions and field questions from the audience as the researcher, panelists, and attendees work together to extend the discussion.

Speakers

James Basham

Associate Professor, Special Education, University of Kansas

James D. (Jamie) Basham, PhD, is an associate professor in the Department of Special Education at the University of Kansas. His research is focused on the implementation of UDL, learner-centered design, innovation, and technology as it relates to cognition, learning, and behavior... Read More →

Elizabeth Berquist

Director of Professional Learning, Baltimore County Public Schools

Dr. Liz Berquist is currently the Director of Professional Growth for the Baltimore County Public Schools. In this role she designs and deliver professional learning for the district. Prior to this role, Liz served as a faculty member in the Department of Special Education at Towson... Read More →

Chris Grima-Farrell

Lecturer in Special Education, UNSW Sydney

PhD, Masters In Inclusive Education, Bachelor of Education (inclusive Ed), Diploma of TeachingSchool of Education

Matthew Marino

Professor, University of Central Florida

Eric J. Moore

UDL & Accessibility Specialist, University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Eric Moore has taught for over a decade with experience ranging from middle school to higher education (teacher preparation) in the United States, Indonesia, and South Korea. He specializes in instructional design and is currently finishing his PhD in inclusive education at the University... Read More →

Frances Smith

Educator/ Consultant, Recognizing Differences, LLC/ GW University

Dr. Frances (Fran) G. Smith (http://recognizingdifferences.com) has taught graduate coursework in UDL at GW University since 2003. She was a 2011-12 UDL post-doctoral fellow at CAST and Boston College Lynch School of Education. Dr. Smith represents The Vocational Evaluation and Career... Read More →

Brian Wojcik

Thursday March 30, 2017 12:45pm - 2:00pm EDT
Cypress 5

Breakout Session

12:45pm EDT

From R&D to Reality: A Practical UDL Implementation Strategy

In this breakout session, participants will discover methods for implementing UDL principles across disciplines, training stakeholders in UDL best practices, and creating a collaborative environment for advancing UDL research and implementation. Bellevue University course designers will share their experiences as they transitioned from the research and design phase to full UDL implementation. Learn how they overcame challenges, collaborated with faculty and administrators, and created innovative training opportunities to assist stakeholders through the implementation strategy. Participants will leave with practical advice and valuable resources to create a training and implementation strategy for their own faculty and staff.

Speakers

Tracy Driscoll

Course Designer, Bellevue University

Tracy Driscoll began her career in corporate training 12 years ago, making the move to higher education in 2012. Tracy’s love of all things UDL began several years ago at a distance learning conference. As the mother of a special needs son who had issues transitioning to college... Read More →

Debra Duff

Course Designer, Bellevue University

Debra Duff has worked in the higher education field for 14 years. She has spent the last four years as an instructional/course designer. Debra became interested in UDL several years ago when her co-presenter brought information back from a conference. The idea of presenting multiple... Read More →

UDL IRN presentation handouts 2 pdf

Thursday March 30, 2017 12:45pm - 2:00pm EDT
Cypress 1

Breakout Session

12:45pm EDT

Inquire, Investigate, Innovate: UDL at the Intersection of School Improvement Goals (* streaming available)

This session will explore how the P.K. Yonge Developmental Research School is increasing the school’s capacity to respond to learner variability through new teacher induction, job-embedded professional development, practitioner research, and other professional learning opportunities. Participants will engage in collaborative discussions and deep thinking about UDL implementation.

Speakers

Christy Gabbard

DIRECTOR PROGRAM DEV. & OUTREACH, PK Yonge DRS/University of Florida

Christy Gabbard, M.Ed., is Program Development and Outreach Specialist at P.K. Yonge Developmental Research School, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida. During her 16 years in education she has taught elementary, middle, and high school students, specializing in reading intervention... Read More →

Dr. Jon Mundorf

Teacher, P.K. Yonge Developmental Research School at the University of Florida

Jon Mundorf is an award-winning National Board Certified 7th grade English Language Arts Teacher at P.K. Yonge Developmental Research School at the University of Florida. Dr. Mundorf enjoys sharing his experiences with others and has done so at conferences and workshops around the... Read More →

Thursday March 30, 2017 12:45pm - 2:00pm EDT
Palms Ballroom G

Breakout Session

12:45pm EDT

Social Emotional Engagement – Knowledge and Skills (SEE-KS)

Research in social neuroscience fosters our understanding of the development of social and emotional competence in the classroom. This translates into essential instructional elements for students with autism, while creating a Universal Design for Learning (UDL) for all students. The outcomes of the Social Emotional Engagement Knowledge and Skills (SEE-KS) focus on ensuring that learning strategies are implemented by fostering student engagement, presenting information in multiple ways, promoting student participation, and ensuring equitable access for students at various developmental stages. This session supports fostering high-quality personnel preparation and professional development through discussions about how system-wide professional development has focused on sustainability and has included: identifying internal resources, school-wide training, building effective coaching practices, and gathering data specific to the increase in educator knowledge and skills as well as an inbcrease in student engagement.

Speakers

Jen Townsend

Educational Consultant, School District of Elmbrook

Jennifer C. Townsend, M Ed, is an educational consultant with expertise in social emotional learning differences including autism spectrum disorder. Over the past eighteen years, she has worked in collaboration with school districts to build capacity for educating students with autism... Read More →

SEE KS Implementation.Guide 2017 pdf

Handout Social Emotional Engagement Knowledge & Skills presentation 2016.17.pptx (1) pdf

Thursday March 30, 2017 12:45pm - 2:00pm EDT
Cypress 3

Breakout Session

12:45pm EDT

The New Hampshire UDL Academy: A Journey From Exploration to Implementation

Participants will learn how the State of New Hampshire began its journey to implement its ‘Vision 2.0’ in 2014 by embracing the UDL framework model to promote equitable access, engagement, and better outcomes for all learners by creating the New Hampshire UDL Academy. Funded by the New Hampshire Bureau of Special Education, and in collaboration with CAST, the UDL Academy has supported New Hampshire school districts in exploring and implementing UDL principles. Follow this journey as New Hampshire UDL Academy educators, administrators, and stakeholders share their struggles, successes, and next steps in making this essential cultural shift.

Speakers

Helene Anzalone

Education Consultant, Bureau of Special Education, New Hampshire Department of Special Education

Helene Anzalone is an Education Consultant II, Bureau of Special Education, NH Dept. of Education. Her responsibilities include State Performance Plan Indicator 3, State Assessment participation of students with disabilities; Compliance and Improvement Monitoring Team for public and... Read More →

Kirk Behnke

Director of Business & Partnership Development, CAST

As Director of Business and Partnership Development for CAST, Kirk develops partnerships with school districts and other entities to support CAST's Professional Learning and technical assistance to national and international customers regarding Universal Design for Learning. Previously... Read More →

Mary Lane

Accessibility Education Consultant, NH Department of Education

Mary Lane is an Education Consultant at the New Hampshire Department of Education. Mary’s responsibilities include her role as the liaison to the implementation of IDEA regarding accessibility and equity for all students, schools, and families. She is the NH NIMAC Coordinator, working... Read More →

UDL IRN (2017) Final Conference Preceedings pdf

NHDOE pptx

Thursday March 30, 2017 12:45pm - 2:00pm EDT
Cypress 2

Breakout Session

2:15pm EDT

Accessibility Solutions: Hands-On Fun

Come to this session to explore a variety of instructional and engagement options. Discover easy-to-use and fun technologies that enhance the learning process by appealing to, and engaging, everyone.

Speakers

Toney Phifer

Instructional Designer, Chattanooga State Community College

Toney Phifer is an Instructional Designer at Chattanooga State Community College; he has been a part of Chattanooga State since 2010. On a day-to-day basis, Toney does professional development, accessibility training, and technical training for the staff and faculty of the institution... Read More →

Adrian Ricketts

Specialist, Chattanooga State Community College

Adrian Ricketts is a specialist in the Center for Distributed Education at Chattanooga State Community College. She works with faculty on a daily basis to help them create well designed accessible content for their courses. She also develops training materials to train faculty and... Read More →

Presentation Handout pdf

Thursday March 30, 2017 2:15pm - 3:30pm EDT
Cypress 5

Breakout Session

2:15pm EDT

Case Study: A Global Fellowship Inspiring Local ‘Universal’ Action

Teach for All, in partnership with the Oak Foundation, has had the privilege of running two global fellowships, one for teacher coaches from 12 different countries and one for teams of teacher coaches and current educators from three additional countries, to reimagine how to reach all learners more successfully. Throughout this experience, we’ve learned that in order to design learning environments that put students on a self-enduring path to broader outcomes, we must have a learner-scientist orientation that pushes us to have a deep understanding of ourselves. Join us to explore multiple ways of pushing ourselves – as organizations, educators, and parents – to understand ourselves as learners and remove barriers for the students in our lives.

Speakers

Rachel Brody

Director, Learner Centered Practice, Teach For All

Rachel Brody is the Director of Learner Centered Practice at Teach For All, where she learns with organizations around the world who are working to put students on a path toward self-determined broader outcomes. Prior to joining the team at Teach For All, Rachel led the Diverse... Read More →

Thursday March 30, 2017 2:15pm - 3:30pm EDT
Cypress 1

Breakout Session

2:15pm EDT

Sharing the UDL Love With Parents (* streaming available)

As the old adage goes, "It takes a village." To optimize UDL implementation, the whole village must know why UDL is critical for student success and how they can support the work outside the classroom. In this session, educators will have an opportunity to explore, interact, and create tools to get parents and the community involved in supporting UDL practices and principles actively to ensure that students have everything they need to capture their own definition of success.

Speakers

Dr. Katie Novak

President of Novak Educational Consulting, Novak Educational Consulting

Katie Novak, Ed.D. is an internationally renowned education consultant, a practicing leader in education, and author of 8 books on inclusive practices. Katie designs and presents workshops both nationally and internationally focusing on implementation of Universal Design for Learning... Read More →

Sharing the UDL Love with Parents pptx

Thursday March 30, 2017 2:15pm - 3:30pm EDT
Palms Ballroom E

Breakout Session

2:15pm EDT

Transforming High School Learning Environments: Year Three of a Multi-Year UDL Implementation Journey

This session will provide a lens into the third year of a multi-year Universal Design for Learning project through the eyes of the UDL: Transforming High School Learning Environments (UDL-THSLE) leadership team. The UDL-THSLE project is a collaboration between Chávez High School, Region 4 Educational Service Center (ESC), and All In. This session will demonstrate how a committed group of leaders and teachers can move UDL from “just one more thing” to the central framework that drives the vision, instruction, and learning on a high school campus.

Speakers

Elizabeth Berquist

Director of Professional Learning, Baltimore County Public Schools

Dr. Liz Berquist is currently the Director of Professional Growth for the Baltimore County Public Schools. In this role she designs and deliver professional learning for the district. Prior to this role, Liz served as a faculty member in the Department of Special Education at Towson... Read More →

Kirsten Omelan, Ph.D.

Senior Education Specialist, Region 4 ESC

Kirsten Omelan, PhD, has worked in the field of special education for over 15 years. She is currently a Senior Education Specialist in the Special Education Department at Region 4 Education Service Center in Texas, where she is the lead for Access to the General Curriculum initiatives... Read More →

Rene Sanchez

Principal, Houston ISD, Cesar E. Chavez High School

Rene Sanchez is from Edinburg, located in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. Upon graduating from high school, he attended the University of Notre Dame for his undergraduate degree, the Ohio State University for law school, and the University of Texas for educational administration... Read More →

Thursday March 30, 2017 2:15pm - 3:30pm EDT
Cypress 3

Breakout Session

2:15pm EDT

Trauma, Mental Health, DBT, and UDL: Universally-Designed Mental Health Programming for the K-12 Classroom

This session is intended as either a stand-alone or follow-up to the proposed Ted Talk on mental health. Following a double suicide at a local high school, I facilitated a team of psychiatrists, SEL experts, counselors, teachers, and school leaders in a discussion about processes for healing, and preventive future programming to build resiliency and distress tolerance in students. In this session, the program developed in collaboration with the team as a result of this discussion and which is just now beginning to be implemented in schools, will be shared.

Speakers

Jennifer Katz

Assistant Professor, University of British Columbia

Dr. Katz received her PhD in 2008 from the University of British Columbia. She is the author of Teaching to Diversity: The Three Block Model of UDL and Resource Teacher: A Changing Role in the Three-Block Model of UDL. Dr. Katz taught in inclusive classrooms from K-12 for 16 years... Read More →

Jennifer Katz UD Mental Health & DBT pdf

Thursday March 30, 2017 2:15pm - 3:30pm EDT
Cypress 4

Breakout Session

2:15pm EDT

Understanding UDL in Personalized Learning (* streaming available)

As referenced in the Every Student Succeeds Act and the National Educational Technology Plan, personalized learning is the new focus in many K–12 learning environments. Nonetheless, few people understand what personalized learning really means and even fewer can design and implement a personalized learning environment appropriate for all learners, especially learners with disabilities. This 18-month descriptive research study focused on identifying the design characteristics of personalized learning environments and the initial results of these environments. Come learn how UDL played a role in these environments. Lessons learned and practical implementation strategies will be shared.

Speakers

James Basham

Associate Professor, Special Education, University of Kansas

James D. (Jamie) Basham, PhD, is an associate professor in the Department of Special Education at the University of Kansas. His research is focused on the implementation of UDL, learner-centered design, innovation, and technology as it relates to cognition, learning, and behavior... Read More →

Tracey Hall

Senior Research Scientist/Instructional Designer, CAST

Dr. Tracey Hall conducts research on instructional interventions in reading, writing, literacy in the content areas, and assessment. Her work includes the design and evaluation of instructional approaches and assessment tools. These experiences are applied in the development and... Read More →

Skip Stahl

Senior Policy Analyst, CAST

Skip Stahl is Senior Policy Analyst and one of the founders of CAST. He is Co-Director of the National Center on Accessible Educational Materials (AEM Center), a national initiative funded by the United States Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs, to assure... Read More →

Thursday March 30, 2017 2:15pm - 3:30pm EDT
Palms Ballroom G

Breakout Session

2:15pm EDT

Writing to the Core: Combining Effective Instruction and Tools Through the Lens of UDL

This presentation will focus on technology-based innovations available to address writing for struggling learners. Focused on writing to the Common Core and alignment to the principles of the Universal Design for Learning framework, participants will learn ways to connect proven writing strategies with effective technology solutions through the lens of the UDL framework. One of the areas of struggle for many general and special education teachers, as well as for their related service personnel colleagues, is combining effective strategies with innovative solutions that expand and potentially alter the writing experience. By making these connections, participants will see how teachers can extend common and effective writing strategies to the technology solution. Participants will understand a variety of apps that assist in writing, through illustrations that connect them to a proven strategy. Come see how to make this a reality in your general or special education classroom.

Speakers

Sean Joseph Smith

Professor, University of Kansas

I am a Professor in the Department of Special Education here at the University of Kansas. I am the Past-President of the technology division for the Council for Exceptional Children, Innovations in Special Education Technology (ISET), and member of the Board for the National Down... Read More →

Thursday March 30, 2017 2:15pm - 3:30pm EDT
Cypress 2

Breakout Session

11:00am EDT

Implementing UDL When Nobody Is Watching

This session is designed to empower teachers and administrators to begin UDL implementation even if they are working alone. Presenters will guide the audience through successes and lessons learned during UDL implementation by sharing their transition from practicing in a single classroom to leading a district in UDL education and design lab experiences. The session will empower individuals by providing skills needed to implement UDL when nobody is watching.

Speakers

Melissa Kreger

Teacher, Novi Community Schools

Melissa Kreger earned a Bachelor of Arts and Science from The University of Michigan and then her Masters of Arts and Teaching from Wayne State University. She began working in a no tech school for abandoned, abused, and adjudicated youth in Southwest Detroit and then transitioned... Read More →

Angelina Kreger

Instructional Coach, Novi Community Schools

Angelina Kreger began her teaching career at a school in Detroit, MI for abandoned, abused, and adjudicated students. After teaching in that location for three years, she transitioned to work at Novi Community School District. She taught all grades eight through twelve, in both social... Read More →

Implementing UDL When No One Is Watching pdf

Friday March 31, 2017 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Cypress 3

Breakout Session

11:00am EDT

Professional Development: Are We on the Same Page?

How do we truly integrate and sustain the application of the UDL framework to alter teacher practice and improve student outcomes? This session will focus on the systematic planning and implementation of a professional development program. Participants will explore resources, tools, and practical tips that are needed to support teachers in their initial understanding and subsequent continuous application in order to move forward in deepening their understanding.

Speakers

Stephanie Craig

Student, University of Kansas

Stephanie L. Craig was a former teacher in an Indiana district with advanced implementation of Universal Design for learning (UDL). Ms. Craig’s experience includes teaching upper-elementary for nine years and coaching teachers in UDL in her last five years in the district. Ms. Craig... Read More →

2016 Barriers Solutions pdf

UDLObservationForm pdf

UDL TICTACTOE pdf

UDL Student Chalkboard Posters pdf

2016 Expert Learner Reflection Game pdf

UDL IRN PRES 03.31.17 pptx

Friday March 31, 2017 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Cypress 4

Breakout Session

11:00am EDT

Reaching All Learners in Secondary English Language Arts

Teacher-researchers at P.K. Yonge Developmental Research School will discuss how they apply UDL principles to their individual courses through reading strategies, writing instruction, and literature selection. The teacher-researchers will also provide suggestions for using technology to enhance student learning opportunities. Additionally, they will discuss how they’ve embedded the principles of UDL throughout their department. The teacher-researchers will also address how they’ve helped pre-service teachers come to understand the barriers inherent in most curricula. Three of the teacher-researchers are at various levels in their familiarity with UDL; the lead presenter is an expert in the field of UDL. Thus, this presentation offers insight for participants who are familiar with UDL as well as participants just starting to engage in the work.

Speakers

Shelby Boehm

Teacher, P.K. Yonge Developmental Research School at the University of Florida

Shelby Marie Boehm is a 10th grade English language arts teacher at P.K. Yonge Developmental Research School and a University Instructor at the University of Florida. Prior to this year, she taught in the Lee County School District. Shelby graduated from the University of Florida... Read More →

Jen Cheveallier

Teacher, P.K. Yonge Developmental Research School at the University of Florida

I have been a secondary ELA classroom teacher for nine years. I believe the work we do in asking students to read and write narratives is of utmost importance in our current political context. At the summit, I'd like to talk about the responsibilities teachers have to affirm and... Read More →

Cody Miller

Teacher, P.K. Yonge Developmental Research School at the University of Florida

Cody Miller is the ninth-grade English language arts teacher at P.K. Yonge Developmental Research School, the K-12 laboratory school affiliated with the University of Florida’s College of Education. In addition to teaching, Cody is a Ph.D. student studying English education at the... Read More →

Dr. Jon Mundorf

Teacher, P.K. Yonge Developmental Research School at the University of Florida

Jon Mundorf is an award-winning National Board Certified 7th grade English Language Arts Teacher at P.K. Yonge Developmental Research School at the University of Florida. Dr. Mundorf enjoys sharing his experiences with others and has done so at conferences and workshops around the... Read More →

Friday March 31, 2017 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Cypress 2

Breakout Session

11:00am EDT

Shaping Brains: The Neuroscience Behind Executive Function Development (* streaming available)

Support of executive functions is a part of the UDL guidelines. However, research indicates that many teachers are unfamiliar with the term executive function (EF), how EF develops over the life span, or how environments and interactions can shape EF’s growth. This session will take a deeper look into the neurodevelopmental nature of executive function with a focus on developing learning environments and instructional practices supportive of EF across k-12 education.

Speakers

Lisa Carey

Assistant Director, Center for Innovation & Leadership in Special Education, Kennedy Krieger Institute

Lisa Carey is the Assistant Director of the Center for Innovation and Leadership in Special Education (CILSE) at Kennedy Krieger Institute. Lisa was part of the CILSE's first fellowship cohort, where she studied neuroscience, behavior science, school law, and scientific inquiry... Read More →

Executive Function Information Resources for Teachers pdf

Carey UDLIRN2017 3.22.17 pdf

Carey UDLIRN2017 3.22.17 pptx

Friday March 31, 2017 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Palms Ballroom E

Breakout Session

11:00am EDT

UDL Research: The Next Phase

This session will be facilitated by members of the UDL-IRN Research Committee engaging participants in the examination of the IRN’s UDL Research Diagram (http://udl-irn.org/udl-research/). Developed to identify, categorize, and understand the current literature underway in the area of UDL, the Diagram is meant to serve as an interactive tool for the field. After an initial overview, participants will discuss how to enhance the IRN’s conceptualization to include research methodology, teacher preparation, content-based areas (e.g., STEM, the arts), and other relevant topics that would foster further research by the field.

Speakers

UDL-IRN Research Core Committee

Friday March 31, 2017 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Cypress 5

Breakout Session

11:00am EDT

Universally Designed Leadership (* streaming available)

As educational leaders, we aspire to build great systems in a landscape of barriers. Universal Design for Learning (UDL) allows us to do just that and universally-designed leadership allows us to apply proven principles of learning to successful leadership practices. Some areas of focus include designing faculty meetings and professional development for your district or school that model and utilize UDL principles.

Speakers

Dr. Kristan Rodriguez

Founder and CEO, Rodriguez Educational Consulting Agency, LLC.

Dr. Kristan Rodriguez is the Founder of the Rodriguez Educational Consulting Agency, LLC (RECA). RECA specializes in Universal Design for Learning (UDL) training, state department consultation, and educational consultation to schools and private industry. Dr. Rodriguez travels across... Read More →

Universally Designed Leadership Orlando pdf

CopyofGrotonAgendaJan222016 pdf

SampleAgenda pdf

Friday March 31, 2017 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Palms Ballroom G

Breakout Session

11:00am EDT

Virtual Checklist: Enhancing Personal Progress Monitoring

Progress monitoring in the context of an online course is essential to persistence and success in these courses. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the efficacy of an online self-monitoring tool embedded in online courses at the undergraduate level. Data were gathered in a survey course, specific to undergraduate students’ use of a virtual checklist feature. As students of all levels of preparation enroll in online university courses, academically-underprepared students often underperform when compared to their academically-prepared counterparts. The research questions looked at a possible correlation between the use of completion tracking and academic achievement, completion tracking and persistence, and the correlation between self-directed learning and student preparedness. A statistically significant correlation was found. This session will present results, implications, and suggestions specific to UDL checkpoint 6.4.

Speakers

Emma Wood

Assessment Coordinator, Idaho State University

Emma Wood is in her eighth year as an instructor at Idaho State University. Emma received her Master’s degree from California State University, Northridge in Special Education, Deaf Education emphasis. She is also the Assessment Coordinator for the College of Education. Her area... Read More →

2017 UDL IRN Presentation Handouts pdf

Friday March 31, 2017 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Cypress 1

Breakout Session

1:00pm EDT

Five Countries, One Goal: Integrating Cultural Responsiveness and UDL

Diversity in the classroom is affecting educators across the globe. Partners, led by the Pedagogische Begeleidingsdienst van het Katholiek Onderwijs (PBDKO) in Brussels, Belgium, have agreed to a three-year project, Use Diversity to Enhance Learning in the 21st Century (UDEL21). This project brings together a consortium of K-12 educators, service providers for schools, and university educators from Austria, Belgium (Flanders and Wallonia), Czech Republic, Italy, and Slovenia. Together, they are establishing an overall common definition of cultural responsiveness and are using the UDL framework to guide the development of tools (e.g., instruments, protocols, materials, case studies, etc.) and international in-service trainings. This presentation will share how the UDL framework has impacted the development of these tools as well as broadened conversations about how to design culturally responsive learning environments.

Speakers

Marleen Clissen

staff member international projects, Katholiek Onderwijs Vlaanderen

Marleen Clissen holds her masters degree in education and is a former special needs teacher. She works as a staff member at the umbrella organization of the Catholic public education in Flanders. Her fields of expertise are inclusion, diversity in the classroom, Universal Design for... Read More →

Loui Lord Nelson

President and Educational consultant, RAISE, Inc

My favorite thing to do is support educators, schools, districts, state departments, and ministries of education to utilize the UDL framework to improve student outcomes and support the growth of expert learners. My other favorite thing is producing the popular podcast UDL in 15 Minutes... Read More →

Five Countries description pdf

Five Countries One Goal pdf

Friday March 31, 2017 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
Cypress 2

Breakout Session

1:00pm EDT

Let's Get Personal? UDL as a Way to Evaluate Personalized Learning

Personalized learning is all the rage for segments of the educational experience. Be it blended learning, online, or simply digital learning experiences, educators, developers, and students are touting the benefits of personalized learning. But how specific or unique to the individual is personalized learning? Better yet, how personal is personalized learning? Participants will explore ways that the UDL framework can and has been used to answer these questions. Together, we will explore a UDL scan tool. Findings from an initial study exploring popular digital materials used to foster personalized learning will be discussed. Come prepared to discuss what we have learned and of co,urse, to share your experiences.

Speakers

Sean Joseph Smith

Professor, University of Kansas

I am a Professor in the Department of Special Education here at the University of Kansas. I am the Past-President of the technology division for the Council for Exceptional Children, Innovations in Special Education Technology (ISET), and member of the Board for the National Down... Read More →

Friday March 31, 2017 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
Cypress 3

Breakout Session

1:00pm EDT

The Vision of Inclusion: Leading the UDL Journey

Participate in a rotation of roundtable discussions sharing the resources and strategies used by two school principals to transform a vision of inclusion into a school-wide mindset and practice. An elementary school principal will share his approach to UDL implementation from the perspective of the development of expert teachers. An early learning center principal will share his approach to UDL implementation from the perspective of the development of expert learners. The capacity to embark on these UDL implementation journeys has been built in through collaboration with the regional education service center and with districtwide universal systems.

Speakers

Juan M Gonzalez

School Support Officer, Houston ISD

Juan has been an educator for 28 years, serving as an elementary bilingual teacher, high school administrative intern, middle school assistant principal, and elementary school principal. He has worked in rural and inner city schools as principal of recognized and exemplary campuses... Read More →

Beth Goodrich

Senior Manager, Texas Office of Special Education

Beth is a Senior Manager in the Houston ISD Office of Special Education Services where she manages the OT, PT, and AT Services. Beth is also a summer adjunct professor for the University of Houston and has published in the use of technology to support individuals with disability and... Read More →

Gerardo Leal

School Principal, Neff ELC

Gerardo Leal began in the Houston ISD 16 years ago as a kindergarten, second, and third grade bilingual teacher. His instructional leadership background includes Family Literacy Grant Director and middle school assistant principal. Today he is the Principal of Neff Early Learning... Read More →

Kirsten Omelan, Ph.D.

Senior Education Specialist, Region 4 ESC

Kirsten Omelan, PhD, has worked in the field of special education for over 15 years. She is currently a Senior Education Specialist in the Special Education Department at Region 4 Education Service Center in Texas, where she is the lead for Access to the General Curriculum initiatives... Read More →

Friday March 31, 2017 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
Cypress 4

Breakout Session

1:00pm EDT

UDL Out of the Box: The Anti-Workshop Model of Teaching UDL to Teachers (* streaming available)

Our model of professional learning leverages working with small groups to support the individualized nature of teacher goal setting and growth. Within our project, this approach resulted in deeper understanding of how to serve those in the margins, moving away from a UDL checklist and towards reflective, intentional implementation.

Speakers

Corinn Hower

Assistive Technology Consultant, Muskegon Area ISD

Corinn Hower is an Assistive Technology Consultant at the MAISD. Her experience in education includes providing OT and AT services and professional development to local district educators and teams, as well as state-level training in assistive technology and Universal Design for Learning... Read More →

MAISD UDL Project Overview 2015 16 pdf

MAISD UDL Partnerships Options 2017 18 v1 pdf

2017 UDL IRN Summit Narrative Hower (1) (1) doc

UDL Out of the Box Slides pdf

Friday March 31, 2017 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
Palms Ballroom E

Breakout Session

1:00pm EDT

Universal Design for Learning: Building Learner-Centered Environments in a Large District (* streaming available)

This session will provide an overview of the Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) strategic plan for communication, professional development, and stakeholder buy-in about UDL. We will break into small groups to highlight professional learning options that must be considered by any district planning to embrace the UDL framework.

Speakers

Elizabeth Berquist

Director of Professional Learning, Baltimore County Public Schools

Dr. Liz Berquist is currently the Director of Professional Growth for the Baltimore County Public Schools. In this role she designs and deliver professional learning for the district. Prior to this role, Liz served as a faculty member in the Department of Special Education at Towson... Read More →

Billy Burke

Chief of Organizational Effectiveness, Baltimore County Public Schools

Mr. Burke is the Chief of Organizational Effectiveness for the Baltimore County Public Schools.

Stefani Pautz

Coordinator Blended Learning and Innovation, Baltimore County Public Schools

BCPS UDL IRN MARCH 2017 docx

Friday March 31, 2017 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
Palms Ballroom G

Breakout Session

1:00pm EDT

“Dad’s Online Gambling Habit Used Up Our Family Data Plan” and Other Digital Excuses for Not Doing Homework

Inherent in all learning environments, and in particular virtual learning spaces, are barriers. These can be unique to individual students, or a product of the technology. At California State University, Fresno the large variety of university students include over 50% of students in poverty, first generation, and emergent bilingual language learners. The challenge of capturing the talents of this group is often a struggle for instructors, particularly in digital courses. This presentation will give specific strategies for using the design elements of UDL within post-secondary courses and other adult learners.

Speakers

Dr. Kimberly Coy

Assistant Professor, California State University, Fresno

Kimberly Coy began her teaching career in brick and blackboard schools as a K-8 general and special education teacher. In 2007 she had the opportunity to work in an online public school and she began the deep dive into digital learning for students and adults. This ultimately lead... Read More →

UDLIRN Flyer pdf

Dad pptx

Friday March 31, 2017 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
Cypress 1

Breakout Session