UDL at Scale

About this book

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) has been widely and effectively used across colleges and universities to create flexible learning environments and minimize barriers to higher education. UDL at Scale gives campus leaders and administrators the tools to expand UDL's reach. A call to action and a how-to guide, the book offers an executive-focus understanding of the background, research, and practical steps for framing, testing, and adopting universal design for learning at a systemic level. Thomas J. Tobin, a leading speaker and researcher on the topic of UDL, provides an evidence-based model for mid-level and senior administrators, with real-life stories from educators who have adopted UDL practices to address enrollment, persistence, and retention concerns--and along the way lower barriers for students, instructors, and staff members. UDL at Scale will help campus leaders define challenges, build a team of UDL champions, create compelling messaging for a campus-wide community, map goals and measurements for UDL-at-scale projects, and assess the work and creativity that colleagues put into becoming a UDL institution. Throughout, Tobin presents ideas for designing systems that give agency and space for all involved in the processes of teaching and learning that occur at universities. Looking beyond classrooms and courses, his insights and suggestions extend to the support offices and staff who interact with students (such as librarians, tutors, and counselors) and are instrumental to creating a campus-wide climate of inclusion and welcome. Last--but certainly not least--Tobin argues that lowering access barriers campus-wide also makes good financial sense, and UDL at Scale shows readers how to do it.