Universal Design for Learning

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a set of principles to develop learning environments that give all individuals equal opportunities to learn.

UDL proposes not a single, one-size-fits-all solution but rather a set of flexible scaffolds and supports that can meet individual needs. Individual learners are very different from one another and may require different methods and means to reach a common goal. These differences -both seen and unseen, may be shaped by brain development learned and innate skills, cultural and social experience, and a host of other factors.

The UDL framework encourages creating flexible designs from the start that have customizable options, which allow all learners to progress in the curriculum. The options for accomplishing this are varied and robust enough to provide effective instruction to all learners.

The NH Department of Education, Bureau of Special Education Support, has partnered with CAST for the past seven years to provide New Hampshire educators with professional customized learning opportunities that build capacity in the implementation and roll out of UDL as a systemic framework for educational decision-making. The New Hampshire Universal Design for Learning (NH UDL) Innovation Network was established through this partnership providing 70+ schools and over 600 educators the opportunity to learn about UDL, apply UDL to practice, reflect on their application of UDL, and work collaboratively in teams that identify and address common needs and actions.

In the 2024-2025 academic year, a new team of NHED coaches will take over supporting New Hampshire educators in continuing their professional learning and empowering educators to leverage a UDL approach to supporting their learning as designers and learners themselves in order to empower all learners with their schools.

The NH UDL Innovation Network Year 1 Report

The NH UDL Innovation Network Year 2 Report

The NH UDL Innovation Network Year 3 Report

The NH UDL Innovation Network Year 4 Report

The NH UDL Innovation Network Year 5 Report

The NH UDL Innovation Network Year 6 Report

New Hampshire UDL Innovation Network

Press Release for UDL Video Assessment Series

One School's Journey