Universal Design for Learning (UDL), is a powerful framework that transforms classroom practice, learner engagement, and, for those that have learned about and embrace UDL, a game changer in today’s educational landscape. If you’re looking to learn more, there are a wealth of resources available. From Twitter, to CAST to courses, there is a buffet of options for educators to develop their own understanding of UDL. My personal favorite method to acquire knowledge is to read books. What books should one read when learning and applying UDL to their setting? Having read quite a bit of books on UDL, I felt it would be important to share the ones that have had the most impact in regards to my own teaching and consulting practices. No matter where you are in your UDL journey, one of these books may be just right for you:
Below is the list of the 5 Must-Have Books for Educators on UDL with a couple of updates:
Universal Design for Learning: Theory and Practice. By Anne Meyer, David Rose, and David Gordon. Foundational. This book serves as the foundational text of understanding UDL from a theoretical perspective, with resources to apply the UDL principles in the classroom. One of my favorite resources, Key Questions to Consider When Planning Lessons is in this book, and is an invaluable resource to share with educators. There is also a free digital version that is available on CAST’s platform Clusive!
Dive into UDL: Immersive Practices to Develop Expert Learners by Kendra Grant and Luis Perez. This book IS UDL personified. From various levels of accessing UDL practices to powerful imagery and resources to expand understanding, this is a must have book for all educators who are looking to access UDL in a way that makes sense for them.The authors have also included a wealth of resources in a variety of ways, including an in-depth website that offers resources, tools and support for educators looking to dive into UDL. This book would be great to use for a PLN or district-wide book study, independent learning, or as text in teacher preparation programs. Rumor has it that there is a second edition coming out which I can’t wait to dive into!
UDL Now! A Teachers Guide to Applying Universal Design for Learning in Today’s Classrooms (3rd edition)by Katie Novak. This book has been recently updated for today’s classroom environments and more! Katie’s style and flow activates all of the brains neural networks just like UDL does. Katie’s writing is rich and UDL personified. There is a buffet of options for readers to explore as Katie clearly makes powerful connections to the urgency of implementing UDL in today’s classrooms. Katie connects all of the dots, from sound pedagogy, to curricular strategies that fit within the UDL guidelines. This text is more focused on the curriculum design as opposed to just using technology for UDL, and clearly states the importance of leveraging technology as a tool to implement sound instructional design. This be great to leverage in PLC, district book study, independent study, or in teacher preparation programs
Universal Design for Learning in the Classroom: Practical Applications (What Works for Special Needs Learners) by Tracey E.Hall. Edited by Anne Meyer and David H.Rose This book is chock filled with practical ways to implement UDL across all subject areas and grade levels. Clearly organized, easy to access and follow, this book is a versatile playbook for educators who are looking for a simple to use tool to implement the UDL framework in their classroom in different subject areas to support the needs of special education students in an inclusive stetting. This book would be great for teachers who are looking to leverage UDL as a means to support inclusive practices in the least restrictive environment.
Your UDL Lesson Planner: The Step-by-Step Guide for Teaching All Learners by Patti Kelly Ralabate. This book is a great tool in any educator’s toolkit to uncover the process of designing lessons that are integrative of the UDL principles. The vignettes are easy to relate to. The emphasis on designing not only with the learner in mind, but with the goal in mind is a key component of this book. This book can appeal to K-12 teachers, used as an anchor text in teacher preparation programs, or in a PLC where curriculum design in a natural part of the work.
There are so many tools and resources to support educators implementation of UDL in today’s classrooms. These books are one way to acquire deeper understanding of UDL and it’s importance as THE framework to support the needs of ALL learners. Do you have a favorite book on UDL that you would like to share? Please leave a comment below!
