WHAT WE BELIEVE
About UDL
About Universal Design for Learning
At BCSC, we follow the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework. UDL informs educators on designing learning environments and delivering instruction to support learner variability while mitigating barriers to learning. Simply put, UDL is BCSC’s overarching framework for teachers to think through and design their classrooms environments and lessons to make sure they reach every student. BCSC believes that our schools, administrators, and staff must address all learners and how to improve teaching and learning for each and every learner in the district.
The Science Behind UDL
UDL is based on modern neuroscience and the learning sciences related to the three broad networks of the brain related to learning. The “affective network” or the emotional component of learning addresses the “WHY” of learning. The “strategic network” or the action and expression component of learning addresses the “HOW” of learning. And the “recognition network” or the representation component of learning addresses the “WHAT” of learning. These three broad networks of the brain work in concert as learners interact with the learning environment.
Designing an Intentional Learning Environment
The intentional design of the learning environment is key to providing teachers with a learning blueprint for optimal options for access to learning. First, teachers decide on a specific goal (related to an Indiana State Standard). Second, teachers look at how to make learning interesting and “engaging” to each student. Thirdly, teachers make sure they are teaching skills and content in multiple ways so that “what” is being taught is accessible to all learners. Finally, students are provided options to “interact” on and “express” their learning so teachers can check to see how students share what they know in different ways.
This belief, knowledge, and practice of teaching and learning rejects a “one-size-fits-all” deficit philosophy and embraces the variability of all learners and the individual strengths that learners bring to the learning environment. As a result, BCSC is deeply committed to deeper learning for one...and all. Thus, supporting BCSC’s Mission:
“Deeper Learning is our individualized approach for preparing all learners to succeed in a competitive global economy and democratic society and to tackle the complex issues they will encounter.”
UDL Resources
Videos About UDL
Instructional Consultation Teams
Instructional Consultation Teams (IC Teams) provide one-on-one support for teachers who are struggling to design instruction that meets the needs of individual students, small groups, and/or whole classes. IC Team Members are trained to conduct assessment in reading, writing, math and behavior – as well as collaborative communication and systematic problem solving.
UDL and Instructional Consultation Teams (ICT) at BCSC Video
Note: These videos were produced using xtranormal.com, a web-based product that allows the user to choose avatars, a setting, and input a script which will be spoken by the avatars. Because xtranormal uses text to speech technology, the voices do sound very digitized.
BCSC Resources
UDL In Action: Teacher Spotlight
A collection of UDL success stories from teachers across the BCSC District.
UDL Tech Tools
A collection of various tools and websites to assist in designing ideal learning environments.
UDL Blogs by Rhonda Laswell
A collection of blog articles written by BCSC UDL Coordinator Rhonda Laswell.
CAST Resources
CAST Website
CAST (Center for Applied Special Technology) is an educational research & development organization that works to expand learning opportunities for all individuals through Universal Design for Learning.
CAST UDL Guidelines
The CAST UDL Guidelines™ are a tool that can be applied in any discipline or domain to ensure that all learners are able to access and participate in meaningful, challenging learning opportunities. The Guidelines are a set of concrete suggestions rooted in the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL).
CAST UDL Center
Founded in 2009, the National UDL Center supports the effective implementation of UDL by connecting stakeholders in the field and providing resources and information about UDL Basics, Advocacy, Implementation, Research, Community & Resources.
CAST Online Community
Dive into a vibrant hub where educators, researchers, and advocates collaborate to advance Universal Design for Learning (UDL). Access valuable resources, engage in insightful discussions, and forge meaningful connections to empower your journey toward inclusive education.
Book Creator
Book Creator is a digital tool and online platform that enables students and educators to create, read, and share multimedia digital books. Its mission is to make learning accessible and engaging for everyone, and has earned the CAST UDL Product Certification.
LiveBinder Resources
Affective Network
A collection of tools and websites to optimize engagement, or the "why" of learning.
Recognition Network
A collection of tools and websites to optimize representation, or the "what" of learning.
Strategic Network
A collection of tools and websites to optimize action & expression, or the "how" of learning.
Growth Mindset
A collection of tools and websites to support the growth mindset.
About PBIS
About Positive Behavior Instructional Supports
In BCSC, we refer to PBIS as Positive Behavior Instructional Supports because we believe every child can learn expected behavior when our staff provides instruction as to what the school-wide expectations are, how the expectations look in various locations of the building, and within learning environments. This is why PBIS begins in our Pre-K program and continues through all levels of our students education.
The goal of PBIS is to create an atmosphere of positivity for students in our schools so our students may learn and grow. Safety, respect and engagement create a positive culture and when students feel safe and respected at school, research shows they better engage in their learning.
Each school in BCSC has a dedicated PBIS Team and team facilitator to lead the efforts of PBIS implementation. The PBIS team works hard to create lessons to teach the PBIS school-wide expectations for various locations in the building. Students are taught what each expectation means and what it looks like in those locations. While students learn, and continuously show understanding of the expectations, they are positively reinforced verbally and/or a tangible reinforcement noting the expectation of positive behavior they engaged in. When students understand the expected behavior they engaged in and are aware that someone noticed the positive choices they were making, the goal is for them to continue to make positive choices while in school.
PBIS supports BCSC’s mission of deeper learning for all because a positive culture in our buildings where students feel safe and respected opens the doors to engage in learning which prepares them both academically and socially for their future.
