Flexible Learning Grows

“Do RHS students' grades correlate with their intelligence? How much does social media negatively impact RHS students?" ​These are examples of student-generated research topics in Chloe Arias' classroom at Rubidoux High School. ​​Ms. Arias is among the teachers introduced to Jurupa Unified's adoption of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), a program that emphasizes flexible learning environments and lessons that serve a broad range of student learning styles. 

“UDL helps me to co-construct the curriculum wi​th my students instead of me choosing the curriculum for them," Ms. Arias said. In the case of the research questions, students developed the topics, formed small groups to gather sources, and then shared their findings in a way that made sense for the group: through a slide presentation, traditional report, or voice recording and outline. 

Kelly McArdle, a teacher at Jurupa Valley High, agreed that flexible approaches are key: “UDL has changed my mind-set in my own classroom," she said. “It has changed everything from how the room is set up to how lessons are presented." 

For example, her room contains movable furniture to nurture collaboration and small group work. And, Mrs. McArdle said, “No longer do I try to teach students in one way and expect them all to learn in the same way.  Nor do I expect them to all show mastery in the same way."  

UDL is about removing barriers – physically and educationally – to help students learn without limits. It can be as basic as providing a new tool for students to express themselves or as involved as creating each lesson in several modalities (such as visual, auditory and tactile) to address different learning styles. 

Based on the three principles of UDL, every lesson should: Offer students various ways of gaining information and knowledge (multiple means of representation); kindle students' interests and provide challenges that boost their motivation (multiple means of engagement); ensure that students have various ways to demonstrate what they know (multiple means of expression). 

Adoption of UDL at Jurupa Unified is still in the early stages. The district gathered volunteers from the teaching ranks to begin UDL training in fall 2018. Next, these teacher-leaders will train their peers starting in the 2019-20 school year.

Already, many Jurupa teachers have embraced flexible classrooms and lesson plans and folded UDL principles into their daily work. Next year, the broader training will deepen awareness, provide new ideas and perspectives, and help teachers continuously improve curricula to ensure that they reach every student. 

Asked for an example of a student who has benefited from UDL,  Mrs. McArdle said: “I had a student with a learning disability and graph/motor issues. This student has great ideas and understands much of what he reads; however, getting those ideas on paper is nearly impossible. Once this student was provided with the technology to write using speech to text, he was successful in a general education English class. This approach can also be used by any student, as it provides an alternative way to show mastery of material." 

Mrs. McArdle added that the student, whom she taught several years ago, has nearly completed his B.A. and plans to pursue a special-education teaching credential.​​

Meanwhile, Ms. Arias shared a broader view. “UDL is not about providing accommodations for specific students, but removing barriers for all," she said. “All students have found moments of success because they were engaged in the planning and the process. It is during the process that learning occurs...The product, in the end, means nothing unless the student internalized the learning."

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