CAST VIRTUAL SERIES

CAST, in partnership with CASE, is providing a 4-part virtual series. CAST is a nonprofit organization at the forefront of education research and development, for its groundbreaking creation of the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework and UDL Guidelines. These innovative tools have revolutionized educational practices worldwide, breaking down barriers and empowering educators to create truly inclusive and accessible learning experiences for all students.

This 4-part series on Universal Design for Learning (UDL) will take place on the following dates and each session will be held at 3:00 P.M. (central time). The presenters for these sessions will include Shaunta Singer and Susan Shaprio.

February 12th Registration
    
February 26th Registration
    
March 12th Registration
    
March 26th Registration

 

February 12, 2025: Introduction to Universal Design for Learning (UDL) 3.0 
This session will provide Special Education Administrators with an overview of the updated Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Guidelines 3.0 and its potential to drive system change in leadership. Participants will explore how the foundational concepts of UDL creates inclusive, equitable learning environments for all students, including those with disabilities. We will explore how these guidelines can help improve accessibility for all students. Administrators will leave with actionable strategies for leading UDL initiatives and fostering a culture of equity across schools and districts.
 
 
February 26, 2025: Introduction to the School-wide Improvement Criteria (SIC)
In this session, participants will be introduced to the School-wide Improvement Criteria (SIC), a framework designed to guide school leaders in improving educational outcomes for all students, including those with disabilities. We will explore how the SIC provides a comprehensive approach to creating systems to enhance school culture, teaching & learning, leadership and professional learning. Administrators will gain insights into how the UDL guidelines 3.0 align to the SIC with a particular emphasis on creating inclusive, accessible, and equitable special education systems.
 
March 12, 2025:  Introduction to Coaching
This session will focus on the fundamental principles of coaching within the context of Universal Design for Learning (UDL). Administrators will understand the UDL guidelines’ core concepts with particular attention given to capacity building, sustainability and progress monitoring. A suite of tools will be offered to support administrators in leading coaching efforts that:
  • Foster reflective practice
  • Build leadership capacity
  • Design meaningful and responsive professional development, 
  • Honor educators in their learning, 
  • Foster collaboration among staff and
  • Promote inclusive environments for creating a coaching culture that promotes ongoing growth and improvement in both educators and students.
March 26, 2025:  Key Changes in Guidelines 3.0
The updated UDL Guidelines 3.0 bring significant changes that deepen the focus on equity, accessibility, and inclusion for all learners. This session will examine the three primary principles of UDL—Engagement, Representation, and Action and Expression and provide an overview of these enhancements. We will discuss the research behind the revisions, possible impact of these changes as well as practical examples of how administrators can use the updated guideline to address bias, welcome interest and identities, and strengthen learner agency. Administrators will explore ways the guidelines can be applied to drive systemic improvements.