The Improved Race of a Rabbit and a Turtle.

The role of a teacher is to guide all students through a learning process to achieve comprehension. There are processes available to teachers in which they can ensure every student is given an equal opportunity in the classroom. This process is an Universal Design for Learning.
The Center for Applied Special Technologies (CAST) is a non-profit and developmental organization that develops innovative and technology-based educational resources and strategies for students, especially those with disabilities. CAST incorporates the Universal Design for Learning into their curriculum development to ensure equal opportunities to learn for all students. CAST believes UDL is necessary because every individual develops knowledge in different ways. The gathering of information, then incorporating this information into a project with focus and attention is the key to successful learning.
The UDL system incorporates different tools and ideas of learning for students who individually learn in different ways, giving students the best chance of succeeding in school.
An example of an UDL developmental approach to teaching students is a book by CAST and author Mira Singer. The book is a version of "The Tortoise and the Hare" that describes how the famous race was only ran in the typical race style. The race does not consider the individual abilities of both the tortoise and the hare. The story describes how the race did not allow both animals to display their talents to the fullest. The author created individual paths that were designed toward their strengths for the tortoise and the hare, but they both arrived at the same goal. This is the goal of UDL's; 1. present information in different ways, 2. allow students to expres themselves in different ways and 3. develop motivational and challenging projects.
To view and hear the story by Mira Singer go to "The Tortoise and the Hare"
The clipart image was used with permission from the Iowa AEA.