Emma Callicutt

October 8, 2023

Written Response II

Education is a field that is constantly adapting to the diverse and evolving needs of
students. The transcript for Katie Novak’s podcast episode, “If Equity is a Priority, UDL is a
Must” and the article, "Universal Design for Learning and the Arts" by Don Glass, Annie Meyer
and David H. Rose both discuss the importance of incorporating Universal Design for Learning
(UDL) in the classroom. Both the podcast episode and the article emphasize the significance of
UDL as a transformative framework for education. These resources highlight UDL’s core
principles, which revolve around providing multiple means of engagement, representation, and
action regarding the taught curriculum.
The podcast episode points out that UDL is implemented “When teachers provide
students with multiple options that are authentic and personalized” (2022). Furthermore, the
article states that “UDL guidelines provide a systematic way to review and evaluate curriculum
design for accessibility and flexibility” (Glass et al., 2013). Both resources point out the crucial
components of UDL and how it is different from differentiation. UDL must provide students
with diverse forms of engagement, being introduced to the material/acquainted with the
curriculum, representation, how the material is represented to them, and means of
action/expression, what the students do to show understanding and growth. In all of these
sections, UDL argues that students be given a number of choices on how they would like to
guide their own learning. For example, instead of every student being given a multiple-choice
test, some students may choose to complete a project to show understanding instead.
Both of these resources emphasize the inherent diversity among students. The resources
argue for the importance of acknowledging and addressing varying abilities, backgrounds, and
learning styles that students bring to the classroom. The podcast’s transcript points out,
“Universal design is one path toward dismantling… inequities” (2022) between diverse students.
Equity and inclusivity are central themes in both the transcript and the article. Both of
these resources point out that UDL can be crucial in closing opportunity gaps between students
and better serve those who are marginalized. By implementing UDL principles, educators can
work towards creating a more equitable education for all students.
Both the transcript and the article highlight the importance of uplifting students by
providing them with many different resources and forms of positive reinforcement. UDL
encourages students to have more control and autonomy over how they learn, which promotes
expert learning and independence.
These resources differ in a number of ways. While both resources advocate for UDL as a
positive resource for students, the podcast takes on a journalistic/interview tone while the article
is more formal and is heavily based on neuroscientific research. Furthermore, The transcript
provides a broad discussion of UDL in education, while the article discusses the application of
UDL principles specifically in arts education.
Systems such as UDL should be widely taught, as they can provide significant and
arguably life changing opportunities for students of all backgrounds.

Works Cited

If equity is a priority, UDL is a must. Cult of Pedagogy. (2022, October 12).

https://www.cultofpedagogy.com/udl-equity/

Glass, D., Meyer, A., & Rose, D. (2013). Universal Design for Learning and the arts. Harvard
Educational Review, 83(1), 98–119. https://doi.org/10.17763/haer.83.1.33102p26478p54pw