PreK-12: Introduction to Universal Design for Learning (Instructor-Led, Spring 2027)
January 25, 2027 - June 10, 2027
Designing effective learning experiences for each student, grounded in proven methods, requires innovative strategies, inclusive practices, and ongoing professional development, which can be challenging. Neuroscience shows that individuals learn in varied ways. The practical Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework gives educators a lens to identify and reduce barriers that limit learning, creating opportunities for flexible instructional practices while maintaining rigor.
This introductory live course, running from September to November 2026, is designed to empower educators with the knowledge, skills, and strategies to implement UDL principles effectively and meet each student’s diverse needs. Gain insight into the UDL principles and guidelines and demonstrate a clear understanding of the UDL framework and practice, access resources, create lesson plans that integrate UDL principles, and gain insight into your learning via opportunities for self-reflection.
After completing this course, you can continue your journey with a UDL Credential, our new workshop series, or the UDL Coaching Academy if you’re leading professional development in your school or district.
What you will learn:
- The foundational concepts of UDL and the structure of the UDL Guidelines
- How to design using the UDL design process and identify UDL in practice
- Strategies to support students to become expert learners
- Cutting-edge research from the learning sciences on UDL
Who should enroll?
PreK-12 Educators (general, special education, curriculum coordinators, administrators, instructional technology specialists, paraprofessionals, faculty and presenters, etc.) and teams of educators at all levels.
For questions about group enrollment or purchase orders, email onlineofferings@cast.org.
Session Duration:
Access opens on January 25, with assignments running February 1, 2027 to April 9, 2027. You will continue to have access to the course material for reference and review until July 9, 2027.
This is a group-paced, facilitated online course with 10 digital modules. Participants are assigned one module per week that will include a mix of videos, readings, media, activities, discussion board posts, and deliverable assignments. The course facilitator is available for questions and feedback, and grades assignments. The course is the equivalent of 45 contact hours.
Course Modules
- Module 0: Course Overview
- Module 1: Foundational Concepts
- Module 2: Design Process
- Module 3: Introduction to the UDL Guidelines
- Module 4: Engagement
- Module 5: Representation
- Module 6: Action & Expression
- Module 7: Accessibility in Learning
- Module 8: Learning Environment and Predictable Options
- Module 9: Lesson Design
Participants who complete the course with a C- (71%) or better will receive an email that contains a printable PDF of an official CAST certificate.
For more information on the course content review the course syllabus.
This course is eligible for three graduate credits through Lasell University. The cost for graduate credit is $420, paid directly to Lasell University at registration for academic credit. For more information, please visit our Graduate Credit FAQ or email us at onlineofferings@cast.org.
For individual and group registration using a Purchase Order and invoice, you must submit the PO before you can complete registration. To pay with a purchase order, upload your PO to our PO Upload Form, and we will follow up with enrollment instructions, or email our team at onlineofferings@cast.org for assistance.
Please see CAST’s Course Withdrawal Policy. Withdrawals must be submitted via email to onlineofferings@cast.org.
For additional information about our PreK-12 courses, classes, or customized learning opportunities, please contact our Professional Learning team, or explore the different ways CAST’s Professional Learning can help support your professional development.
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