PAL - Planning for ALL learners, is the cornerstone of special education. Having already reviewed the CAST.org website in another blog, I find that the PAL merits more attention being that is is one of the most important tools available to teachers.
The PAL process is built on two prerequisites:
1. That there is a basic understanding of UDL (Universal Design for Learning.
2. That there is a commitment on behalf of participating educators to make the curriculum and learning accessible for all learners.
What makes this toolkit a permanent fixture of my own educational toolbox is almost too much to summarize. But here are a couple of things that spoke to me.
1. The model units and model lessons that provide examples of UDL in both design and implementation in the class room.
I love examples. I can read at length about the different methods and procedures that go into UDL but I also need to see concrete examples of how it is designed and used. This toolkit provides that.
2. The UDL Solutions Finder. I have bookmarked this page and will no doubt be visiting it consistently. Of particular importance to me was being able to identify the barriers that exist for my students.
I have two criticisms about the toolkit. First, I would have liked to have seen more examples aimed at the elementary school level in the model unit and lesson plan portion of the website. Secondly, there was a link named PAL community that I had hoped would be a place to share and support your colleagues and peers. Alas, this link was deactivated according to a note on that particular page. Perhaps one day it will be reactivated and we can pick each other's brains to the benefit of our students.
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