Learn about UDL > Guiding Principles

What are the Guiding Principles of UDL

"Barriers to learning are not, in fact, inherent in the capacities of learners, but instead arise in learners' interactions with inflexible educational goals, materials, methods, and assessments." (Teaching Every Student in the Digital Age)

The basic premise within Universal Design for Learning is that flexibility in curriculum must be available to accommodate the diverse differences in student learners. Thus, the UDL framework encompasses three overarching principles that aim to minimize barriers and maximize learning.

A universally designed curriculum includes:

1. multiple means of presentation to allow various ways of acquiring information and knowledge,
2. multiple means of expression to allow alternatives for demonstrating knowledge, and
3. multiple means of engagement to challenge appropriately, to motivate, and to allow learners to express and participate in their interests.