The cultural and linguistic diversity of students is on the rise, and educators want to know the most effective ways to teach English language learners (ELLs). Two research-based frameworks-Universal Design for Learning (UDL), which addresses the innate brain-based differences of learners, and Culturally Responsive Teaching (CRT), a pedagogy that responds to learners' cultural differences-can help. In this important new book, UDL experts and bestselling authors Patti Kelly Ralabate and Loui Lord Nelson offer a unique lesson planning process that blends UDL and CRT so that educators can proactively meet the learning needs of ELLs. This essential new resource offers scenarios, summaries, reflection questions, and classroom-based exercises to support responsive instruction. Learn to design and craft goals, methods, materials, and assessments that help ELLs optimize their educational experience.

Many teacher resources explore the fundamentals of Universal Design for Learning (UDL). This one takes UDL to the next level for educators who understand the basics-and can't wait to start using UDL in their lesson plans and classrooms. In this practical, accessible guidebook, UDL expert Patti Kelly Ralabate walks teachers through the entire UDL lesson planning process, from developing learning goals to monitoring student progress. Through vignettes, exercises, video demonstrations, and other immediately useful resources, K-12 educators will discover how to translate UDL from theory to practice and plan lessons that meet every learners needs. An essential guide for teachers, college instructors, specialized instructional support personnel, IEP team facilitators, curriculum planners, and inclusion facilitators, this book will help educators supercharge their lesson plans with one of todays best teaching approaches-and improve outcomes for students with and without special needs. This book helps teachers: Review and understand the big ideas of UDL-what it is, what it's not Create effective learning goals based on content and performance standards Make sure learning goals are S.M.A.R.T.: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Results-oriented, and Time-bound Design lesson plans that address learner variability-even when teachers don't yet know the specific needs of every student Measure what matters by applying UDL principles to assessment of student progress Infuse UDL features into traditional instructional methods (with examples of how 10 other educators did it!) Enhance UDL lessons with materials, tools, and media that add real value Use self-reflection strategies and professional learning communities to continuously strengthen everyday practice Practical Materials: To guide teachers through each phase of the lesson planning process, the book includes scenarios, models, charts, application exercises, reflection questions, check-ins, and 7 classroom videos (available online) that bring key UDL concepts to life. Educators will also follow the lesson planning process of three teachers as they apply UDL for the first time.