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Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework

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Evidence · 4 claims (4 for) · 1 study (1 qualitative), q2 · 0 of 1 report an effect size · 4 claims rest on one study

Description

CAST's framework for designing flexible instruction around learner variability through multiple means of Engagement, Representation, and Action & Expression.

Components

  • Universal Design for Learning framework: three principles for supporting learner variability: The UDL framework, developed by CAST, is organized around three brain networks and their aligned principles. As the report states, "Those networks are aligned with three principles: provide multiple means of Engagement, Representation, and Action & Expression," with Guidelines and Checkpoints offering implementation suggestions. The report uses UDL as its conceptual framework, grounding its research questions, coding categories, and analysis of how digital math tools can support inclusive mathematics instruction. Each checkpoint is described as grounded in learning sciences research with a supporting bibliography. (McMahon et al. (2024))
  • Universal Design for Learning as a design lens grounded in learner variability: The statement grounds LUDIA in CAST's Universal Design for Learning framework, which supports educators in designing learning experiences and environments for the full range of learners, "anticipating and embracing variability from the start, rather than focusing on perceived deficits in learners". CAST states the premise as "there is no average brain. Variability is the dominant feature of the nervous system" and describes three principles — Engagement, Representation, and Action and Expression — as aligning to affective, recognition, and strategic networks, a framing CAST itself calls a simplified model useful for thinking about design rather than a claim about how the brain works. The Guidelines are a lens for finding barriers in existing designs, not a prescription or checklist, and Guidelines 3.0 positions UDL alongside asset-based approaches such as Funds of Knowledge and Disability Studies. (Stark et al. (2026))
  • Universal Design for Learning: three pillars of multiple means of engagement, representation, and action and expression: Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is an inclusive pedagogy, inspired by universal design in architecture, that seeks to design learning environments accessible to as many learners as possible. Following its three pillars, "teachers should aim to provide: multiple means of engagement, or motivation, with course material; multiple means of representation... and, multiple means of action and expression, or diverse assessment methods". The study uses UDL as the framework against which faculty awareness and implementation of twenty techniques is assessed. (Gurher Sidhu et al. (2025))

Claims

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Key Sources

  • McMahon, L. H., Pautz Stephenson, S., & Corrigan, S. (2024). The future of math inclusion: The promise of digital math tools for universally accessible mathematics instruction [Project Report]. Digital Promise. https://doi.org/10.51388/20.500.12265/211
Page metadata
Field Value
type product
id universal-design-for-learning-udl-framework
title Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework
description CAST's framework for designing flexible instruction around learner variability through multiple means of Engagement, Representation, and Action & Expression.
status review
moved_from theory/udl-three-principles-framework-math
product_kind framework
generated by process:sweep-kinds on 2026-10-10
trust unverified — no one has confirmed this page's content
sources 1 — mcmahon-2024

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