Learn How RSD Staff Are Making Learning Inclusive

What does it mean to have inclusive learning practices? What is Universal Design for Learning (UDL)? How do students learn in an inclusive classroom?

The entire RSD community is invited to the first All Kids—Every. Day. Community Night from 5 to 6 p.m. on April 28 at the Teaching, Learning & Administration Center (TLAC) to learn how dozens of the district’s educators are providing learning options for students to demonstrate their understanding and grow.

“Inclusive practices don’t just level the playing field,” says Renae Yecha, the district’s special education instructional coach. “They show students how they can be resourceful and knowledgeable of their own abilities and develop their own goals for growth now and in the future.”

The event will have dozens of district educators sharing their efforts in their classrooms this school year around student learning and inclusive learning. All have been participating in a year-long program to learn about and implement UDL, a teaching framework that recognizes students learn differently and that educators need to create instructional goals, methods, materials and assessments that can support diverse student needs.

This can mean students may access a reading as a text or in an audio or video format. Rather than a written multiple choice test, they may show their knowledge through a project, a presentation or a conversation with their teacher, district staff say.

“This is all about self-differentiated learning,” says district instructional coach Michelle Fickle. “Providing options isn’t just for the sake of choice, but with the purpose of empowering students in their education.”