Loren Swancutt
Universal Design for Learning
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a framework used to improve and optimise teaching and learning for all students based on scientific insights into how humans learn. UDL embodies a number of principles and ways of thinking about curriculum and instruction that aim to provide all students with an equitable opportunity to succeed in regular, grade-level curriculum content alongside peers. This professional learning session will draw on a combination of research and experience to explore the key concepts of UDL and how they can be applied within the context of Australian classrooms to maximise the access, participation, and progress of all students.
These sessions will be recorded and available for viewing for 30 days after the event.
Key learnings will include:
Overview of UDL – its origins, framework and guidelines
Understanding of how UDL can work to address inequity and support inclusive education practices
Learn how to get started with the application of UDL concepts
Practical steps, processes and demonstrations of practice utilising UDL
Application of UDL to example units of study, instructional tasks, and assessment items.
About Loren:
Loren is an accomplished classroom teacher and school leader who is committed to advancing the realisation of inclusive education within the Australian context. She has designed and led successful whole-school inclusive reform at a complex and challenging high school and has been a teacher and school leader across both primary and secondary school settings. She has fulfilled system-level coaching roles focused on building the capability of Principals and school leaders to engage in inclusive school improvement.
Loren is highly regarded for her innovative work in the areas of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), inclusive curriculum provision, and instructional strategies that support students with complex learning profiles to engage with regular, age-equivalent experiences. She supports other educational professionals to build their capability to enact the fundamental concepts and practices of inclusive education. She is the National Convenor of the School Inclusion Network for Educators and is a Doctoral candidate at the Queensland University of Technology.