Universal Design for Learning: Science Education Project
Timeline: January 5, 2009- May 21, 2010
Contact Teacher: Rita Cunningham
[email protected]

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The projects goal was to provide and connect information from a variety of sources into the Science Curriculum at Opelika Middle School to ensure the success of all students. The 8th grade Science Department and Special Education Department collaborated to implement UDL principles into the 8th Grade Science Curriculum.

PROBLEM STATEMENT:
The 8th grade Science Department provided a list of our technology and websites that were sent to the Technology Coordinator and Staff at the central office. However, some sites remained blocked upon approval by the Technology Coordinator. To effectively implement UDL tools and resources into the Science curriculum, all desktop and laptop computers need updating throughout the entire school. We continue to be a work in progress.

GOALS:

OBJECTIVES	IMPLEMENTATION
Technology Provision for additional computers in the 8th grade Science classroom.	8th grade Science teachers have access to updated lap-top computers (3 per class) that are checked-out via the Media Center.
Technology Send a list to the technology staff at central office, so that sites we need to implement UDL will not be blocked.	A list of sites were sent to our technology staff at central office. Some sites continue to be blocked however, we have been able to save programs on a thumbdrive and load these onto our computers as needed.
Technology Ask technology staff to update computers in the 8th grade Science teachers classrooms to access UDL resources & tools.	List sent to Technology Coordinator. Technology Staff will update all lap-top & desktop computers throughout the building during the summer.
Technology Create a website to be used for the 8th grade Science department with tools, websites, and information about technology available for use by students.	This website has been created by our Webmaster, Jenny McAlister (Special Education). This site will be connected to our school website over the summer allowing for more access by administrators, faculty, parents, and students.
Teacher Training The four of us trained in UDL at our school will train other faculty members. The science department will be the responsibility of Rita Cunnigham.	Training provided to the 8th grade science department during our regular monthly department meetings. Rita Cunningham is available to the Science Department for ongoing training and assistance as needed by the Science Department.
Teacher Training Regular (8th grade science) educators and special educators (J. McAlister) collaborated in creating untis and lesson plans with the intent to develop a school website linked to UDL tools, resources, shared lesson plans, untis, and assessments.	Science teachers submitted lesson plans to the website coordinator, Jenny McAlister. Examples of lessons are on the TEACHER SUBMITTED main page. Emphasis was on planning for every student instead of making accommodations later. Focus on reducing barriers for all students, those with or without disabilities.
Funding Utilize Title I and Science education funds that are available to purchase hardware and software for Science classrooms and laboratories.	Science teachers are able to access the science department scanner/copier located in the 8th grade computer lab that can be used this by all science teachers (6-8). Seek a grant for next year so that every grade level (6-8) will have a digital camera, ELMO, and ActivVotes for the ActivBoard.
Administrative Support Enlist administrative support & commit to the UDL initiative and its implementation at OMS. Enlist administrative support for professional development and training for the implementation of UDL at OMS, including release time for collaboration between regular and special educators.	The four of us trained in UDL at Opelika Middle School met and presented this initiative to our administrative staff who were introduced to the principles of UDL and the implementation of UDL schools. Faculty and staff allowed time to effectively plan during Teacher Workdays and regularly scheduled meetings.
Parent Training Present at technology night, April 13, 2010 introducing the principles of UDL, resources, tools and how they are incorporated into the Science Curriculum.	Rita Cunningham presented UDL principles of UDL, resources, and tools: Science Writer, CAST Bookbuilder, CleverKeys, and the Virtual Magnifier at the OMS technology night, April 13, 2010 to the parents of 8th grade students. Parents were given the OMS UDL website, http://omsudl.weebly.com to access and utitlize other UDL tools

RESULTS:

The results of this project have exceeded expectations as it was the goal for this school year to simply integrate UDL in some way into the 8th grade Science Department curriculum and for the special education department to be trained in hopes of next year making a school-wide impact. The list below shows the far reaching results of this project:

1. 8th grade Science Department has been trained and are now using CAST Science Writer, CleverKeys, and the Virtual Magnifier. Teachers are also planning with the inclusion teacher, Jenny McAlister, to create lessons that meet the needs of all students and are creating assessments with all students in mind without having to make accommodations or modifications after the fact. (Please see "Teacher Submitted" section for example lesson plans.)

2. Teachers school-wide have been trained on the principles of UDL and have access to the list of tools on this website. Teachers school-wide are asking questions and trying many of the tools listed on this website. (Please see "Teacher Submitted-School-Wide Teaching Training" section for more information)

3. The Special Education Department,has been trained on the principles of UDL and have access to the list of tools on this website. They also have added CleverKeys and the Virtual Magnifier to all computers in their classrooms. As they plan with general education teachers now, they are beginning to suggest ways to include ALL students in the lesson and assessments.

4. Parents have been introduced to the principles of UDL and have access to the list of tools on this website. (Please see "Teacher Submitted- Parent/Technology Night" section for more information.)