
Module 3 - Session 2
UNIVERSAL DESIGN FOR LEARNER VARIABILITY
Meeting the Needs of Students with Disabilities Across Learning Environments

GETTING STARTED
OVERVIEW
Welcome to TALE Academy Module 3: Meeting the Needs of Students with Disabilities Across Learning Environments!
Goal – The goal of this module is to prepare educators to intentionally design and offer inclusive learning experiences for all students across all learning environments.
Module Content – This module consists of 8 sessions on meeting the needs of students with disabilities across learning environments. Each session contains a variety of content and learning activities.
Session Content – You are beginning Module 3 – Session 2: Universal Design for Learner Variability.
MODULE WORKBOOK
If you have not yet downloaded your personal copy of the TALE Academy Workbook for this module, do so now. See directions below. There is only one workbook for each module which contains activities for all sessions within that module.
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Step 1: Create your personal copy of the Module 3 TALE Academy Workbook.
Throughout this session, you will complete the session activities and take notes in the Module 3 TALE Academy Workbook. You will have many opportunities to apply the knowledge and skills you learn using your digital workbook. When you click on the Module 3 TALE Academy Workbook link, you will be prompted to make a copy of the workbook. Once you do so, your notes and your work within your workbook will be visible only to you. Please note that the workbook is fillable using Google Slides. We do not recommend printing a copy due to the length of the workbook.
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Step 2: Get familiar with the Module 3 TALE Academy Workbook.
Now that you have your personal copy of the workbook, review pages 1-7 to learn about the workbook’s contents and tips for using the workbook. Don’t forget to add your name to page 1 to personalize your workbook!
Step 3: Review “Key Terms” for Session 2 in the Module 3 TALE Academy Workbook.
Your last step is to review the key terms for Session 2. For every TALE Academy session, the key terms are listed at the start of each new session in the workbook. You can return to the key terms page(s) of your workbook throughout this session to add your notes.
GUIDING QUESTIONS & LEARNING OBJECTIVES
GUIDING QUESTIONS
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How does learner variability impact teaching across learning environments?
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How can I foster inclusion through universal design for learning (UDL)?
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
​By the end of this session, you will be able to do the following:
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Identify possible barriers to access using a learner variability lens.
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Understand how UDL can guide the development of flexible learning environments.
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Integrate learner variability into practice through universal design planning.
ENGAGE: ACTIVATE PRIOR KNOWLEDGE
LEARN FROM OTHERS:
VOICES FROM THE FIELD
The following video highlights the reflections of New York State educators on learning environments that accommodate individual learning differences.
WORKBOOK
ACTIVITY
To activate your prior knowledge on the topic, please complete the following steps:
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In your copy of the Module 3 TALE Academy Workbook, complete Activity 3.2.1 – Identifying Barriers to Learning.
If you have not already created your personal copy of the Module 3 TALE Academy Workbook, you can make a copy by clicking here.
EXPLORE: TOPIC OVERVIEW
READ, WATCH, LISTEN
Select from the learning modalities below to explore an overview of the topic for this session. You may read a magazine-style article, watch a video, or listen to a conversational podcast.
You need to select only one option: read, watch, or listen.
As you read, watch, or listen, consider pausing and reviewing the key terms for this session in your workbook. You can add your own notes, ideas for application, or definitions of the terms in your own words.
Dive into our Module 3 – Session 2 READ, a magazine-style overview of the session topic with infographics and links to resources.
Tune into our Module 3 – Session 2 WATCH, a narrated, animated video that provides an overview of the session topic.
Settle in for our Module 3 – Session 2 LISTEN, a conversational, podcast-style discussion among educators about the session topic.
EXPLORE: CHOICE BOARD
Select one option from the choices offered below to learn more.
You need to select only one of the choices (note that there are two videos for the Watch option), but you are welcome to explore all the resources!

Synopsis: This free tool from Digital Promise helps you find research-based strategies that support the whole learner so you can create personalized and meaningful learning experiences.
Format: Interactive Webpages
Time: Approximately 30 minutes but can vary based on user interaction

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Tech Tools and Strategies to Address Learner Variability (9:39 to 12:34)
Synopsis: In the first video, you will be introduced to the concept of learner variability. In the second video, panelists share strategies for differentiating and personalizing instruction and which edtech tools can best support you. Teacher Gordon Van Owen provides tools and planning considerations for student accessibility.
Format: Videos
Time: 6 minutes

Great Minds Don’t Think Alike: Embracing Learner Variability with Nancy Weinstein
Synopsis: The author of The Empowered Student talks about the challenges students face today and how teachers and parents can help students learn to manage complex demands.
Format: Podcast
Time: 37 minutes
ESTABLISH: REFLECTION FOR ACTION
WORKBOOK ACTIVITY
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Return to your copy of the Module 3 TALE Academy Workbook and complete Activity 3.2.2 – Learner Variability in Action.
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If you have not already made your personal copy of the Module 3 TALE Academy Workbook, you can make a copy by clicking here.
EXTEND: DEEPER LEARNING
Extend your learning by engaging in a longer workbook activity and/or accessing additional resources.
This section is designed to help you begin a journey into deeper learning on the topic area.
WORKBOOK ACTIVITY
Return to your copy of the Module 3 TALE Academy Workbook and complete Activity 3.2.3 – Anticipating Learner Variability in Lesson Planning. If you have not already made your personal copy of the Module 3 TALE Academy Workbook, you can do so by clicking here.
Time: 20 minutes
ADDITIONAL
RESOURCES
How to Plan Online Lessons with Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
Topic: Implementing UDL in virtual classrooms
Format: Article
Time: 2 minutes
Reimagining Disability & Inclusive Education (9:30 to 16:10)
Topic: A teacher and a parent of a child with a disability on the importance of universal design for learning
Format: Video
Time: 6 minutes (selection), 16 minutes (entire video)
Seeing UDL in Action in the Classroom
Topic: A fifth-grade teacher shows the specific UDL practices he utilizes in his classroom.
Format: Video
Time: 9 minutes
Universal Design for Learning with Dr. Katie Novak (10:26 to 26:20)
Topic: Experts on universal design for learning to support the varying needs of students
Format: Podcast
Time: 16 minutes (selection), 53 minutes (entire podcast)