This course investigates the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) as a tool to meet the needs of all learners in the classroom. Candidates explore the UDL framework and examine how designing lessons with the UDL guidelines can improve and optimize learning for all students. Candidates research the use of assistive technologies to allow every student access to the curriculum, as well as determine what assistive technology is appropriate for overcoming barriers to learning.

Teacher candidates who complete this clinical course gain an understanding of the legal and ethical issues, and the procedures involved in the use of technology in the education of students with learning disabilities, emotional/behavioral disabilities and intellectual or developmental disabilities. The purpose of this course is twofold, focusing on the use of technology appropriate for all teaching and learning and the use of technology for students with significant learning needs.

Teacher candidates who complete this clinical course develop a comprehensive awareness of theories, programs, and effective practices for students with learning disabilities. These practices will focus on prevention and remediation of difficulties in reading, math, writing, social skills, and study skills. This is the culminating teaching experience for the LD endorsement, and requires completion of the Teacher Candidate Assessment of Performance (TCAP).

In this clinical course, students examine, implement and evaluate both traditional and contemporary means of assessing reading/writing strengths and needs, as well as research-based developmental and corrective instruction for struggling readers and writers, kindergarten through grade 12.