CAST Newsletter: November 2019

Forward

Subscriber,

Every day at CAST, we imagine a future of learning without limits—and try out ways to move toward that future. We know you share our vision, and we’re so grateful for all you do to help bust barriers to learning wherever they are found.

As a nonprofit, CAST depends on the generous support of partners like you to fund the innovations that benefit all learners in all kinds of learning environments.

If the spirit of the season moves you, won’t you consider making a tax-deductible gift? We'd be so very grateful.

Happy holidays from all of us at CAST. And thank you.

We're busting barriers in New Hampshire

The New Hampshire UDL Innovation Network is now a powerful movement of 70 schools and 495 educators from all 25 of the state's school administrative units. Learn how our NHUDL teams are strengthening UDL implementation on a state-wide level and changing the lives of New Hampshire's learners for the better.

Download the Year 2 Report

Join our online community

Our flagship digital offering, UDL101: Introduction to Universal Design for Learning, is a 14-session online course designed for anyone interested in the theory and practice of UDL. Participants learn the research basis for UDL, practical applications of UDL in different learning environments, and how to choose technology tools that support flexible, inclusive instruction.

The CITES Team recently participated in the State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA) Leadership Summit & Education Forum in Arlington, VA. Technology leaders from across the country shared insights and recommendations from a state-wide perspective, giving our team lots to think about when it comes to creating inclusive technology ecosystems in school districts. We look forward to our continued partnership with SETDA as we frame the future of learning with technology!

Learn more about CITES

We're incredibly excited to announce that CAST has been awarded a 5-year, $6-million grant from the US Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs, to continue our leadership of the National Center on Accessible Education Materials (AEM Center). The next-generation AEM Center will leverage the collective expertise CAST and its partners have garnered over the past two decades to provide innovative and timely technical assistance that continues improving systems and standards for the provision of AEM to individuals with disabilities across the lifespan.

Check out the announcement

Grow your UDL knowledge

Are you ready to get your UDL Core Credential, Level 2? Use the new UDL Core Knowledge Statements to reflect on the design and implementation of a lesson. Did the designer anticipate learner variability? Did the designer reduce barriers in reaching the learning goals? Are there barriers in the assessments, methods, or materials? Visit Learning Designed to earn your Level 1 & Level 2 UDL Credentials, and join the growing community of educators focused on creating equitable learning experiences for all.

Earn your UDL Credentials at Learning Designed

Using Formative Assessment

by Michael W. Connell

The fourth title in our Skinny Books series is now available!

“Formative Assessment—the process of interpreting data on student performance to adapt instruction to individual needs—is perhaps the single most powerful tool available to teachers to help every student succeed to their full potential.”

With that bold statement, Michael W. Connell sets out to unpack formative assessment for the reader—what it is, how it works, and why it is so essential for learner growth. He shows how to incorporate it into different teaching methods and settings, such as flipped classrooms, programmed instruction, and more. The goal: to improve every student’s performance and provide the benefits of individualized instruction even in group settings.

Order your copy today

STEM careers are for everyone

Our CEE-STEM project team has been working tirelessly, capturing amazing interviews with YouthBuild alumni and industry partners. The goal? Helping youth see themselves as having opportunities in STEM careers. The result? You'll have to watch this powerful video for yourself. But we'll give you a sneak peek: In the words of Tom Kinsky, CEO of Saint-Gobain, "What we need are people that are learners."

Watch "You Have STEM Skills"

UDL & Innovation in the Silicon Valley

We’re ramping up for our Seventh Annual UDL-IRN International Summit in Silicon Valley, CA on April 7th-9th, 2020. That means another year of UDL-centered conversations, networking, and learning. Join us for UDL Talks, pre-conference sessions, design labs and more… all with the goal of moving our field toward supporting ALL learners.