Universal Learning Academy
- 3. 3 • Universal Learning Academy is a Pre-Kindergarten through 5th Grade elementary school that was designed for YOUR child! • At ULA, we incorporate the strategies and practices of Universal Learning Design to provide the best education possible for your child. • We believe that children learn in different ways and at different paces and our school and facility strive to provide the best individualized education possible for your child.
- 4. 4 • Universal Design Learning is a practice that helps give all students an equal opportunity to learn and succeed. • The UDL framework proposes that educators: • Represent information in multiple formats and media • Provide multiple pathways for students’ action and expression • Provide multiple ways to engage students’ interests and motivation (Rose & Meyer, 2002). • UDL focuses on the three brain networks to meet learner differences: • Recognition Networks • Strategic Networks • Affective Networks
- 5. Where learning is achieved in a flexible environment designed for our students by our students! • At Universal Learning Academy each child’s individual differences and learning styles pave the way to their individualized education. • Our students are the driving force behind our school culture, environment, and energy. 5
- 6. 6 • Universal Learning Academy focuses on the success, needs, and diversity of each of our students. Our school uses Universal Design Learning practices to ensure that each of our students can be successful while achieving their maximum potential. The expectations are high at Universal Learning Academy, but the atmosphere is flexible and focused. • It is our belief that each child has the potential to be amazing! We are devoted to finding the best pieces of the puzzle to use for your child’s success!
- 7. Our Playground! 7 When Universal Learning Academy was designed we wanted it to be accessible for all. Each entrance, bathroom, and classroom are wheelchair accessible. We also created a horseshoe design one story building with wide hallways for our students with visual and physical disabilities. We are most excited about our handicap assessable playground and physical education building so that all students may
- 8. We believe that students should be grouped by age for the best learning outcome. We believe that when students are grouped by age there is more opportunity for social growth, relationship building, and communication. Flexible seating opportunities are available in each classroom in a variety of ways. We strive to provide and environment that is conducive to learning for each child. 8
- 9. SMALL GROUP INSTRUCTION 9 Class sizes will be created on a need bases, but we aim to have a 15:2 student teacher ratio. Each class will have a full time paraprofessional. We believe that smaller class sizes provide more opportunity for individualized instruction and opportunity. This allows for our students to have the free time and environment needed to excel.
- 10. Hands-on STEM learning activity. 10 We offer a learning environment that uses hands-on learning, small group and individualized instruction, technology, and individualized work plans. Teachers will create weekly work plans for students that allow for their instruction and skills to be tailored to their exact needs. Instruction will be offered in various ways depending on student needs and best learning environment. Students will have choice and the ability to work through their work plan in the way the choose. We believe that giving student choice and accountability are important in their success.
- 11. 11 • Our school uses a general curriculum that is followed throughout the school. Expectations are high, but instruction is flexible. We feel that while maintaining flexibility we can still teach with rigor and high expectations. • Our students are given a high quality education at their pace and in a manner that best fits their needs. • We do not put a timeline on when skills should be completed throughout the school year and use our curriculum as a guide for our classrooms.
- 12. 12 We offer technology in a variety of ways and have a 1:1 ratio available for students. We offer 2 computer labs, a study hall, iPad carts per classroom for grades PK-1 and Chromebook carts for grades 2-5. We believe that technology is an important component in the education of our students and offer a variety of technology throughout the school for students. Each classroom is equipped with a Promethean board, ELMO, and iPad/Chromebook
- 13. 13 • Students will be assessed throughout the curriculum as they complete units. Unit exams will be given to assess the skills covered and may be assessed using projects, presentations, written exams, oral exams, or verbal recorded projects. • Students are given a choice at the end of a unit on their method of assessment. • There will be no yearly standardized testing. We feel it is best to assess students along the way throughout the school year. • Assessments are not given class wide because students will complete units at their pace. We take a more individualized one on one approach for assessments.
- 15. References 15 Rose, D. H., & Meyer, A. (2002). Teaching Every Student in the Digital Age Universal Design for Learning. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.