Page 94 - EdViewptsSpring2021

would bring our land-based instruction Students would have the opportunity K-8 school. This was called “Fabulous
to a screeching halt. to access learning in a way that Friday” and provided the opportunity
With the spring 2020 shutdown and would work best for them. Those for families to work together to choose
transition to virtual learning, focus opportunities included live direct both unplugged and technological
needed to shift to providing multiple instruction or prerecorded direct activities rooted in sustainability
means of access for our newly virtual instruction, infusing written direct education and community building
students. We knew that UDL could instruction, and audio-only direct enriching the academic experience.
provide a structure and a discussion instruction options. Applying their This initiative also gave classroom
framework for building a virtual knowledge continued to take on teachers the opportunity to use
classroom and curricula. “The UDL a choice board approach, giving the day for planning or individual
framework supports the most viable students multiple means of action and conferencing.
foundation for beginning this redesign expression so knowledge acquisition We have found that “when done
process” (Basham, Blackorby, & could be truly synthesized. This correctly, (UDL) will actually give
Marino, 2020). At Unity Charter School, flexibility gave students the ability to (teachers) more freedom to spend
we leveraged this as an opportunity for be in control of their own learning in time challenging students to raise
students to take control of their learning their virtual environment, developing their abilities, eventually empowering
paths while social distancing. student agency. We found that this students to become independent
connection was key for all students,
In-house professional development especially those who struggle in the learners” (Eichholz, 2020). Utilizing the
was provided to all staff in the virtual environment. Using a workshop key elements of Universal Design for
inclusion of choice within the virtual model and mini lesson format of Learning in a virtual environment as we
environment and guiding students to direct instruction for all classes, small have embraced and practiced at Unity
gain agency over their learning both in groups, and individual conferences Charter School has even enhanced
accessing content and applying student allowed for the continuation of Eichholz’s statement. As our second
knowledge. We were fortunate to have teachers and students working grade teacher, Kaitlyn Bourne, stated:
weekly professional development together to develop success in the “UDL provides many benefits to virtual
written into our teachers’ schedules. virtual environment. Along with course learning. Not only does it ensure that
Beginning in mid-February and carrying work integration, we worked to create students’ individual needs are being
through the rest of the spring semester, whole school weekly choice boards for met, but it also allows students to
this weekly time was spent focusing on students and their families to utilize as be actively engaged and involved
the shift to virtual instruction. part of the academic program in our throughout the learning process.”

Resources
Morin, A. (2020, November 17). What is Universal Design for Learning (UDL)? Retrieved December 29, 2020, from https://
www.understood.org/en/learning-thinking-differences/treatments-approaches/educational-strategies/universal-design-for-
learning-what-it-is-and-how-it-works
Basham, J. D., Blackorby, J., & Marino, M. T. (2020). Opportunity in Crisis: The Role of Universal Design for Learning in
Educational Redesign. Learning Disabilities: A Contemporary Journal, 18(1), 71-91. doi: https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/
EJ1264277.pdf
Eichholz, T. (2020, August 13). Applying Universal Design for Learning in remote classrooms. Retrieved December 29,
2020, from https://blog.neolms.com/applying-universal-design-for-learning-in-remote-classrooms/

About the Authors

Jennifer Carcich is a passionate educator with 25 years of teaching experience. She has taught in
urban, suburban, private, public, and charter schools. Her love for the environment has landed her as
the Sustainability Coordinator and the Supervisor of Curriculum for Unity Charter School in Morristown,
NJ. Jen is TransOption’s 2019 Outstanding Educator and The Alliance for New Jersey Environmental
Education’s 2020 Educator of Excellence in Environmental Education. She currently is a member of the
New Jersey Department of Education’s subcommittee for identification of gifted and talented students.
Amy Mercado is an experienced Integration Specialist with a demonstrated history of working in
the primary/secondary education industry over the past 15 years. Currently, she is the Technology
Integration Specialist at Unity Charter School. She received her Master's degree focused in Computing
in Education from Teachers College of Columbia University and also teaches courses in virtual course
design and technology integration at Kean University and Bridgewater State University. Amy has
presented at numerous conferences including with Harvard’s Graduate School of Education on concepts
of technology integration. Amy is passionate about working with teachers on meaningfully integrating
technology into their classrooms.

Educational Viewpoints -92- Spring 2021