Adapting Lessons for All

Bryce Bjork

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Adapting Lessons for All

Participants will learn practical strategies for differentiating instruction, providing accommodations, and applying Universal Design for Learning to create inclusive lessons for students with special needs, then develop a personalized action plan.

Equipping educators with inclusive teaching techniques ensures all learners access curriculum, increases engagement, and promotes equity in the classroom by meeting diverse needs.

Audience

Adult Educators

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Interactive presentation and collaborative planning

Materials

Differentiation Strategies Handout, - Inclusion Strategies Checklist, - Universal Design for Learning Slides, - Case Studies Packet, - Reflection and Action Plan Worksheet, - Chart Paper, - Markers, and - Projector

Prep

Materials Preparation

10 minutes

Print enough copies of Differentiation Strategies Handout, Inclusion Strategies Checklist, Case Studies Packet, and Reflection and Action Plan Worksheet.
Load and review Universal Design for Learning Slides.
Arrange room for small-group work with chart paper and markers.
Test projector and ensure slides display properly.

Step 1

Introduction and Objectives

5 minutes

Welcome participants and state session objective.
Briefly discuss the importance of inclusive instruction in Tier 1 settings.
Share a quick anecdote or data point on success with accommodations.

Step 2

Overview of Inclusive Strategies

7 minutes

Present key differentiation techniques using Differentiation Strategies Handout.
Highlight accommodation ideas from Inclusion Strategies Checklist.
Introduce UDL principles via Universal Design for Learning Slides.

Step 3

Collaborative Case-Study Activity

10 minutes

Divide participants into small groups and distribute Case Studies Packet.
Each group selects one student profile and uses handouts/checklist to design two lesson adaptations.
Record adaptation plans on chart paper and prepare a 1-minute share-out.

Step 4

Share-Out and Reflection

5 minutes

Groups present their adaptation ideas in brief share-outs.
Distribute Reflection and Action Plan Worksheet.
Participants individually note two strategies they will implement and set next steps.

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Slide Deck

Universal Design for Learning

Creating Inclusive Lessons for All Learners

Welcome participants and introduce the concept of Universal Design for Learning (UDL). Explain that UDL provides a framework to proactively design lessons that meet the needs of all learners.

Session Overview

• What is UDL and why it matters
• The three UDL principles
• Practical strategies and examples
• Reflection and next steps

Outline today’s focus: defining UDL, exploring its three core principles, and discussing classroom strategies.

What Is UDL?

Universal Design for Learning is a framework to design lessons that remove barriers and provide flexible pathways to learning by anticipating diverse learner needs.

Define UDL and explain its research basis in neuroscience and learning variability.

Principle 1: Multiple Means of Engagement

• Offer choices (topics, tools, group/solo work)
• Build relevance to students’ lives
• Vary challenge and support with scaffolds
• Foster collaboration and community

Discuss how engagement taps into learners’ interests, motivation, and persistence. Invite participants to think of one way they motivate students.

Principle 2: Multiple Means of Representation

• Use text, audio, and visuals
• Provide summaries and graphic organizers
• Teach vocabulary explicitly with images
• Offer translation or captioning supports

Highlight how representation ensures information is accessible in multiple formats. Ask for examples of materials they’ve adapted.

Principle 3: Multiple Means of Action & Expression

• Allow written, oral, video, or artistic responses
• Provide assistive tools (speech-to-text, calculators)
• Use checklists and rubrics for self-assessment
• Support planning with graphic organizers

Explain that action & expression focuses on how learners demonstrate understanding. Encourage brainstorming of alternative assessments.

UDL in Practice: Examples

• Math: interactive digital manipulatives and varied problem formats
• Reading: audio recordings plus layered question sets
• Science: choice of lab roles and presentation formats
• Social Studies: primary source sets at multiple reading levels

Share concrete examples of integrating UDL in Tier 1 lessons. Invite participants to connect these to their teaching context.

Reflection & Next Steps

• Which UDL principle resonates most with you?
• What is one strategy you will try in your next lesson?
• How will you measure its impact on student engagement or learning?

Guide participants to reflect on which UDL strategies they will begin to implement. Encourage them to note action steps on their worksheet.

Worksheet

Reflection and Action Plan Worksheet

Strategy Reflection:

a) Strategy 1 you plan to try:

b) Why this strategy is important for your learners:

c) Strategy 2 you plan to try:

d) Why this strategy is important for your learners:

Lesson Adaptation Details:

For Strategy 1 – Describe how you will adapt a current lesson to include this strategy:

For Strategy 2 – Describe how you will adapt a current lesson to include this strategy:

Implementation Plan:

• Timeline for implementation (date or session):

• Collaborators and resources needed:

Measuring Impact:

• What evidence will you collect to measure success?

• How will you adjust your approach if students need additional support?

Next Steps and Supports:

• Identify any additional support or training you need:

• Date for follow-up reflection or check-in: