Continuing with the CAST UDL Symposium recorded sessions, tonight I watched Frances Hope Ratcliff present “There’s No “I” in Inclusion Part 2: Centering Learner Voice during Institution-Wide UDL Implementation.” Ratcliff is part of Reach MS: Realizing Excellence for All Children in Mississippi. The goal is to support K-12 students and teachers. Ratcliff is an academic specialist for Reach MS and provides UDL support for the state of Mississippi. Ratcliff showed photographs of two classrooms: one from the 1950s and one from a current classroom. The older classroom is very structured with rows and everyone facing forward. In newer classrooms, students work at round tables in groups. Ratcliff compared the two classrooms and the roles of teachers and students. There was a quote about UDL that I really liked: “UDL is a framework that provides ALL students equitable opportunities to learn.” Ratcliff explained that restorative design is needed and must consider trauma, equity, and security. Ratcliff explained that empathetic design lets the learner be the leader and asks the learner to “show me who they are.”
The 21st century does not need instruction; they need innovation.
Hope Ratcliff, CAST UDL Symposium 2022
Ratcliff asked the audience: what is your vision for the 21st-century learner? They explained that it is our responsibility as educators to adapt and evolve. Technology is embedded in our daily experience. Ratcliff emphasized “centering the person” and how their choices will impact them and the ones they love. This session was uplifting and encouraged viewers to pause and reflect. Radcliff helped emphasize the connections and human side of UDL.
