Blog 2 UDL

I do believe that the current focus of high stakes testing is what is disabling our classrooms and not allowing us from fully implementing the principles and potential of the universal design for learning (UDL). The current curriculum in the public school system is solely focused on rote learning and memorization, which is required for students to score high on statewide standardized testing. The Maryland public educational system today, at least in the testable subjects of English, Reading, and Mathematics, is only focused on making sure students get a good grade on the MSA or HSA. It is not about learning and comprehension, it is about memorization, which totally hinders the principles and promises of UDL.



UDL focuses on the idea of reviewing the current curriculum and finding the strengths and weaknesses of the current system in order to correct any problems. The UDL system isn’t about locating each individual student’s strengths and weaknesses, which I believe is a problem with UDL. It is impossible to find a curriculum that will fit the need of every single student, in every single school across the United States of America. We need to not only focus on our current curriculum’s shortcomings, but also the needs of all of our students. People are individuals and therefore all their needs are different as well. The challenge of UDL is embedding its principles and ideas into all areas of our curriculum. The final challenge is to not only find the strengths and weaknesses inside our current curriculum, but also in our students as well. This can ensure that all our students are learning to the best of their ability.

Katydid

Katydid

Habitat: tropical to temperate enviornments
Endangered? Yes
What they eat: Leaves of willow, rosewood and citrus trees, they are herbivors.
What eats them: birds and bats
What do they look like? angular winged, 2- 2 1/2 inches in length, light green, long and slender
Fun facts: They live for one year. Have long wings to look like leaves to hide themselves.

Rainforest Animals

Summer Plans

May 3, 2010

Dear Friend,

I will be going to North Carolina in June this summer. We are renting a house and I am very excited. I will also be a nanny for the summer. I plan to go on trips with the two children I am watching. I will also be taking a summer class during the month of July. Hope you have a great summer!

From,

Katie

Friendly letter: Directions

Below find your group that was assigned to you. Each partner will comment to the post by writing a friendly letter to your friend. Remember to include all 5 parts of the friendly letter. Also, the body should consist of at least 5 sentences.

Homework: Please write a friendly letter back to your partner as a comment to their friendly letter post.

Group 10

Group 9