Published on National Center On Universal Design for Learning (http://www.udlcenter.org)

Examples 7.3

UDL Guidelines - Version 1.0: Examples and Resources

Checkpoint 7.3: Minimize threats and distractions

III. Provide Multiple Means of Engagement

Recruiting Interest

Key Considerations

How does this help learners meet the goal?
How does this account for the variability of all learners?
Do learners feel safe in the learning environment?

udlcenter [at] udlcenter [dot] org (Can you think of other examples/resources that illustrate this checkpoint? Tell us!)

Search these examples and resources on Diigo [4]!

Example/Resource		Why UDL?
	Pace Car [5] Pacecar is an online reading tool, designed to increase reading rate and decrease distractions. It masks the distracting elements on the page by creating a reading window that follows the reader's mouse. Age Group: All ages Content Area: All Cost: Free Technology Involved: Internet connection	Why UDL? Pacecar is a great example of reducing distractions. By decreasing irrelevant information, Pacecar helps students to focus on the most important information on the page. See also: 3.2: Highlight patterns, critical features, big ideas, and relationships [6]
	Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports [7] The TA Center on Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports has been established by the Office of Special Education Programs, US Department of Education to give schools capacity-building information and technical assistance for identifying, adapting, and sustaining effective school-wide disciplinary practices. Age Group: K-12 Content Area: School culture Cost: Free Technology Involved: Internet connection; many of the strategies suggested require no technology	Why UDL? PBIS's focus on environmental aspects that lead to problem behavior is reflective of the importance of varying threats and distractions.
	Superintendent Sheldon Berman Builds a Network of Caring School Communities [8] Dr. Berman discusses the far-reaching impact a positive school culture can have upon student learning. Age Group: K-12 Content Area: School culture Cost: Free Technology Involved: Internet connection; many of the strategies suggested require no technology	Why UDL? Dr. Berman's emphasis on creating schools in which students feel safe highlights the importance of reducing threats and distractions.
	Sensory Integration Dysfunction [9] This printable handout provides information about sensory integration dysfunction. Age Group: All ages Content Area: Sensory integration Cost: Free Technology Involved: Internet connection; strategies suggested require no technology	Why UDL? Varying the level of sensory stimulation in the classroom is an effective way to reduce threats and distractions.
	Sensory Processing Disorder: Tips for Teachers [10] These tips can help children who are oversensitive to light touch and who need movement to stay organized in the classroom. Age Group: All ages Content Area: Sensory integration Cost: Free Technology Involved: Internet connection; strategies suggested require no technology	Why UDL? The strategies offered here are beneficial not only to students with sensory integration disorders but to ALL children. These tips help students to attend to and process academic information.
	Classroom Distractions: How can we avoid them? [11] This blog lists some common distractions in the classroom and provides tips to follow so that you aren’t led off track. Age Group: All ages Content Area: School culture Cost: Free Technology Involved: Internet connection; strategies suggested require no technology	Why UDL? Being aware of the various diversions in the classroom and developing strategies to overcome them is a powerful way to reduce threats and distractions.

Source URL: http://www.udlcenter.org/implementation/examples/examples7_3

Links:
[1] http://www.udlcenter.org/aboutudl/udlguidelines/principle3#principle3_g7_c1
[2] http://www.udlcenter.org/aboutudl/udlguidelines/principle3#principle3_g7_c2
[3] http://www.udlcenter.org/aboutudl/udlguidelines/principle3#principle3_g7_c3
[4] http://www.diigo.com/user/udlcenter/%22Checkpoint%207.3%22?type=all
[5] http://pacecar.missingmethod.com/
[6] http://www.udlcenter.org/implementation/examples/examples3_2
[7] http://www.pbis.org/school/what_is_swpbs.aspx
[8] http://www.edutopia.org/louisville-sel-superintendent-berman-video
[9] http://www.superduperinc.com/handouts/pdf/59%20SensoryIntegration.pdf
[10] http://www.spdbayarea.org/SPD_tips_for_teachers.htm
[11] http://englishwithjennifer.wordpress.com/2009/03/29/classroom-distractions-how-much-can-we-avoid-them/