Teaching to Diversity: The Three-Block Model of Universal Design for Learning

by Jennifer Katz, Faye Brownlie (Foreword)

In her book Teaching to Diversity, Dr. Jennifer Katz synthesizes the research, and 16 years experience of teaching in inclusive classrooms and schools, to provide answers to several questions: •How do I make inclusion work for ALL students? •What are the foundational best practices of a truly inclusive learning community? •How does one create such a community? The author pulls together, in an organized way, a three-block model of universal design for learning (UDL) and suggests a step-by-step approach for implementing it. This framework includes: Block One, Social and Emotional Learning: details ways to build compassionate learning communities (K–12) in which all students feel safe and valued, and develop a positive self-concept, sense of belonging, and respect for diverse others. Block Two, Inclusive Instructional Practice: includes a framework for planning units from K–12, and explains instructional and management practices for teaching, assessing, grading, and reporting in UDL Classrooms. Block Three, Systems and Structures: suggests strategies for creating inclusive learning communities, and explores ways in which resource teachers, student services personnel, and school administrators can support and create socially and academically inclusive schools and classrooms. The three-block model of UDL can empower educators with the knowledge, skills, and confidence required to teach diverse learners in the same classroom—including those who have previously been excluded. Ultimately, it is about creating classrooms and schools that heal by teaching to the heart, mind, and spirit of every student.

Genres: Education, Teaching, Nonfiction, Canada

232 pages, Paperback

First published July 6, 2012

Reviews

[Lauren McDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genuinely an amazing resource, this will be in my future classroom

[Thomas (ReadWithThomas) · Rating 5 out of 5]

“𝑺𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒔𝒕𝒖𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔’ 𝒔𝒆𝒏𝒔𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒇 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒊𝒓 𝒔𝒄𝒉𝒐𝒐𝒍 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒖𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒊𝒓 𝒎𝒐𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒐 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒊𝒓 𝒂𝒔𝒑𝒊𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒈𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘𝒍𝒆𝒅𝒈𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒂𝒄𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒎𝒊𝒄 𝒂𝒄𝒉𝒊𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕.”

Am I counting a book that I read for a course as a summer read? You betcha. Teaching to Diversity is a practical resource on implementing Universal Design for Learning in the classroom. Written by a former teacher (now professor), Katz provides many examples, case studies, and practical advice to help support all learners in the classroom. She emphasizes all students and teachers to build community, have high expectations, encourage strengths and support each other on challenges to create an environment where every child can succeed. It encouraged me in that many of the things I do in my classroom already support diverse learners, and gave me some things I’m excited to try out in September. A highly recommended professional read!

[Tracey Comeau-costello · Rating 5 out of 5]

23 years of teaching and never has anything moved my practice so completely.
Jennifer Katz's three block model combines the ideals of inclusion - in particular Universal Design for Learning, and blends them with not only social emotional learning, but blooms and high level expectations for all. She sets out a path for educators to teach to all students.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

A comprehensive guide to implementing UDL in a classroom, with lots of practical strategies, including classroom management.

[Jessica Liew · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is very engaging for a professional development book. Written by a former teacher with experience working in both Manitoba and BC, it includes a lot of examples and information very relevant to Canadian teachers. She includes a section on engaging Aboriginal learners and incorporating Aboriginal teaching approaches would be relevant across the country. As more curricula across Canada are moving towards models that are more compatible with theories of Universal Design for Learning, this book is becoming increasingly relevant to the needs of teachers. If you teach in an inclusive classroom where you feel overwhelmed as you try to meet the needs of all your students, Katz's book will offer some very useful strategies for you.

If you are an elementary educator, this book is probably a five star read. Her strategies would work well within the logistics of the majority of elementary classrooms. Some of her suggestions are less realistic for secondary teachers, so that is why I only gave it four stars.

The other reason I gave it four stars is block three of her Three-block model. This section deals with school administrators, budgets, provincial policy and other factors beyond the scope and influence of most classroom teachers. While it was interesting to read Katz's views on the subject, I don't think this lengthy section of the book has much direct application to the professional lives of most teachers.

Overall, a worthy read that won't waste your limited professional development time.

[Niki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Katz compiles a solid introduction for Universal Deign for Learning (UDL) in Teaching to Diversity. She provides many examples and strong Canadian content. She emphasizes self-respect and -awareness and respecting and being aware of others, as well as incorporating the multiple intelligences. However, I will say I didn't love this book. I am not quite able to put my finger on it, but I really feel that it is lacking something. I would have guessed the publication date was more than four years ago, as it felt like there were whole pieces of current educational practices missing, like design thinking, inquiry, and creativity. I also found the writing style to lack passion and was disappointed it didn't leave me more inspired. Overall, a good intro to UDL, which is what I wanted, but not my new favourite educational reference.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Putting the theory into practice will be my next challenge - will have to re-read and reference many times!

[Colette · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good intro to UDL with practical examples balancing the theory/research provided.