KERRY Education and Training Board has launched Ireland’s first cross-sectoral collaboration between Primary, Post Primary, and Further Education with Trinity College School of Education.
On Monday, the Minister for Education, Norma Foley, officially launched the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Research Project at Kerry College Clash Campus.
The project, spearheaded by Jean Reale, a PhD research candidate with Trinity College School of Education and Kerry Education and Training Board (Kerry ETB), aims to implement UDL across the educational journeys of all learners in Ireland, irrespective of their academic ability.
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This two-year study marks the first cross-sectoral collaboration between primary, post primary, and further education and training (FET) in Ireland to look at implementing Universal Design for Learning.
Launching the project Minister for Education Norma Foley, TD, said; “Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a framework for enhancing student experiences by placing the student voice at the centre of the learning environment. UDL takes a proactive approach to learning environments ensuring that students learn in ways that are best suited to their individual needs.
“I would like to congratulate Jean Reale, the PhD research candidate with Trinity College School of Education, and Kerry ETB for their outstanding work in this field.”
“The Universal Design for Learning framework provides pathways to meet the challenges in teaching and learning environments while capitalising on the diverse talents of students.
“It promotes the development of expert learners who can assess their own needs, monitor their progress, and sustain their interests and effort during learning tasks,” said Ann O’Dwyer, Director of Schools Youth and Music.
Designed and developed by Jean Reale in collaboration with Jeremy Wrenn, 28 teaching staff, and senior management from across Kerry ETB, UDL brings numerous benefits to the student, learners, and educators, within Kerry ETB.
It ensures increased access and participation, fosters improved learning outcomes, reduces stigma by acknowledging unique needs, and enhances student engagement by tailoring learning experiences to individual preferences and interests.
Speaking about the project, the Principal of Kerry College Stephen Goulding, expressed; “The Universal Design for Learning Champions Project in Kerry ETB is a ground-breaking initiative that seeks to capture the lived experience of teachers and management in implementing UDL. It aims to empower educators while maintaining high expectations for all learners.”
The project’s outcomes will consist of an implementation roadmap document based on the study’s data and findings, to be rolled out across Kerry ETB and made available nationally to schools and colleges under a creative commons license.
Additionally, support materials will be made available to primary and post primary schools to facilitate planning for UDL as part of the school self-evaluation process and the Looking at Our Schools (LAOS) Quality Framework.
These materials will be developed to aid the establishment of a UDL School Flag program, assisting primary and post-primary schools in implementing UDL principles and promoting student agency in their learning.
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