Universal Design & Standards-based Educational Reform

No Child Left Behind (NCLB) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) have forever changed the learning environment. These two educational reforms have paved the way for even further changes within our classrooms. Such changes are possible through the Universal Design concept and Standards-based Educational Reform. The Universal Design concept and Standards-based Educational Reform will positively impact all students and can further improve our educational system. The problem is that many teachers do not know about them.

The Universal Design concept is a great idea because a lot of students under NCLB are not meeting end of the year goals while in school. One of the most important characteristics of teaching is being able to adapt to the different learning styles of the students in your class. The Universal Design concept allows for this and it also really helps those with disabilities (fulfills IDEA). This design is flexible and allows students to be engaged (increases interest and motivation) in their work and be empowered to learn more on their own (hands on approach) through this concept and its alternative methods (technology usage). Teachers are thus able to incorporate more alternative assessment in their lesson planning rather than the typical traditional assessment.

Standards-based Educational Reform is the goal our education system needs to be shooting for. Students’ progress needs to be measured by clear and appropriate standards but they also need to be challenging. I believe too many states are lenient in regards to their standards and this has to change. Teachers are either not aware of this or they are not fulfilling their teaching obligations. That is why an accountability system within this Standards-based Educational Reform is necessary. Teachers who commit themselves to the standards will be rewarded for their students’ progress (reaching standards). When will we finally realize our education system is in complete flux? Will a Standards-based Educational Reform or a Universal Design concept be implemented anytime soon? We can only hope!