ADAC’s Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Learning Pathway is a 6-week or year-long prescribed sequence of learning engagements that helps faculty move UDL from a framework to consistent classroom practice. The pathway combines facilitated learning, applied lesson design, collaborative reflection, and coaching so educators can anticipate learner variability, reduce unnecessary barriers, and strengthen rigorous Tier 1 instruction over time.
The Case for the UDL Learning Pathway
Universal Design for Learning is a proactive framework for designing instruction around learner variability. Rather than waiting for students to struggle and then adding supports, UDL helps educators plan from the outset for differences in background knowledge, language, executive functioning, motivation, processing, and ways of demonstrating understanding.
The implementation challenge is translating UDL principles into strong subject-specific instruction. ADAC addresses that gap by connecting UDL to Tier 1 instruction, differentiation, assessment, MTSS, and content-area pedagogy. This allows teachers to maintain grade-level expectations while providing meaningful access and appropriate challenge for a wider range of learners.
Why This Matters for Your School
UDL is most powerful when it strengthens the instructional priorities schools are already working to improve. ADAC helps leaders and teachers connect UDL with MTSS, inclusive education, standards-aligned instruction, data-informed teaching, intervention and enrichment, executive functioning, and effective use of accommodations.
Content-based application is particularly valuable in mathematics and science, where students may encounter barriers related to academic language, abstract representations, multi-step reasoning, problem solving, investigations, or communicating complex thinking. ADAC helps educators preserve the intellectual demand of the task while expanding access through purposeful representations, scaffolds, discourse routines, models, visual supports, technology, and varied ways for students to demonstrate learning.
Sample Tier 1 Learning Pathway
Designing Rigorous Learning for Every Student
UDL Foundations & Shared Framework
Faculty develop a common understanding of learner variability, barriers to learning, and the UDL principles of Engagement, Representation, and Action & Expression.
Content-Based UDL Application
Grade-band or content teams apply UDL directly to authentic lessons, tasks, assessments, and curricular materials. Mathematics and science can serve as dedicated content pathways.
Applied Lesson Design & Practice
Educators redesign instruction, implement selected strategies, examine student response, and refine practice through structured collaboration.
Ongoing Coaching & Systems Integration
ADAC coaching supports leaders and teacher teams in embedding UDL into planning, instructional feedback, PLCs, MTSS, and other schoolwide structures.
Pathways can be customized as a 6-week or year-long sequence and aligned to the National Standards and Benchmarks for Effective Catholic Elementary and Secondary Schools (NSBECS).
If you don’t see the service you had in mind, please reach out. We are happy to develop and customize professional learning workshops to meet your needs.
Services and Delivery Methods
1
UDL Learning Pathway (6-Weeks)
In-Person and Virtual
A structured 6-week progression for faculty and school leaders to build a shared UDL framework and apply it to classroom practice. The pathway includes facilitated learning, content- or grade-band application, applied lesson design, classroom reflection, and implementation coaching support.
2
UDL Learning Pathway (Yearlong)
In-Person and Virtual
A sustained year-long progression that deepens UDL implementation across classrooms and school systems. Educators engage in recurring application and reflection while leaders use coaching to embed UDL into instructional priorities, PLCs, walkthroughs, feedback cycles, and MTSS structures.
3
Content-Based UDL: Mathematics & Science
In-Person and Virtual
A 6-week or year-long content-specific pathway for mathematics and/or science teams. Participants apply UDL to standards, problem solving, academic language, representations, discourse, investigations, assessment, and student explanation, with a focus on increasing access while preserving conceptual rigor. The pathway can be customized by grade band, course, or curriculum.
To discuss how ADAC’s Universal Design for Learning Pathway can support your school or network, submit the form below and Kaitlyn Weston, Director of Instructional Coaching and Program Quality, will be in touch shortly.
