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Executive function is a set of mental skills that include working memory, flexible thinking, and self-control. We use these skills every day to learn, work, and manage daily life. Trouble with executive function can make it hard to focus, follow directions, and handle emotions, among other things.

Some people describe executive function as "the management system of the brain." That's because the skills involved let us set goals, plan, and get things done. When people struggle with executive function, it impacts them at home, in school, and in life.

There are three main areas of executive function. They are:

Executive function is responsible for many skills, including:

Paying attention

Organizing, planning, and prioritizing

Starting tasks and staying focused on them to completion

Understanding different points of view

Regulating emotions

Self-monitoring (keeping track of what you're doing)

Executive functioning skills usually develop quickly in early childhood and into the teen years. But they keep developing into the mid-20s. When kids are younger, some may lag behind peers for a while. As they get older, though, they may have fewer challenges as teens and young adults.

People struggling with executive skills may:

Avoid COVID Slide with tips and tools designed to help your child return to the classroom.

Have trouble starting and/or completing tasks

Have difficulty prioritizing tasks

Forget what they just heard or read

Have trouble following directions or a sequence of steps

Panic when rules or routines change

Have trouble switching focus from one task to another

Get overly emotional and fixate on things

Have trouble organizing their thoughts

Have trouble keeping track of their belongings

Have trouble managing their time

Trouble with executive function isn't a diagnosis or a learning disability. But it's common in people who learn and think differently. Everyone with ADHD has trouble with it. And lots of people with learning challenges struggle with executive function, too.

These difficulties can cause trouble with learning. But they don't mean that people are lazy or not intelligent. People who struggle with executive function are just as smart and work just as hard as other people.

There's been a lot of research into what causes trouble with executive function and ADHD. Here are two main factors.

Also, trouble with executive function often occurs with learning challenges.

Learning disabilities don't always involve a problem with executive function. But it's not uncommon for kids with dyslexia or dyscalculia , for example, to also have trouble with executive skills. Learn how problems with executive function can impact reading and math.

Slow processing speed isn't a problem with executive function. But it can cause trouble with it. Learn more about slow processing speed.

Testing should be done as part of a full evaluation that looks at many areas of learning and thinking. These evaluations, which schools do for free, are often done by psychologists. But there are other types of professionals who do this type of testing.

Some of these same professionals offer treatments and approaches like:

Behavior therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Behavior therapy helps people replace negative behaviors with positive ones. CBT helps kids deal with thoughts and feelings and manage behavior.

Medications. There are no medications just for executive function, but there are medications for ADHD.

Organizational coaching. These are consultants you can hire. They're not tutors who help build academic skills. Instead, they work on building organization and time management skills. They can also work on study skills. Learn more about organizational coaches.

For educators: Learn about strategy instruction as a teaching practice that can help these students.

You can think of executive function as "the management system of the brain."

It includes skills like self-control, organization, and flexible thinking.

People with ADHD struggle with executive function.

About the Author

About the Author

The Understood Team is made up of passionate writers, editors, and community moderators. Many of them learn and think differently, or have kids who do.

Reviewed by

Reviewed by

Philip D. Zelazo, PhD is the Nancy M. and John E. Lindahl Professor at the Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota.

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Executive function is a set of mental skills that include working memory, flexible thinking, and self-control. We use these skills every day to learn, work, and manage daily life. Trouble with executive function can make it hard to focus, follow directions, and handle emotions, among other things.

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EdSurge - Education Journalism and Research

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A nonprofit newsroom reporting on the powerful forces, fascinating people and innovative practices shaping teaching and learning.

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Tinkercad | From mind to design in minutes

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Tinkercad is a free, easy-to-use app for 3D design, electronics, and coding.

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EssayTagger.com - Transform assessment, transform education

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EssayTagger is a web-based tool that helps teachers grade essays faster by eliminating the repetitive and inefficient aspects of grading papers. EssayTagger is not an auto-grader. You still do all the grading yourself, but now you can do it faster!

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Host, distribute and monetize your podcast with Audioboom.

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Kiddle is a safe search engine, offering a safe web, image, and video search. Results are vetted by editors.

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Rita Pierson: Every kid needs a champion

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Rita Pierson, a teacher for 40 years, once heard a colleague say, "They don't pay me to like the kids." Her response: "Kids don't learn from people they don't like.'" A rousing call to educators to believe in their students and actually connect with them on a real, human, personal level.

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What is CAST UDL Exchange?

It is a place to browse and build resources, lessons and collections. You can use and share these materials to support instruction guided by the UDL principles.

UDL Exchange includes

UDL Resources

Materials such as websites, documents, images, presentations, audio, video, etc. that support implementation of UDL.

UDL Lessons

Lesson plans that address the variability of all learners through the application of UDL.

UDL Collections

Sets of resources/lessons organized around a theme to support UDL practices.

UDL Exchange Tools

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It is a place to browse and build resources, lessons and collections. You can use and share these materials to support instruction guided by the UDL principles. Materials such as websites, documents, images, presentations, audio, video, etc. that support implementation of UDL. Lesson plans that address the variability of all learners through the application of UDL.

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CAST is a multifaceted organization with a singular ambition: Bust the barriers to learning that millions of people experience every day. We do this by helping educators and organizations apply insights from the learning sciences and leading-edge practices to educational design and implementation.

Learn about our mission and vision

UDL-Con: International

This year, for the first time, CAST's Annual Symposium and the UDL-IRN Summit are joining forces to create the world's largest International UDL Convention.

Learn More

The UDL Awards 2024

In honor of our 40th Anniversary, CAST proudly presents the inaugural Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Awards, recognizing exemplary leaders and distinctive contributions that drive innovation and inclusivity in education.

Learn More

Learning on the Go: ADA Title II Updates and Requirements

In April 2024, the United States Department of Justice issued a final rule requiring state and local governmental entities - including early childhood, elementary, secondary, and postsecondary institutions - to ensure web- or mobile app-based digital learning resources are appropriate for and usable by students with disabilities.

Read the blog post

Upcoming Learning Events

Search all learning events

Postsecondary & CTE: Instructor-Led Course

Universal Design for Learning (UDL), a framework to improve and optimize teaching and learning for all people based on scientific insights into how humans learn can make the postsecondary teaching and learning experience better for everyone. At the core of the UDL framework is the belief that learners are variable - what works for one learner will not work for the entire class. CAST's Postsecondary and Workforce Development division offers a hybrid course to prepare higher education faculty, instructional designers, and administrators to apply the Universal Design for Learning framework in their courses and programs. The course content includes strategies to revamp learning goals, materials, technologies, methods, and assessments to remove barriers to learning for students. Creating and procuring accessible educational materials and technologies is emphasized as a critical aspect of UDL implementation. Upon course completion participants are eligible to submit a portfolio to receive the Postsecondary UDL credential.

Tuesday, September 10 - Friday, November 1, 2024

PreK-12: Instructor-Led Course

In this introductory online course for preK-12 educators, participants learn the research basis for UDL, practical applications of UDL to lesson design, and helpful technology tools that support flexible, inclusive instruction.

Wednesday, September 11 - Monday, December 16, 2024

PreK-12: Live Virtual Class

Learn the core concepts and foundations of UDL, practical applications of UDL to lesson design, and how to support flexible, inclusive instruction.

Thursday, September 26 - Friday, September 27, 2024

Stories From Our Work

Learn more about our impact

News from CAST

Visit our Newsroom

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Find out more about CAST. We're busting barriers to learning, until learning has no limits®.

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Brown Bag Exams: A Creative Way to Assess Learning

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Brown Bag Exams use found objects and images to help students activate prior knowledge and create a framework for students to express what they've learned.

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HowStuffWorks - Learn How Everything Works!

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HowStuffWorks has been explaining how things work to curious minds since 1998. Providing factual, unbiased content that's fun to read and makes difficult topics easy to understand.

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By Katie Novack

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1. Home

2. Catalog

3. All Books & Products

4. UDL in the Cloud: How to Design and Deliver Online Education Using Universal Design for Learning

Author(s)

Katie Novak & Tom Thibodeau

Date

2016

About the Book

UDL in the Cloud helps educators design and deliver more accessible, engaging, and effective online learning experiences. Drawing on years of experience in K-12 and postsecondary settings, authors Katie Novak and Tom Thibodeau offer a highly practical approach to developing e-courses, virtual snow days, flipped classes, and blended learning experiences that meet the needs of diverse learners.

Following the principles and guidelines of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), readers learn to identify potential barriers to learning, cultivate an engaging "instructor presence" in a virtual environment, develop a detailed syllabus that inspires and motivates students, help scaffold students' time management skills, and much more.

UDL in the Cloud by Katie Novak and Tom Thibodeau is available in paperback ($29.99, 200 pages, ISBN: 978-0989867481) and EPUB ($29.90, ISBN: 9780989867498) formats.
Table of Contents
Praise for the Book

UDL in the Cloud offers practical guidance that online course designers can put to work immediately that rests on a solid foundation of research about how people learn.

Justin Reich Executive Director, The Initiative on Learning and Teaching at the MIT Teaching Systems Lab

About the Authors

Katie Novak, EdD, is an internationally renowned education consultant, author, graduate instructor at the University of Pennsylvania, and a former Assistant Superintendent of Schools in Massachusetts. Katie has more than 19 years of experience in teaching and administration, an earned doctorate in curriculum and teaching, and ten published books, including the best-selling education book, UDL Now!.

You can find her online at katienovakudl.com and on Twitter at @KatieNovakUDL.

More from Katie Novak

Tom Thibodeau is an Assistant Provost at New England Institute of Technology (NEIT) and former president of the New England Faculty Development Consortium. A video editor and videographer by trade, Tom transitioned to education over 25 years ago. In 1997, as an education technologist at NEIT, he began developing online courses to meet the needs of a wide variety of learners. With more than 20 years of experience in online education and faculty development, Tom's expertise in the design and delivery of accessible, inclusive virtual courses makes him a leader in the field.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments

Chapter 1: The Case for Better Online Course Design

Chapter 2: Fewer Barriers, More Support: UDL Guidelines in Action

Chapter 3: How to Develop a Syllabus the UDL Way

Chapter 4: Cultivating "Instructor Presence" to Support Engagement

Chapter 5: Delivering the Package

Chapter 6: Scaffolding Time Management

Chapter 7: Application to the World of Hybrid-Online

Chapter 8: Giving Our Students the Final Word

Appendix

Pedagogy and Andragogy: Why K-12 and Adult

Learners Aren't So Different

References

Index

About the Authors

More from CAST Publishing

The Unbound Classroom is about using thematic units to create a classroom experience that reflects the world that students find themselves in on a daily basis.

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In Learning on the Go, Luis Pérez provides savvy tips and strategies to turn the iPad's transformative potential into effective classroom practice.

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Filled with information and supports such as self-evaluation matrices, suggested activities, checklists and other helpful tools, Quality Indicators for Assistive Technology is a powerful resource for those seeking to ensure that quality AT services are provided.

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UDL in the Cloud: How to Design and Deliver Online Education Using Universal Design for Learning - CAST Professional Publishing

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Home Catalog All Books & Products UDL in the Cloud: How to Design and Deliver Online Education Using Universal Design for Learning Author(s) Katie Novak & Tom Thibodeau Date 2016 UDL in the Cloud helps educators design and deliver more accessible, engaging, and effective online learning experiences.

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The pedagogical framework to designing learning environments to teach and to support ALL learners!

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George Lucas Educational Foundation

Social & Emotional Learning (SEL)

By providing middle school students a chance to walk in someone else's shoes, teachers can help them develop empathy-and a stronger connection to content.

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A free source of information, inspiration, and practical strategies for learning and teaching in preK-12 education.

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Since launching on March 6, 2007, our goal at TeacherTube has been to provide an online community for sharing instructional and education videos for college students, high school students, middle school students and elementary school students. We seek to fill a need for a more educationally focused, safe venue for teachers, students, schools, and home learners. It is a site to provide anytime, anywhere professional development with teachers teaching teachers. It is also a site where teachers can post videos designed for students to view in order to learn a concept or skill.

On September 1, 2017, TeacherTube.com was acquired by Salem Web Network. Salem's goal is to continue the growth of TeacherTube and support innovative ideas for education.

Most importantly, TeacherTube community members are a major part of the evolution of the site. Members are encouraged to not only upload educationally relevant videos but also to make constructive comments and use the rating system to show appreciation for videos of value to one as an educator or learner. Users also have the ability to preserve the integrity of the site by flagging inappropriate videos. TeacherTube staff review flagged sites and will remove any inappropriate posts. With more collegial commentary and discussion through messaging and responses, the quality of this resource will only increase.

The service is free for everyone. We always encourage our users to Contact Us with thoughts, suggestions, or other feedback. We do have a vision for TeacherTube to truly be a better alternative to other video storage sites. With the community's help, it can become more interactive and engaging for all teachers and learners.

Science videos are one of the key subjects that students are taught in school. Science is present from the early years of grade school up to the highest levels of academic achievement. As students move up the ranks, their study of science tends to get more specialized into one specific field only, like chemistry, biology, or physics. We have educational videos for all of these courses.

TeacherTube.com's section on science educational videos has content of interest to all learning levels. We have topics as varied as educational songs for elementary school students, up to chemical engineering for college students.

Mathematics is one of the fundamental 3Rs of early education. Known as "arithmetic" in those levels, it involves counting and the basic operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. As kids advance through the grade levels, they progressively deal with more complex mathematical problems. Also, more new concepts get introduced as they progress.

Math is crucial for almost any business career. Accounting, budgeting, and projecting sales all require some level of competence in math. Many resources for these topics can be found here on TeacherTube.

Even everyday situations benefit a lot from math skills. Managing one's finances, for instance, obviously requires math, as with anything involving money. Cooking also involves math: proportions of ingredients, for example, as well as measurements.

TeacherTube.com's section on math education videos covers everything from fractions and measurements to money management. We also cover more complicated subjects such as trigonometry, and well as probability and statistics.

History is a very valuable subject, but not just because it is useful for preventing future wars. The lessons from history can also teach people to build a better future. What people have done right in the past should be continued and improved upon in the present.

The subject of history covers a wide range of timelines and locations. There's ancient history and modern history. There is also Asian history, US history, Latin American history, and European history. Each one is unique, reflecting the cultures of the people involved.

If there's one thing common to all history classes, it's usually names, dates, and places. This is also the part that many kids hate the most. They do not see the point of memorizing so many random facts that appear purposeless. Well, that is the wrong way to teach history.

TeacherTube's history education videos section makes the past come alive with a sterling array of videos and tutorials that cover subjects as varied as our prehistory, ancient history, the civil war, and the study of world civilizations.

The purpose of social studies, based on the US National Council for the Social Studies, is to promote "civic competence" among students. In other words, the subject equips students to become better citizens of a country. This is done by exploring history, geography, current events, and governments, among others. Middle school social studies usually deal with one of each of these fields per grade level.

With this knowledge, students gain the ability to become more socially aware and to be actively involved citizens of their country. Through analyzing current events, students will also learn how to predict the consequences of the things happening around them. With that, they can be good influences on their communities.

It is with this goal in mind that TeacherTube offers a wide variety of learning video materials for both students and enthusiasts.

We have videos on everything from strengthening your knowledge of economics terminology to the nuances of various world cultures.

Language arts, as the name suggests, equips students with a wide range of ways to use language. It comprises both speaking and writing skills. In addition to the basics, the subject also deals with the artistic side of language, infusing creativity in the ways students communicate.

There are four basic aspects to understanding a language: speaking, reading, listening, and writing. Language arts classes aim to enhance those skills at each year level. At first, it covers basic topics like grammar, sentence construction, and paragraphs. Exercises in language arts become progressively more complex as students move up the ranks, and usually, in higher grades, more emphasis is put on creativity and persuasiveness.

With the noble goal of harnessing the power of words to effect change in the world in mind, TeacherTube is proud to offer videos on everything from general communications to speaking and even videos on strengthening your studying skills.

Not all kids want to go through lectures. Some of them may not have the attention span or the patience to endure long hours just sitting down and listening to someone talk in front. No, that doesn't mean these kids are lazy. It just means they learn differently.

Some kids are auditory learners. In other words, they learn best when they listen to sounds and music. For this type of student, educational songs will certainly be a big helping hand. Even the most complex of concepts, when taught through songs, will be very easy for them to understand and remember. Even kids who are not so much inclined to auditory learning may like this method.

Educational song vidoes are available in a wide variety of subjects. English, math, social studies, science, and everything in between, there's bound to be a song for every subject. For example, on the website Teachertube.com, there are science topic songs, reading songs, skip counting songs, reading phonics songs, and even quadratic formula songs.

The advantage of using educational song videos is that it accomplishes two things at once. First, these songs are entertaining, and second, they also teach a concept. They facilitate learning a lot better than plain lectures simply because of the entertainment part. When a lesson is made fun of, kids will want to learn them. In fact, it could even be the kids themselves, on their own, who will play the songs repeatedly.

TeacherTube offers education songs on topics as varied as the circulatory system to math songs about polynomials and even videos on St. Patrick's Day.

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TeacherTube Educational Videos for the School Classroom and Home - Including Educational Songs, History Videos, Student Videos and Math Videos

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A free community for sharing instructional videos, Educational Songs, History Videos, Student Videos, Math Videos, and other content for teachers and students. We are an education focused, safe venue for teachers, schools, and home schoolers to access educational for the classroom and home learning.

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The Myth of Average:  Todd Rose at TEDxSonomaCounty

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Message to our Loyal Users of CAST UDL Book Builder, UDL Exchange, and UDL Studio

On January 15, 2024, we will retire this website, along with a few others. We know it has many devoted followers who will be sad to see it go. We're sad, too.

Making these creative tools and offering them free-of-charge to educators, parents, and learners at no charge the past decade-plus has been our joy, we also know that usage is way down, funding for the tools ran out years ago, and their underlying technologies are no longer contemporary.

To ensure a smooth transition, we're providing a three-month sunset period so you have sufficient time to download any stored materials you may have on the sites and to find alternative tools. After January 15, we will also close all user accounts.

Thank you again for your understanding and be sure to visit www.cast.org to learn more about the exciting innovations we are pursuing today and tomorrow! Questions: questions@cast.org

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Message to our Loyal Users of CAST UDL Book Builder, UDL Exchange, and UDL Studio On January 15, 2024, we will retire this website, along with a few others. We know it has many devoted followers who will be sad to see it go. We're sad, too.

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ProCon.org - Pros and Cons of 100+ Topics

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Explore both sides of debated issues. Presented in a non-partisan format with supporting background information, statistics, and resources.

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TED-Ed celebrates the ideas of teachers and students around the world. Discover hundreds of animated lessons, create customized lessons, and share your big ideas.

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It's time to improve literacy skills during social studies instruction and ensure that readers of all abilities have what they need to access grade-level social studies concepts.

Join us on Thursday, December 7 for a look at scaffolded materials that provide extra literacy support while building key social studies concepts and skills.

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Newsela | Content and assessment platform

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Content Aligned To National & State Standard, Flexible To Support Relevant Curriculum. Find the Perfect Piece Of Content For Lessons. Go beyond the book.

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Organize and share education, small business and non-profit resources into virtual binders. Use LiveBinders for hassle-free access from anywhere.

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Differentiated Instruction with Tic Tac Toe

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Differentiated Instruction with Tic Tac Toe

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PBS LearningMedia | Teaching Resources For Students And Teachers

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Inspire your students with thousands of free teaching resources including videos, lesson plans, and games aligned to state and national standards.

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Rewordify.com | Understand what you read

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Rewordify.com helps you read more, understand better, learn new words, and teach more effectively.

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Do you like this page? Please share it!

Try creating a doodle on the Online Doodle Pad. You can select from various brush styles and colors. When you're all done with your masterpiece, click "save" to download it as a picture.

Doodle Pad Keyboard Shortcuts

Decrease brush size - Press the d key on your keyboard

Increase brush size - Press the f key on your keyboard

Free Online Drawing Board

Below is a description of each button in the drawing board menu above. Click/or tap to make a change to the colors and brush styles to achieve the artboard you are looking for.

A - Click the color square next to the pencil

B - Choose the color of the paintbrush

C - Choose a brush style

D - Change the canvas background color

D - Erase your current drawing

How do I save my drawing on my computer or phone?

Take a screenshot of your drawing to save it to your computer. Instructions for Windows and iPhone

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Online Sketch Pad - Free Doodle Pad & Drawing Board ✏️

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Try creating a doodle on the Online Doodle Pad. You can select from various brush styles and colors. Try the online drawing pad now. 👍

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Because of their flexibility and malleability, digital technologies - especially web-based tools - dramatically expand options for providing Universal Design for Learning (UDL) supports as compared with exclusively print-based media.

Created in partnership with the Google Literacy Project and Carnegie Corporation of New York to celebrate World Book Day in 2008, CAST launched UDL Editions of classic public domain texts, including a short story, sonnet, speech, and more, from world literature to demonstrate the power of technology to transform texts in a way that responds to the needs of all kinds of learners.

UDL Editions brought seven classic texts into a scaffolded digital reading environment with flexible supports for three facets of learning: understanding content, building skills, and having fun. Six of the texts could be viewed in English, and one in Spanish.

The tool reached a target audience of users 10 years of age or older. To incorporate UDL, readers chose their text and level of support desired: minimal, moderate, or maximum, and accessed multimedia resources for background information and enrichment activities for further learning.

Supports included:

Glossary words

In-context explanations of idioms and literary devices

Stop-and-think prompts

Animated coaches providing hints and support

Image descriptions

"Build-your-own" activities to understand the authors' craft

Interactive maps

Teacher resources

In addition, a toolbar contributed by Texthelp offered:

Text-to-speech read-aloud

Dictionary and encyclopedia links

Highlight-and-gather

Translations between English and Spanish

Varied literature was selected to show how a UDL-supported and scaffolded environment can support content across the curriculum and across grade levels. With powerful new technologies and UDL principles, old classics became smart, reader-friendly texts that opened up a new world of reading to learners with diverse abilities, interests, and skills.

UDL Editions and other literacy research project work conducted by CAST informed the development of UDL Studio, which guides and supports educators to build their own UDL-supported materials.

For more information about UDL Editions, contact Kristin Robinson.

UDL Editions in Research

Universal Design for Learning in the Classroom: Practical Applications, published in 2012, uses UDL Editions as a case study to discuss how the principles of UDL apply to reading comprehension, teaching, and learning in Chapter 3: Reading Strategy Instruction, Universal Design for Learning, and Digital Texts: Examples of an Integrated Approach.

In particular, it addresses the what, how, and why of reading:

What: What are the words on the page/screen, and what do they mean?

How: How does the reader make sense of the text?

Why: Why should the reader care about the text?

Learn more & order the book

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Publicized by Google around the world, UDL Editions was a model for presenting classic texts from world literature in a flexible online interface with just-in-time, individualized supports for struggling and expert readers alike.

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All Chapters

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ELA /ELD Framework - Whole Document

The ELA/ELD Framework can be accessed for free on the California Educators Together platform, a web-based community of practice providing equitable access to a collection of diverse, open digital resources.

ELA/ELD Framework - By Chapter

To view individual chapters of the ELA/ELD Framework, use the links below.
Cover, Front Matter, and Introduction to the Framework (PDF; 1MB) Chapter 1: Overview of the Standards (PDF; 2MB) Chapter 2: Key Considerations in the ELA/Literacy and ELD Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment (PDF; 2MB) Chapter 3: Content and Pedagogy: Transitional Kindergarten Through Grade One (PDF; 3MB) Chapter 4: Content and Pedagogy: Grades Two and Three (PDF; 2MB) Chapter 5: Content and Pedagogy: Grades Four and Five (PDF; 2MB) Chapter 6: Content and Pedagogy: Grades Six Through Eight (PDF; 3MB) Chapter 7: Content and Pedagogy: Grades Nine Through Twelve (PDF; 3MB) Chapter 8: Assessment (PDF; 2MB) Chapter 9: Access and Equity (PDF; 2MB) Chapter 10: Learning in the 21st Century (PDF; 1MB) Chapter 11: Implementing High-Quality ELA/Literacy and ELD Instruction: Professional Learning, Leadership, and Program Supports (PDF; 1MB) Chapter 12: Instructional Materials to Support the CA CCSS for ELA/Literacy and CA ELD Standards (PDF; 1MB) Appendix, Resources, and Glossary (PDF; 2MB)

Additional Resources

Questions: Curriculum Frameworks and Instructional Resources Division | CFIRD@cde.ca.gov | 916-319-0881

Last Reviewed: Thursday, February 16, 2023

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The ELA/ELD Framework can be accessed for free on the California Educators Together platform, a web-based community of practice providing equitable access to a collection of diverse, open digital resources. To view individual chapters of the ELA/ELD Framework, use the links below.

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Chapter 9: Access and Equity

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National Library of Virtual Math Manipulatives

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National Library of Virtual Math Manipulatives

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National Library of Virtual Manipulatives

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A digital library containing Java applets and activities for K-12 mathematics

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Oral output tool

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Voki | Speaking Characters For Education

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Voki is a fun tool that students can use for homework, classwork or projects. Customize their appearance and what they say, and share with others!

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Mindmapping/visual tool

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CCSS/UDL Application for Students with Disabilities

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CCSS/UDL Application for Students with Disabilities

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www.cast.org

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Read Universal Design for Learning: Theory and Practice for Free in Clusive! - CAST

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Our flagship publication is now available at no cost on our flexible and customizable digital reading tool.

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With Embedded Links

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New restaurant staffed with deaf waiters

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By Loui Lord Nelson

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Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is the best way to teach all students effectively and break down barriers to learning-but how can busy teachers get started with UDL right now? Find the answers in the second edition of this bestselling, teacher-trusted primer, created by internationally recognized UDL expert Loui Lord Nelson.

Thoroughly updated to reflect new research and developments in the field of UDL, this book gives K-12 teachers a reader-friendly UDL introduction and a practical framework for implementation, with guidelines and checkpoints for designing effective, barrier-free lesson plans and learning environments. You'll learn how to use the three core principles of UDL-Engagement, Representation, and Action & Expression-to present information in multiple ways and ensure access for all learners. Throughout the book, detailed examples, stories, illustrations, teacher reflections, and activities reinforce UDL principles and help you put them into practice in both virtual and in-person settings.

Written in first person, like a face-to-face talk with a passionate educator, this research-based book will guide you in designing equitable, inclusive, and culturally responsive learning environments that meet the needs of diverse learners. An essential UDL introduction for both preservice and inservice educators!

Key insights from the latest neuroscience research

Useful stories and practical tips from teachers implementing UDL

Technology bytes: timely tips and ideas on how to enhance online learning with UDL

Expert guidance on current topics, including culturally responsive teaching, urban education, and a focus on the expert learner

"Ponder this" prompts throughout the book to help readers consider new ideas and discover additional resources

End-of-chapter "check-ins" that help readers apply what they've learned

ONLINE MATERIALS: Designing instruction with UDL is easier than ever with these online resources, available as printable downloads: CAST UDL Guidelines; an Identifying Your Resources chart; a UDL design cycle graphic; a UDL lesson plan flowchart; and classroom resource mapping charts for elementary, middle, and high school teachers.

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udl; inclusion; students with disabilities; curriculum design; individualized instruction; inclusive education; executive function; self-regulation; self-assessment; engagement

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Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is the best way to teach all students effectively and break down barriers to learning-but how can busy teachers get started with UDL right now? Find the answers in the second edition of this bestselling, teacher-trusted primer, created by internationally recognized UDL expert Loui Lord Nelson.

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By Katie Novak

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UDL Now! Guide to Applying Universal Design for Learning in Classrooms

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Best Seller and a must-read for all teachers and admin looking to reach all students! A Guide to Applying Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in Classrooms

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National Center on Universal Design for Learning

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National Center on Universal Design for Learning

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The center supports the effective and widescale implementation of UDL through a variety of activities.

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/ CBS News

(CBS News) ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - Sunday is Father's Day, which celebrates the special bond between a father and his son. We went "On the Road" to meet a father who couldn't be prouder, and a son who couldn't be more thankful.

When Keith Harris' son Tim was born, a half-hearted smile was all he could muster.

"Our pediatrician asked me if I knew what down syndrome was, and the world turned black at that moment," he told CBS News.

What a difference 26 years makes. Today, in sunny Albuquerque, you'd be hard pressed to find a more glowing father than Keith. Or a more shining example of what truly great parenting can accomplish.

Keith and wife Jeannie, who also have three typical boys, have raised them all with the same high-expectations. As a result, they're all successful. But, none are more successful than Tim, who not only lives on his own but owns his own restaurant.

"He works for me," Tim said, pointing at his brother.

In fact, as far as we know, Tim is the only person with Down syndrome in the country who owns a restaurant.

"Hi! Welcome to my place," he said enthusiastically as he greeted customers.

"All of us who are dads want our kids to wind up independent, happy, secure," Keith explained.

Tim's dad -- a small business owner himself -- provided the initial investment. Other people do the managing and cooking, but Tim is the front man and the genius behind it.

Tim realized that what people really want from a family restaurant is a family feel. That's why here, love isn't just in the air: It's a menu item. You can actually order a free hug from Tim. And even if you don't order it, chances are you'll still get one. Hugs are simply his measure of success: He's given out almost 19,000 hugs. He keeps track of them all on a hug counter.

Of course, profits are adding up too. Tim even has expansion plans. Yet no matter how big he gets, Tim says he will always be indebted to the man gave him his first hug.

"He's my super hero and my inspiration," he said about his father.

"We're happy for you," Keith told his son.

"Thank you Dad," Tim replied.

I don't think any one of us can imagine the time and tears that went into this moment right here -- that made it possible for Keith and Jeannie to walk away from their son and know that he will be alright with or without them. Only Tim knows that, which is why this Father's Day no father in America will be any more appreciated than his.

"I love my dad so much," Tim said.
To contact On the Road, or to send us a story idea, e-mail us.
Trending News

Steve Hartman

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Tim's Place restaurant takes unique approach thanks to special owner

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Tim Harris, who has Down syndrome, owns and operates an Albuquerque restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and thousands of hugs

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Sue Austin: Deep Sea Diving In A Wheelchair

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Sue Austin: Deep Sea Diving In A Wheelchair

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Sue Austin: Deep sea diving ... in a wheelchair

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When Sue Austin got a power wheelchair, she felt a tremendous sense of freedom -- yet others looked at her as though she had lost something. In her art, she conveys the spirit of wonder she feels wheeling through the world.

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When she reached out to the New York City Ballet about a dance program for children with special needs, she didn't expect a response. But what resulted is nothing short of sheer joy ... for everyone.

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Executive function is a set of mental skills that include working memory, flexible thinking, and self-control. We use these skills every day to learn, work, and manage daily life. Trouble with executive function can make it hard to focus, follow directions, and handle emotions, among other things.

Some people describe executive function as "the management system of the brain." That's because the skills involved let us set goals, plan, and get things done. When people struggle with executive function, it impacts them at home, in school, and in life.

There are three main areas of executive function. They are:

Executive function is responsible for many skills, including:

Paying attention

Organizing, planning, and prioritizing

Starting tasks and staying focused on them to completion

Understanding different points of view

Regulating emotions

Self-monitoring (keeping track of what you're doing)

Executive functioning skills usually develop quickly in early childhood and into the teen years. But they keep developing into the mid-20s. When kids are younger, some may lag behind peers for a while. As they get older, though, they may have fewer challenges as teens and young adults.

People struggling with executive skills may:

Avoid COVID Slide with tips and tools designed to help your child return to the classroom.

Have trouble starting and/or completing tasks

Have difficulty prioritizing tasks

Forget what they just heard or read

Have trouble following directions or a sequence of steps

Panic when rules or routines change

Have trouble switching focus from one task to another

Get overly emotional and fixate on things

Have trouble organizing their thoughts

Have trouble keeping track of their belongings

Have trouble managing their time

Trouble with executive function isn't a diagnosis or a learning disability. But it's common in people who learn and think differently. Everyone with ADHD has trouble with it. And lots of people with learning challenges struggle with executive function, too.

These difficulties can cause trouble with learning. But they don't mean that people are lazy or not intelligent. People who struggle with executive function are just as smart and work just as hard as other people.

There's been a lot of research into what causes trouble with executive function and ADHD. Here are two main factors.

Also, trouble with executive function often occurs with learning challenges.

Learning disabilities don't always involve a problem with executive function. But it's not uncommon for kids with dyslexia or dyscalculia , for example, to also have trouble with executive skills. Learn how problems with executive function can impact reading and math.

Slow processing speed isn't a problem with executive function. But it can cause trouble with it. Learn more about slow processing speed.

Testing should be done as part of a full evaluation that looks at many areas of learning and thinking. These evaluations, which schools do for free, are often done by psychologists. But there are other types of professionals who do this type of testing.

Some of these same professionals offer treatments and approaches like:

Behavior therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Behavior therapy helps people replace negative behaviors with positive ones. CBT helps kids deal with thoughts and feelings and manage behavior.

Medications. There are no medications just for executive function, but there are medications for ADHD.

Organizational coaching. These are consultants you can hire. They're not tutors who help build academic skills. Instead, they work on building organization and time management skills. They can also work on study skills. Learn more about organizational coaches.

For educators: Learn about strategy instruction as a teaching practice that can help these students.

You can think of executive function as "the management system of the brain."

It includes skills like self-control, organization, and flexible thinking.

People with ADHD struggle with executive function.

About the Author

About the Author

The Understood Team is made up of passionate writers, editors, and community moderators. Many of them learn and think differently, or have kids who do.

Reviewed by

Reviewed by

Philip D. Zelazo, PhD is the Nancy M. and John E. Lindahl Professor at the Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota.

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Executive function is a set of mental skills that include working memory, flexible thinking, and self-control. We use these skills every day to learn, work, and manage daily life. Trouble with executive function can make it hard to focus, follow directions, and handle emotions, among other things.

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Find out more about CAST. We’re busting barriers to learning, until learning has no limits®.

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PreK-12: Instructor-Led Course

In this introductory online course for preK-12 educators, participants learn the research basis for UDL, practical applications of UDL to lesson design, and helpful technology tools that support flexible, inclusive instruction.

Monday, September 11 - Monday, December 11, 2023

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Find out more about CAST. We're busting barriers to learning, until learning has no limits®.