To What Extent Is Universal Design for Learning "Universal"? A Case Study in Township Special Education Schools in South Africa

• In Event: 31.091 - Roundtable Session 10
  In Roundtable Session: 31.091-21 - Interrogating Inclusion and Exclusion in an International Context

Abstract

In this paper, I present preliminary findings of a research project conducted in Grahamstownw South Africa focused on the implementation of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in township special education schools. The philosophy of UDL and its principles have been encouraged as a means of developing inclusive classroom environments in the U.S. Despite the growing popularity of UDL, its universal application, especially in places with limited resources, has remained somewhat unquestioned. After being introduced to the philosophy of UDL and its principles, K-12 South African teachers in special education schools shared their insights on the possibility of implementing UDL principles in their schools and discussed the challenges to developing inclusive educational settings.

Author

• Yosung Song, Syracuse University