The Education Conference

Keynote Description: In this Keynote Presentation, Ashley Serin will talk about three key mindset shifts needed for educators to support ALL students in learning at high levels. These mindset shifts are grounded in the research of the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework, a framework that requires a paradigm shift in the structure of the traditional classroom setting. It is about changing the learning system of the past to meet the needs of our kids today. This shift in education starts in the mindset of teachers, administrators, parents, and the community when it comes to approaching the design of learning for ALL students. We will touch on three of the mindset shifts needed to create a universal learning environment that supports every student. These three shifts are: 1. Embracing the variability of all learners in your classroom 2. Removing the barriers to allow all students to access the learning targets and 3. Promoting expert learners both within and outside the classroom. While the UDL framework is geared toward classroom teachers, these universal mindset shifts are beneficial for all involved in a child’s education.

Learning Objectives for the Keynote Presentation:
1. Understand the variability of learners and the myth of the ‘average’ learner
2. See barriers in the learning environment, not the student, and identify how to remove those barriers
3. Understand expert learner characteristics
4. Walk away with a mindset that supports our work toward equity and ensures ALL students are given the opportunity of high-quality education.

In this keynote presentation, Bill will share insights into the current state of education in the 21st century and the unique challenges it presents to educators. All indicators point to continued acceleration in technology and globalization and an increasingly dynamic economy. To prepare today’s students for active and engaged participation in this world, educators will need to insure that students are self-actualized learners with the meta-cognitive skills to drive their own learning. Universal Design for Learning (UDL) can provide a road-map for educators that can help develop this capacity in their students and create masters of learning. This may be the most important gift we can give students and perhaps… determine the future of all human beings.