Innovate Inside the Box, Empowering Learners Through UDL and the Innovator's Mindset
What is UDL and what does it mean to me as an educator?
George Couros and Katie Novak do an excellent job explaining not only the components of Universal Design for Learning, but also how the concepts have the potential to make learning meaningful, relevant and engaging to each of our students. Using the three big principles, multiple means of engagement, representation and action and expression, Couros and Novak share eight characteristics that are designed to foster an innovator's mindset in our students. They share barriers to learning that we must consider - and not allow to get in our way - when putting into practice these eight characteristics. Practical strategies are shared that can be incorporated into schools and classrooms immediately.
Required Reading: Innovate Inside the Box, Empowering Learners Through UDL and the Innovator's Mindset, by George Couros with Katie Novak
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1) Purchase and read Innovate Inside the Box, Empowering Learners Through UDL and the Innovator’s Mindset, By George Couros with Katie Novak
You can find this book at amazon.com or your favorite bookstore.
2) Write complete answers to all of the questions on the Book Study Handout. The handout is provided to you after registration is completed.
3) For educators seeking clock hours or professional development hours: In addition to Assignments 1 and 2 above...
Educators will then write a 2-3 page reflection paper specifically addressing the following three questions as they relate to Universal Design for Learning and Innovating Inside the Box:
a) What has challenged you?
b) What has been reaffirmed?
c) What will you do moving forward?
The last question is the most important as it addresses what the educator will do in their setting in order to move to action.
Paper should be typed, double spaced using a 10-12 pt. font. Turn in your reflection paper.
Effective July 1, 2024:
For educators seeking college credit rather than clock hours, here is the modified requirement: In addition to Assignments 1 and 2 above...
Educators will then write a 5-6 page reflection paper specifically addressing the following three questions as they relate to Universal Design for Learning and Innovating Inside the Box:
1) What has challenged you?
2) What has been reaffirmed?
3) What will you do moving forward?
The last question is the most important as it addresses what the educator will do in their setting in order to move to action.
Paper should be typed, double spaced using a 10-12 pt. font.Turn in your reflection paper.
All 3 assignments must be completed within 1 year. Upload completed handout and paper to your Dashboard on the website or email all completed assignments and paperwork to lorie@teacherstudy.org.
SPU NOTE: Please be sure to register prior to completing any coursework. Registering for a course after coursework has been started violates accreditation standards and puts the University at risk; therefore, SPU reserves the right to not award credit if students are found to be in violation of this policy. SPU coursework will be accepted a minimum of 2 weeks beyond registration date.
Grading Criteria - Book Study, Innovating Inside the Box
1) All 3 assignments must be completed within 1 year. Upload your documents to your Teacher Study Dashboard or Email all completed assignments and paperwork to lorie@teacherstudy.org.
2) The rubric for the Book Study Handout is broken down into 3 goal areas.
The first goal area pertains to questions #1-24 on the handout. You will simply need to answer these questions and earn a “1”, “2”, “3”, or “4” according to the rubric.
The second goal area pertains to questions #25-54 on the handout. You will simply need to answer these questions and earn a “1”, “2”, “3”, or “4” according to the rubric.
The third goal area pertains to questions #55-57 on the handout. You will simply need to answer these questions and earn a “1”, “2”, “3”, or “4” according to the rubric.
The maximum number of combined points that can be earned is 16 (4 points on each of the 3 goal areas for the answers to the questions on the handout and 4 points for the reflection paper).
3) The rubric for the Innovate Inside the Box Reflection Paper explains how to earn a “1”, “2”, “3” or “4”.
“A” grade = 14-16 points
“B” grade = 13 points
“C” grade = 11-12 points
“D” grade = 10 points
“F” grade = 9 points or less
A “NC” (no credit) grade will be given if all three assignments are not completed within one year.
Pass/No Pass Grading System (for clock hours or continuing education credits)
Pass = 11-16 points
No Pass = Less than 11 points
A “NC” (no credit) grade will be given if all 3 assignments are not completed within 1 year.
Clock Hours and Continuing Education Unit Options for Washington State Educators:
Washington State Educators have the option of earning 30 Clock Hours for an additional $3 per clock hour fee ($90). Clock hours are offered through the following OSPI approved organizations:
ESD 112 Clock Hours: Once you complete the course, you will be directed to the ESD PdEnroller online system to easily claim your clock hours.
Gonzaga University: Once you complete the course, Gonzaga Center for Lifelong Learning will provide you with instructions on how to pay your $90 clock hour fee and quickly claim your clock hours.
Graduate Credit Options:
Seattle Pacific University: Earn 3 graduate level quarter credits. Additional $180 fee, payable to SPU. You must register with SPU first to earn graduate credit.
All Other PDUs, CEUs, CPEs and other known terms for Clock Hours:
30 Clock Hours for professional development are available for those outside of WA State. Other known terms include, but are not limited to, Professional Development Hours, Professional Development Points, CEU's, CPE's, PDU's or your school district's equivalent language for clock hours earned. A Certificate of Completion will be provided to all students once coursework is reviewed and graded.
Be sure to check with your state's agency regarding professional development and related requirements.
Online book studies that have not been accessed are refundable within 5 days of purchase date. No refund will be issued on any assignment that has been accessed, viewed, or partially completed. Online training courses may not be transferred to another student.
SPU refunds per SPU policy. Please visit their website for more information.