Teaching to Diversity: The Three-Block Model of Universal Design for Learning

Teaching to Diversity: The Three-Block Model of Universal Design for Learning by Jennifer Katz Winnipeg, MB: Portage & Main Press, 2012, 232 pages ISBN: 9781553793533

Jennifer Katz's recent text, Teaching to Diversity: The Three-Block Model of Universal Design for Learning is a much-needed text for pre- and in-service teachers. Although Canada is poised to become a leader in inclusive education, there is still much to be real- ized on the front lines. This text provides a foundation that both beginning and seasoned teachers can use to create inclusive classroom environments by utilizing a Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework.

Based on prevailing research, Katz has created a three-block model as a framework for enacting inclusive education. The first block is to establish a compassionate learning community. As she sees it, we have a responsibility to teach "personal, moral, and ethical responsibilities within diverse communities" (p. 43). The section on creating a "Respect for Diversity" classroom is extremely useful with nine lesson plans to sequentially develop a community that acknowledges diversity and understands the importance of including the contributions of all members. The lesson plans are easy to follow, adaptable to multiple grade levels, and would provide an excellent foundation for the beginning of every school year. To further aid in establishing a welcoming and workable classroom climate, Katz out- lines "7 Principles of Democratic Classrooms," explaining how to arrange class meetings and walking the reader through the exact procedures that she, herself, has tried and tested. Using the familiar t-chart "looks...