Antiracism and Universal Design for Learning: Building Expressways to Success

by Andratesha Fritzgerald, Samaria Rice (Foreword)

Andratesha Fritzgerald presents Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in a new light: As an effective framework to teach Black and Brown students. Drawing vivid portraits of her classroom instruction in urban over the past two decades, Fritzgerald shows teachers how to open new roads of communication, engagement, and skill-building for their students. The result? Helping students become expert, lifelong learners who feel honored and loved.

Genres: Education, Teaching, Professional Development, Nonfiction, Social Justice, Anti Racist, Race

177 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 26, 2020

Reviews

[Katie Gibson · Rating 5 out of 5]

For those who are not yet familiar with Universal Design for Learning, there is plenty of theoretical information to begin an understanding of how to apply the framework in order to create anti-racist classrooms. For those who already know UDL, this is an important step in applying the framework and expand our understanding of how to expand the umbrella to include students who have been marginalized in school settings. An important aspect of anti-racism is understanding that we need to dismantle the structures that create inequities in achievement, and UDL is based on that same premise, which makes this book a great marriage of these ideas. Lots of concrete ideas to take right away!

[Ruby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fritzgerald nails it with this book! UDL is a powerful framework for removing barriers for students and Fritzgerald helps readers understand the framework through the lens of antiracism, equity, and inclusion for creating classrooms that truly remove barriers for students of color to excel. This is a must-read for any educator or teacher educator.

[Dawn Collums · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must read. It clearly makes the connections and need for work including anti-racism and Universal Design for Learning. It has analogies that make the why clear and action steps for the how!! This book is vital for admin and teachers!

[Dawn Mendonca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I appreciate the real focus on evidence-based pedagogy WITH an intentionally embedded anti-racist approach. The focus on honoring students, particularly Black students, and inclusion could not be more relevant. Understanding that teaching, and learning, begins with a personalized invitation is imperative... thank you!

[Hillary · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for all educators engaging in anti racism work. Andratesha weaves brilliance throughout her book and calls educators to action in true anti racist work that leads to a sense of honor and belonging. Will you answer the call?

[Lance Eaton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fritzgerald proposes a tall order in tackling both antiracism and universal design for learning in one book--at least that might be the initial reaction for readers. But in truth, the two are a strong overlapping Venn Diagram when to comes to thinking about teaching, learning, engagement, and inclusion in our classes. Using a mixture of personal experiences, classroom situations, analogies, and reflection prompts, Fritzgerald moves through the primary pieces of universal design for learning to illustrate how each is mapped onto ideas and practices of anti-racism. Her book is not a polemic or a how-to with lots of supporting materials or exercises (for classes) per se. Rather, she provides an earnest, well-grounded, and genuinely caring exploration of why thinking of UDL and anti-racism in tandem is so central to the success of all students. Overall, I liked the book and Fritzgerald's extensive use of movement throughout the book (driving, in particular) to help bring home the points about the value of each practice she was introducing. I can see also that she avoids directing readers to act in specific ways but more often calls upon them to both reflect and come to understand who one's students are; which makes entire sense if the goal is to invite and create a space for all students to learn. There are two places where I think could have used a bit more improvement. One would be a deeper and more critical discussion of UDL and antiracism that builds a bit of the historical-socio-cultural roots and its grounding in the contemporary U.S.--but that's not the book she is writing--it is more personal and more geared towards K-12 audiences but still useful for higher education and really, educators of any space. The other is that I think drawing out how combining these approaches would be beneficial to every student--not just individually but collectively. That is, I would have like to see a strong case for how aspects of antiracism and UDL could actually help everyone in the classroom better understand and acknowledge the ways (and traumas) that racism already exists in the classroom. Still, the book covers a lot of ground with an enthusiastic tone that will have readers excited about considering how to act on this work in the future.

[Bryan Alexander · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book urges the reader to rethink teaching in antiracist ways. Specifically, teachers should embrace the universal design for learning (UDL) framework in reaching out to underrepresented minorities - black and Latino students.

Fritzgerald offers many ways to do this, starting with a Freirean stance of honoring students: the knowledge they bring to class, their range of experiences. She strongly recommends that classes make available multiple ways into a topic, including through multiple media and timelines, which is where her strong advocacy for technology comes in.

Antiracism and UDL is written to exhort the reader, to inspire and encourage them in this kind of practice. A running (ahem) metaphor of driving a car helps arrange (and repeat) key points.

[Precious · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fritz, as she is called by her student, knocked this book out of the park. As a reader and as instructional lead, I felt honored. She said what needed to be said, demonstrated how students can be empowering, and gave me inspiration for 2021. This book was both practical and empowering; the stories were illuminating and the way she unpacked and repacked UDL for learning was magical. AN EXCELLENT INSTRUCTIONAL GUIDE!

She also did a video - just google her and it comes up.

Thank you Fritz for this amazing book - my principal bought it for all the teachers at my school site!

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so helpful at seeing the connection between anti racist teaching through the UDL framework and lesson planning. Being new to learning UDL, you’ll want to research further on your own as I don’t think this books explains the what of UDL. It does go all in on anti racist classrooms through a book long metaphor of driving and the expressway to learning. A powerful call to action that motivates change makers and inspires educators to re-examine our practice to ensure Black and Brown students thrive in our schools!

[Riegs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Long story short: Children can't learn when they don't feel safe. They cognitively and physically cannot process new information when they're frightened about what may happen to them because of a physical trait they cannot control. Everyone would do well to remember that, including educators like me.

This is a very helpful guide on how to create safety for children of color in lessons, learning spaces, and discussions. Cannot recommend it enough.

[Kaatje · Rating 3 out of 5]

Written for elementary school teachers mostly- so not entirely applicable, although clear relevancy across the entire educational spectrum. I found her mixing of metaphors and general arm waving a bit tiresome, but some important nuggets of inspiration too. I learned about collective efficacy- which was a new term for me that really resonates in how to maintain the energy and momentum to keep pushing against the status quo. Otherwise, most of the concepts weren’t too new.

[Ash Andrews · Rating 2 out of 5]

This wasn't my favorite UDL text, but I think that perhaps I wasn't the target audience. The author spends a considerable amount of time explaining what UDL is and why UDL is the path to antiracism in the classroom. As someone who already believes this to be true, I found myself looking for a little more substance.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Through her expertise and wisdom in the education field, Andratesha Fritzgerald built an onramp to equity and antiracism for my heart and mind. She masterfully frames the UDL framework around the success of all students, but especially Black and brown children. This book is both practical and powerful and deserves a prominent spot on every educator's bookshelf or digital reader.

[Marci · Rating 3 out of 5]

Marci I was reading this in hoping to learn more about UDL, but I feel like you need a stronger foundation in UDL to really make the most of the ideas here. The ideas presented are all in a very valuable antiracist application of UDL--lots of good stuff in here, just not without that foundational piece of really understanding the principles of UDL first.

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really motivating and easy read, with tips and ideas that I'm excited to incorporate into my own work.

I wish the author had been given better editorial support though. And there was a surprising amount of ableist language given the overall message.

[Terese Weiler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing!

[Ashli Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book to remind myself to slow down and think about all of the learners in the room. The UDL guidelines are helpful in training my colleagues to reach all students as well.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read for educators!

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am definitely on board with this. I would have liked more “How To” in addition to the “Why it must be done.” But this is a must-read for anyone who teaches.

[Tanisha Felder · Rating 3 out of 5]

I appreciated her metaphor for UDL and the learning to drive experience. I found the constant connection of urban schools to equate to Black and Brown students and neighborhoods problematic

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

An essential guide for how to incorporate antiracism into your classroom using universal design for learning. A must-read for anyone who teaches diverse learners.

[Tanja Urbanchic · Rating 3 out of 5]

graet book
loved the analogies- having a flat tire on side of road compared to a student who is stuck in their learning process etc.

[drl · Rating 4 out of 5]

read for class

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Currently reading this book and so far it's excellent! We desperately needed more work to extend UDL principles to better support Black and Brown students and this book is doing just that. Wonderful addition so far to my book collection - a must read for all educators!