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Universal Design for Learning (UDL) has been frequently discussed as a framework that guides the design of inclusive learning environments for all students with and without disabilities. This policy brief reports on findings of a content analysis of how UDL was referenced in three major U.S. federal education laws. Results indicate that UDL was not explicitly defined although it was closely tied to alternative assessment and technology in K-12 education laws. References to UDL in the higher education law suggested using UDL to guide inclusive educational practices for post-secondary students and the need to integrate the framework into educator preparation.

Traction is growing for personalized learning (PL) as an educational innovation that aims to provide learning experiences to meet diverse learning needs. However, little research has investigated how PL is positioned in professional standards that provide guidance on teacher education across content-specific disciplines and for diverse learner populations. Using an alignment methodology, this study identified and analyzed 193 out of 654 educator preparation standard components in the U.S. education system for the presence of teaching practices that may better respond to the need for PL implementation. This research revealed different percentages of standard components reflecting expectations for educators to understand learner characteristics, tailor instruction to learner needs, and advocate for promoting learning outcomes for individual learners. Moreover, noticeable patterns exist among standards across disciplines and for diverse learner populations regarding how they focus on knowledge, competencies, and dispositions in relation to preparing educators for PL implementation.