Facilitator Guide - Incorporating UDL into the IEP Process

The toolkit is the product of collaboration among government officials, scholars, practitioners, education development professionals, people with disabilities, and the Reading for All Malawi team, with funds provided by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The facilitator guide outlines the role of the facilitator in ensuring quality training, including keeping participants and themselves safe, having the right materials and tools, engaging participants, managing the pacing of activities, and knowing the logistics and administration arrangements for the training. The guide also provides a checklist of materials each participant and the facilitator need to have, including the Facilitator Guide, Participant Guide, PowerPoint printout, computer with access to the internet, projector, speakers, and flipchart paper. The guide includes guidance on training modifications for COVID-safe delivery, such as wearing cloth face coverings, washing hands with soap and water, avoiding close contact, and staying home if sick. The facilitator is also advised to refer to the Participant Guide, which includes materials that will support thinking, group discussions, and learning. The facilitator guide is designed to support the facilitation of a two-day training program, which includes activities such as welcome and introductions, registration and logistics, training norms and housekeeping, and a brief introduction to Universal Design for Learning. The program also covers the background to an Individualized Education Program (IEP), including thinking about barriers, what makes up a classroom, and the parts of a learning environment. The facilitator guide includes a table to guide modifications for COVID-safe delivery, which suggests alternatives to group activities, such as having participants talk to a partner instead of in a group. The guide also includes facilitator hints and tips for preparing for and delivering the activities with confidence. The toolkit is dedicated to the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, senior officials of MoEST, and the millions of eager young learners across Malawi. The opinions expressed in the manual are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID. The facilitator guide is designed to support the facilitation of a training program that aims to improve early grade literacy and learning outcomes for all children in Malawi, with a focus on incorporating Universal Design for Learning into the IEP process. The program is designed to be flexible and adaptable to the needs of participants, with modifications for COVID-safe delivery included in the guide. The facilitator guide includes a range of activities and exercises that are designed to support the facilitation of the training program, including group discussions, role-plays, and case studies. The guide also includes a range of materials and resources that can be used to support the facilitation of the program, including PowerPoint slides, videos, and handouts. Overall, the Universal Design for Learning Literacy Toolkit is a comprehensive facilitator guide that provides support and resources for facilitators to deliver a high-quality training program that aims to improve early grade literacy and learning outcomes for all children in Malawi.