UDL4CS CSTA Cohort Application

  • UDL4CS CSTA Cohort Application

  • Universal Design through Professional Development and Systems Change to Increase Access to K-8 Computer Science Education for learners with Disabilities (UDL4CS-2) is a research-practice partnership funded by the National Science Foundation (IRB2024011480). The UDL4CS-2 Cohort brings together PK-8 educators to strengthen support for students with disabilities in computer science. Selected schools participate as small teams applying Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and High-Leverage Practices (HLPs) in CS instruction. Teachers who participate in the cohort will attend virtual professional development (PD) and professional learning community (PLC) sessions. Teachers will also participate in research activities to identify supports and barriers to inclusive CS instruction and effective PD practices. Participation in UDL4CS-2 includes the following:

    • Participate in virtual summer training during the week of July 27-31, 2026 (5 days, 3 hours)
    • Attend 10 monthly virtual 90-minute Professional Learning Community (PLC) sessions during the 2026-27 school year
    • Collaborate as a school-based team to apply UDL and High-Leverage Practices in computer science instruction
    • Share reflections, lesson ideas, and classroom experiences with the cohort
    • Participate in program research activities, including surveys, a focus group, an interview, and sharing de-identified instructional artifacts
    • Contribute to the virtual showcase in Spring 2027

    To lear more about the project: 

    csteachers.org/udl4cs. 

    udl4cs.education.ufl.edu/projects/udl4cs-2.

    If your team is interested, please answer the following questions. If you are eligible to participate in the research study, a research team member will contact you with additional information.


    Apply by May 17, 2026. Selections and notifications will be sent by the end of May.


    About the Application:

    This is a school-based application completed by one primary applicant on behalf of the team.

    The application includes six sections:

    • Primary Applicant Information
    • School Team Information
    • Team Composition
    • Computer Science Context
    • Inclusion & UDL Focus
    • Closing

    Eligibility Criteria (required)

    Lead Applicant: Must be a current member of CSTA

    Team: 2–6 educators, including:

    • one special education teacher
    • one CS and/or general education teacher
    • (Optional: paraprofessionals, librarians, coaches, administrators, counselors, STEM/CS specialists)

    School must:

    • be located in the United States
    • serve grades PK–8
    • teach or integrate computer science or computational thinking
    • be interested in improving support for students with disabilities in CS
    • commit to participation during the 2026–27 school year

    Additional Notes

    Application time: 20–30 minutes
    Preview questions in the application PDF

    For questions, please contact: misrael@coe.ufl.edu

  • Primary Applicant Information

    Information about the primary applicant
  • Format: (000) 000-0000.
  • How are you involved with CSTA? Check all boxes that apply.*

  • School Information

  • Provide the NCES (National Center for Education Statistics) ID number for your school.

    Use this table to easily find your school's NCES ID.

  • Type of School*
  • Is your school classified as a Title I school?*
  • Does your school serve more than 40% students from low-income families?*
  • How would you describe the community your school serves?*
  • Which grades are served at your school?*
  • Does your school have...? Check if you teach high concentrations of the marginalized student groups listed below. Leave blank if you do not.

  • Team Composition

  • In this section, please list the team members who will participate in the cohort activities. You may include up to six members on your team. Press the "Add Row" button to add a new member to your team.


    Please note that prior computer science teaching experience and confidence in supporting students with disabilities are not required for acceptance into the cohort.

  • Computer Science Context

    In this section, please share information about your school’s current computer science context. These questions help us better understand participants’ backgrounds and experiences. This information provides context about participating teams and will not be used as part of the selection process.
  • Who currently provides CS instruction at your school?*
  • Grades currently receiving CS instruction (PK–8)*
  • CS curricula or tools currently used*

  • Inclusion & UDL Focus

  • 0/150
  • Which student needs are most present in your CS classrooms?*
  • 0/150
  • Which areas does your K–8 team most need support in to improve computer science learning for students with disabilities? (Select up to 3)*
  • 0/150

  •  

    By submitting this application, the primary applicant confirms that the school team understands the expectations of the UDL4CS CSTA Cohort and is interested in participating in the program activities.

    Applications will be reviewed, selections will be made, and notifications will be sent by the end of May.

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