Reasons Against Universal Design for Learning

➢ Teachers are already overworked and as a result cannot endure the extra load that is needed to implement and differentiate instruction to such a high degree.The teacher is unable to cope with a multiplicity of instruction and differentiation. It requires more creativity and is an increased workload.
➢ Gifted and talented students are held up academically as the curriculum would have to be modified to accommodate all needs and they will become less engaged as a result.
➢ Inclusion brings down the class average for the academic year, so certain schools cannot publish excellent academic results which lowers their school intake of students and financial base, possibly resulting in layoffs or closed departments.
➢ Lack of proper training for teachers and professional development means that it is not always possible to accommodate the needs of a diverse student population.
➢ Not all students will have internet access and certain conservative countries may have denied access to users so the potential for technological use is limited. As well, certain teachers may be highly technophobic and resistant to change.
➢ This requires initial training to get the student on a par with the software programs as well as teacher training which may take up quite a substantial time reducing time in other core areas.
➢ The reall world doesn’t make the same accommodations for people with disabilities and as a result disabled individuals will still be marginalized in society
➢ When other class students see that there is an easier approach to completing assignments, they do not challenge themselves as much, meaning that they leave school deficient in certain areas
➢ The classroom environment is socially oppressive and devalues personal identity. Without a Teaching Assistant (TA) or full time Aid, then the teacher is burdened by the lack of progression and constantly being held up and not meeting the curriculum benchmarks
➢ Alternative learning environments and exclusionary practices deliver optimum results as they are specialised centers able to professionally handle all aspects of the child’s development and needs.