#1. Well said. If we can minimize the need for accommodations and modifications through critical consideration of what is appropriate, valid, and reliable for any assessment, then we will inherently meet more needs and preferences. It all goes back to the objectives – what is it that I want my students to know and be able to do? Does my matching assessment present any unneeded barriers to getting there?

#2. I so admire that you jumped into a blog. It was wonderful modeling for your peers – by the middle of the course, 2 other people had begun their own. It took me three years of knowing about and reading others’ blogs before I took the plunge!

I wish we had had more time to explore wikis. I think that you, Janet, Julie, and Nathan may have found one useful and it would have been a nice segue to using one in your classroom. But it looks like your taking off! It doesn’t surprise me.

#3. Yes, thinking of podcasting as a literacy strategy doesn’t come naturally to folks. But both listening and technology literacy are critical for the 21st Century.

#4. As I’ve already said to Nathan, Janet, and Julie in their reflections, I know that the development of your unit took a Herculean effort, particularly because completion of it required the coordination of a schedule among 4 people. I’m glad (relieved) to know that you found the process worthwhile and that you’ll get a lot of mileage out of the experience.

#5. Universal design is really about awareness. It’s a lens through which we can scrutinize our existing best practices and our efforts to reach the widest possible number of learners.

Thank YOU, Amanda. I have so enjoyed and greatly benefited from your thoughtful, meaningful, and critical reflections. You’re a gifted and talented educator, and a committed colleague. I’m delighted to have worked with you!