About the Cohort
Help make computer science more accessible and inclusive for students with disabilities by participating in a research study. The UDL4CS cohort is a year-long virtual paid research study for PK–8 school teams designed to study how Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and High-Leverage Practices (HLPs) can support inclusive computer science instruction.
Selected school teams for the 2026–2027 school year will participate as research study participants in professional learning, implement inclusive CS strategies in their classrooms, and share reflections and feedback with the research team. Participants will collaborate with educators from across the country while contributing to research that aims to improve computer science access for students with disabilities.
Application Deadline: Sunday, May 17th
Who should apply
This opportunity is for U.S.-based PK–8 schools with a team of 2–6 educators who are committed to improving computer science learning for students with disabilities. No prior experience is required to participate in this research study.
Each team must include:
- one special education teacher
- one computer science teacher and/or general classroom teacher
Other team members may include paraprofessionals, librarians, counselors, administrators, instructional coaches, or STEM/CS specialists.
What participants will do
Selected teams will:
- take part in virtual summer professional development, the week of July 27 – 31, 2026
- attend monthly virtual 1.5-hour PLC sessions during the 2026–27 school year (meeting times will be around 6:00 – 7 pm ET)
- apply UDL strategies to support more inclusive CS instruction
- share progress and reflect on classroom practice
- participate in program research activities such as surveys, interviews, and sharing de-identified instructional artifacts
- present learning in a virtual showcase in spring 2027
Time commitment
Participants should plan for:
- 15 hours of virtual summer PD the week of July 27-31, 2026
- 10 monthly virtual 90-minute PLC sessions during the 2026–27 school year
- time to try strategies in practice, reflect, and contribute to research activities
Stipend
Each participating educator will receive up to $1,250 stipend for full participation.
Priority consideration
Priority may be given to schools that:
- are public schools
- serve a large number of students with disabilities
- serve historically marginalized student populations
- demonstrate a strong interest in strengthening inclusive CS instruction
Learn More About the Research Project
To learn more about the broader UDL4CS-2 initiative and research partnership, visit the University of Florida project page and resource hub.
Official Research Title: Universal Design through Professional Development and Systems Change to Increase Access to K-8 Computer Science Education for Learners with Disabilities (UDL4CS-2)
IRB202401480
Dr. Maya Israel
Director of the CSEveryone Center
for Computer Science, Associate
Professor, University of Florida
misrael@coe.ufl.edu
This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 2434586. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.