This report argues that educators need to take a more global approach to addressing educational assessment issues, a universal design approach in which increased access for all students is considered from the beginning. Principles of universal design in architecture and other areas are listed. These include equitable use, flexibility in use, simple and intuitive use, perceptible information, tolerance for error, low physical efforts, and size and space for approach and use. The report then translates these principles into elements of universally designed educational assessments, including: (1) inclusive assessment populations; (2) precisely defined concepts; (3) accessible, non-biased items; (4) amenable to accommodations; (5) simple, clear, and intuitive instructions and procedures; (6) maximum readability; (7) comprehensibility; and (8) maximum legibility. Plain language editing strategies are then listed. Recommendations include reduce wordiness, use common words, avoid ambiguous words, avoid irregularly spelled words, avoid proper names, avoid inconsistent naming and graphic conventions, avoid unclear signals about how to direct attention, and mark all questions. The report closes by explaining dimensions of legibility and characteristics of maximum legibility. The need to progress toward universally designed assessments as rapidly as possible is stressed. (CR)