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About Guadalupe UESD
About Guadalupe UESD
Guadalupe Union Elementary School District (GUESD) is one of six districts actively engaged in CCEE’s Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Implementation Network. Their focus is on building inclusive learning environments where every learner thrives, and where choice, voice, and equitable access are central to teaching and learning.
In partnership with Open Access, Guadalupe is advancing professional learning, coaching, and data collection practices to ensure UDL strategies are deeply embedded across classrooms and grade levels.
Theory of Action
Theory of Action
GUESD’s theory of action is rooted in the belief that when educators are supported through structured training and job-embedded coaching, they can confidently implement UDL strategies that address learner variability and reduce instructional barriers.
Highlights from their plan include:
UDL Professional Learning Opportunities
UDL Professional Learning Opportunities
Fall and Spring Training Sessions for all district staff to explore and apply UDL-aligned strategies.
Job-embedded coaching aligned to grade-level goals, promoting continuous instructional reflection and improvement.
Elevating Student Voice
Elevating Student Voice
Student perception surveys used to elevate student voice.
Surveys inform teaching practices to create more inclusive, student-centered learning environments.
Monitoring and Measuring Impact
Monitoring and Measuring Impact
Monitoring impact through learner feedback, UDL lesson observations, and tracking reductions in student referrals to intervention and special education processes.
Implementation in Motion
Implementation in Motion
GUESD’s progress is marked by intentional planning, reflection, and a growing sense of community across participating educators. Some key developments include:
Building a Model Early Learning Site: A new early learning center is being built from the ground up with UDL principles at its core, following the successful structure of Placer County’s model.
Focus on Learner Agency: Classrooms, like a standout 4th grade class, are becoming spaces where students take ownership of their learning, using tools like Zones of Regulation and identity-driven projects.
Middle School Engagement: Teachers are co-developing UDL lesson plans in core subjects and exploring tools like Ludia (chatbot) and Diffit to support English learners and students with IEPs.
Data-Driven Decision Making: Educators analyze data from perception surveys and instructional trends to guide next steps, including aligning practices with “Thinking Classrooms” and using journey mapping to capture shifts in school culture
Measures of Success
Measures of Success
GUESD is tracking the effectiveness of their UDL rollout by:
Analyzing student perception survey data throughout the year.
Observing instructional shifts through lesson look-fors and coaching feedback.
Monitoring reductions in special education referrals and improvements in student engagement and voice.
Point of Contact:
Point of Contact:
Name: Nathan Moreno, Director, Special Education
Email: nmoreno@gusdbobcats.com
Name: Gina Branum, Assistant Superintendent, Curriculum and Instruction
Email: gbranum@gusdbobcats.com
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