California Area School District

Universal Design Learning in K-4 classrooms: Universal Design Learning (UDL) is a framework that enables teachers to support and plan for the diversity of learners. With district-wide professional learning on UDL, the district applies UDL Learning Guidelines to their instruction in order to meet the needs of all learners.

Having courageous conversations: The district’s Courageous Conversations Book Club meets both face-to-face and virtually on regular intervals to use books to drive conversations to improve their school community. Providing a space for vulnerability and sharing, these conversations have led to curriculum analysis and then curriculum changes in order to teach a more diverse perspective. In addition, these conversations have led to improvements in the diversity of books offered to students in the school libraries, including more protagonists and authors of color. They have also compelled the district to review discipline and attendance policies to ensure cultural “norms” are not being imposed on students.

Fostering student leadership: The Student Superintendent Council, a student-led organization representing the diversity of the school community, meets with the superintendent on a monthly basis to institute positive change in the school district. Student leaders advocate on behalf of the school community and work collaboratively with the superintendent to make effective change.The council has led to improved online synchronous and asynchronous instruction; more water bottle filling stations; improved communication among administration, teachers, and students; improved access points in designated classrooms; opportunities for virtual or face-to-face learning, and more effective use of instructional space.