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About Morongo USD in the UDL Network
About Morongo USD in the UDL Network
Morongo Unified School District (MUSD) is taking bold steps to elevate Universal Design for Learning (UDL) from a special education initiative to a districtwide Tier I instructional practice. With support from Open Access and the broader UDL Network, Morongo is focused on systemic integration, fostering a culture where every student, in every classroom, can succeed.
By prioritizing teacher collaboration, student voice, and coaching infrastructure, Morongo is building a long-term vision of inclusive, responsive teaching.
Theory of Action
Theory of Action
At the core of MUSD’s strategy is a commitment to shifting UDL implementation out of SELPA and into instructional services, ensuring UDL becomes embedded in everyday instruction—not siloed to special programs.
Key actions include:
Co-creating a UDL rollout plan with district leadership and communications teams to articulate the why, what, and how of UDL.
Establishing clear expectations for teachers and leaders on UDL-aligned instruction, with tools and coaching to guide implementation.
Providing consistent professional development, including SELPA-led sessions, Open Access walkthroughs, and dedicated teaming time.
Modeling local leadership capacity, ensuring that educators see themselves as the drivers of change
These coordinated efforts are grounded in data, including focus groups, self-efficacy surveys, UDL observation tools, and student perception surveys. Together, these measures support the district’s goals of increasing student agency, improving academic performance, and reducing achievement gaps, especially for students with disabilities (SWDs).
Implementation in Action
Implementation in Action
Morongo USD has prioritized its work at Twentynine Palms Junior High, aiming to create a UDL Showcase Site and spark momentum across the district. Key developments include:
10+ UDL Trainings Conducted for educators with Open Access partners.
Instructional Rounds with 13 staff across 13 classrooms revealed strong evidence of student collaboration, choice, and identity-affirming practices.
Student and Teacher Perception Data is being gathered and refined, including simplification of student survey language and augmentation of ASB surveys to capture more authentic feedback.
Ongoing walkthroughs and reflections have informed a “Plus One” strategy, encouraging educators to continually add new inclusive practices
Additionally, there is growing cross-departmental alignment with LCAP goals, and integration of UDL practices into Instructional Services’ summer PD planning, making this work sustainable beyond a single site or team.
Measures of Success
Measures of Success
Morongo USD’s success metrics for UDL implementation are multifaceted and aligned to district-wide strategic goals:
Student Perception Surveys and Focus Groups tracking shifts in learner experience.
Observation Tools capturing lesson-level evidence of multiple means of engagement, representation, and expression.
Referral Data monitored to ensure equitable SST and special education processes.
Academic Performance Metrics including NWEA results, pass rates, and classroom assessments.
Teacher Self-Efficacy Surveys to track educator confidence and competence in supporting diverse learners.
Point of Contact:
Point of Contact:
Name: Eric Smith, SELPA Program Specialist
Email: esmith@morongousd.org
Name: Graciela Gutierrez, Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Education
Email: ggutierrez@morongousd.org
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