UDL School-Wide Implementation Criteria as a Tool for Improvement

This session explores how the UDL School-Wide Implementation Criteria (SIC) can serve as a framework for inclusive and effective school improvement. Educational leaders will gain practical strategies to:

• Understand UDL principles

• Utilize the UDL-SIC for school improvement

• Integrate UDL-SIC with PDSA cycles

• Address a problem of practice and develop an action plan

• Align UDL implementation with school goals

Whether you're new to UDL or refining existing practices, this session equips you with tools to enhance equity and student success.

Elisa Torres-Barton, Ed.D.
Project Director, California Coalition for Inclusive Learning, CAST & Fresno County Superintendent of Schools

With 25 years in education, Elisa supports UDL implementation at classroom and systems levels, partnering with COEs statewide. She has served as a math teacher, instructional coach, and district/county leader and holds a doctorate in Organizational Leadership from Grand Canyon University.

Melissa Sanjeh, LICSW
Senior Professional Learning & Implementation Specialist, CAST

Melissa helps schools redesign curriculum, instruction, and environments using UDL to ensure access for all learners. A teacher, social worker, school leader, and designer, she specializes in personalized learning, trauma-sensitive environments, social-emotional learning, and restorative justice, with a passion for equity and serving marginalized students.

Influencing Change: Effective Advocacy
and Communication in Education Policy

This interactive workshop explores how advocacy, policy, and communication shape California’s education system. Participants will engage in a bill study, resource sharing, and real-world examples to learn strategies for influencing policy, promoting equity, and mobilizing educational partners. Gain the tools to amplify student voices and drive meaningful change.

Lindsay Tornatore, Ed.D.
Director of Systems Improvement & Student Success, California County Superintendents

Dr. Lindsay Tornatore serves as a policy consultant and lobbyist for California’s 58 county superintendents, focusing on curriculum, instruction, assessments, and accountability. She previously led the California Department of Education’s Student Achievement & Support Division, overseeing ESSA implementation and statewide supports. Lindsay has a background in music education and holds a doctorate from Teachers College, Columbia University.

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Kindra Britt
Director of Communication & Strategy, California County Superintendents

Kindra Britt supports statewide communication efforts and strengthens the role of county offices in California. With a focus on small and rural counties, she leads crisis response efforts and serves as a liaison for several committees. Previously, Kindra was the Deputy Superintendent at the California Department of Education, overseeing the Access for All Branch. She has a background in education and is a proud graduate of CSU Chico and CSU Long Beach. She also spends her time trying to raise good little humans, Hudson and Jordy, and cheering on the Sacramento Kings.

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Derick Lennox
Senior Director of Governmental Relations & Legal Affairs, California County Superintendents

Derick Lennox is a lobbyist and attorney representing TK-12 educational leaders in California. With experience navigating the legislative and budget process, he has supported educators on legal, fiscal, and policy issues. Derick holds a J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center and a B.A. from UC Davis. Outside of work, he enjoys time with his three young children.

Using Smarter Balanced As Part
of a Comprehensive Assessment System

In this interactive pre-session, participants will use Improvement Science tools to refine their comprehensive assessment systems. Explore Smarter Balanced Summative Assessments, discover available resources, and learn how to integrate them into local systems to inform instruction. Attendees will leave with a customized plan and practical tools to align assessments with student needs and instructional goals.

Joe Valero
Executive Leadership Coach, Fresno County Superintendent of Schools

With over 20 years in education, Joe has served as a teacher, district EL Director, and state trainer for assessments with the California Department of Education. He collaborates with WestEd, RAN, and TAG, focusing on data use and assessments to improve student outcomes.

Dr. Jennifer Enns
Executive Leadership Coach, Fresno County Superintendent of Schools

Jennifer has 28 years of experience as a teacher and middle and high school leader. She specializes in coaching administrator and teacher improvement teams, leading with passion and purpose. Outside work, she enjoys running, sipping London Fogs, reading, and trying to learn Pickleball.

Sarah Birgé
Tools for Teachers Lead, Smarter Balanced

Sarah has over a decade of experience as a teacher and coach in Vermont, NYC, India, and South Korea. A former ELA specialist at the Vermont Agency of Education, she now helps teachers leverage Smarter Balanced instructional supports through engaging professional learning.

Intentionally Designing Inclusive Educational Spaces Rooted in Community, Belonging and Relationship

This session equips educators with tools, strategies, and mindsets to foster socially just, inclusive classrooms where all students feel a sense of belonging. Participants will explore ableism in education, learn how to advocate for students with disabilities, and develop student-centered practices that drive meaningful inclusion. Attendees will leave with strategies to evaluate current systems, shift beliefs, and create a culture of belonging for students, families, and educators.

Kevin Schaefer
Director of Equity and Inclusive Practices, El Dorado SELPAs

Kevin works to improve educational outcomes for students with disabilities by supporting the California Department of Education and LEAs in creating inclusive learning environments. With experience as a special education teacher, administrator, and national/state technical assistance provider, he specializes in systems change, continuous improvement, and inclusive practices that benefit all students.

Janelle Mercado
Project Coordinator, Supporting Inclusive Practices (SIP), El Dorado County Office of Education

Janelle is a passionate advocate for equitable, inclusive education. With experience as a special education teacher, SELPA program specialist, and system change coach, she specializes in UDL, co-teaching, social-emotional learning, and behavior supports. She has led statewide and national presentations on inclusive practices and school improvement.

Rigorous Teaching and Leading for Impact

This session explores classroom habits and routines that foster student voice, choice, and rigorous learning. Grounded in research and practical experience, these strategies help educators balance surface, deep, and transfer learning. Participants will engage with video models, simulations, and collaborative protocols to strengthen student metacognition, resilience, and collaboration. Leave with actionable strategies to enhance instructional impact and promote higher-order thinking.

Paul J. Bloomberg, Ed.D.
Founder & Chief Learning Officer

Dr. Paul Bloomberg is a school improvement coach, best-selling author, and expert in learner agency. He has led multiple school turnaround efforts and partners with schools and districts worldwide to advance collaborative inquiry and assessment practices. Paul co-authored Leading Impact Teams, Peer Power, and Amplify Learner Voice. He has collaborated with John Hattie’s Visible Learning, The Leadership and Learning Center, and various national education agencies.

Michael McDowell, Ed.D.
Author & Consultant

Dr. Michael McDowell is a former superintendent, principal, and teacher with extensive experience in leadership, student performance, and well-being. Under his leadership, his district received a National Blue Ribbon Award. A bestselling author, keynote speaker, and consultant, he supports educators worldwide in implementing innovative, high-impact teaching and learning strategies.

The Art of Feedback: Igniting Growth & Inclusion in the Arts

Join us for a unique session featuring local students from music, theatre, and visual arts programs. Participants will observe live arts instruction and practice providing growth-oriented feedback using a specially developed coaching tool. Together, we’ll explore how to support arts educators and foster inclusive, creative classrooms for all learners.

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Session Highlights:

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• Observe live instruction and practice feedback strategies

• Examine artistic processes as a link to equity and inclusion

• Engage with dedicated students in the arts

Don’t miss this hands-on opportunity to ignite impact and inclusion in arts education!

Aaron Bryan

Office of the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools

Pauline Crooks

San Diego County Office of Education

Kate Stover

Tulare County Office of Education

Students and Teachers

Anaheim Union High School District

Aaron, Pauline, and Kate are honored to serve as County and Regional Arts Leads with the California County Superintendents Arts Initiative. With a combined 81 years of arts education instruction and leadership experience, this team is passionate about ensuring equitable access to the arts for ALL California students. We are thrilled to be joined by students and teachers from three local arts education programs who will bring the learning right to our doorstep!

Breaking Silos, Building Brilliance: Elevating Instruction Through Collaborative Professional Growth

Join a panel of educators as they share their experiences in collaborative professional growth and its impact on teaching and student outcomes. Explore the four essential questions that guide effective teacher collaboration:

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• What do we want students to learn?

• How will we measure student learning?

• How will we respond when students struggle?

• How will we extend learning for proficient students?

This session will highlight how collective expertise drives instruction, breaks down silos, and fosters a shared responsibility for student success. Learn about collaborative leadership approaches, including creating a positive school environment through trust, open communication, and problem-solving.

Join us for this engaging discussion on building dynamic, high-performing learning environments.

Dr. Stephanie Gregson
Deputy Executive Director, California Collaborative for Educational Excellence (CCEE)

Dr. Stephanie Gregson oversees Direct Technical Assistance efforts at CCEE, focusing on improving teaching and learning in districts and schools to ensure equitable access and outcomes for students. Previously, she served as Chief Deputy Superintendent at the California Department of Education (CDE), managing operations for eight branches. With over 25 years in education, Dr. Gregson has held key leadership roles in curriculum and instruction, and began her career as an elementary school teacher in Sacramento.

Dr. Jennie Wright
Senior Advisor, Teaching, Learning, and Leading, California Collaborative for Educational Excellence (CCEE)

Dr. Jennie Wright supports local educational agencies (LEAs) with Direct Technical Assistance at CCEE. Before joining CCEE, she coached LEAs in implementing Fullan & Quinn’s coherence framework and continuous improvement practices. Dr. Wright has also served as a principal, where she led initiatives in social-emotional learning and school climate. With a focus on continuous improvement, she has developed leadership capacity across districts to address both academic and social-emotional needs. Dr. Wright holds degrees from Indiana University, California State University, Dominguez Hills, and Pepperdine University.

Redefining Potential: Building Strengths-Based Leadership Programs for Foster and Homeless Youth

Join us for a transformative workshop on the innovative Leadership Academy developed by the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools’ Foster & Homeless Education Department, in partnership with the Safe and Healthy Kids Department. This program empowers foster and homeless youth to recognize their strengths, build leadership skills, and contribute to their communities through volunteerism. Learn how the academy focuses on resilience, goal-setting, self-reflection, and team-building, helping students overcome barriers and develop confidence. Gain actionable insights to implement a similar program in your own community and redefine how we support vulnerable students.

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Joshua Blecha is an educator and advocate with 19 years of experience in Expanded Learning, focusing on breaking down systemic barriers for marginalized students. A former foster youth, Joshua uses his personal experience to create environments where every student feels valued and capable of success. As a certified Gallup Strengths Coach, he has designed a strengths-based leadership program for homeless and foster youth, earning the California School Board Association Golden Bell Award. Joshua's work is rooted in empathy, innovation, and a commitment to empowering students through education.

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Brent Smither has served with the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools for 22 years. As a Certified Gallup Strengths Coach, he supports students and educators in leadership, team building, and strengths development. Currently, Brent is the Director of the Fresno County Community Schools Consortium in the Department of Safe and Healthy Kids, where he supports programs like the Fresno Leadership Academy and “You Matter Day.”