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Description

As classrooms become increasingly diverse, with the number of students with disabilities and varied learning needs on the rise, educators are challenged to move beyond traditional teaching practices. Grounded in neuroscience, learning science, and architecture, Universal Design for Learning (UDL) offers a flexible framework centering around engagement, representation, and action and expression to reduce barriers to learning and support all students. Using a mixed-methods design, this study explores educator readiness, perceptions, preexisting classroom application, factors influencing buy-in, and barriers/supports of UDL during its launch/initial rollout. This study examines early perceptions of UDL in a suburban Massachusetts public high school setting during its launch year. Data was collected through a survey of grade 8-12 educators, incorporating Likert-scale and open-ended questions aligned with UDL guidelines, implementation readiness indicators, and teacher self-efficacy measures, as well as an interview with the district's assistant superintendent overseeing UDL. Findings reveal that while buy-in is there with an 89% shared vision for change, implementation remains in an early transition stage with educators relying on Representation principle, but still developing Action and Expression. By capturing these early-stage perceptions and infrastructure gaps, this research identifies critical barriers - specifically time demands and departmental knowledge gaps - to inform future professional development and leadership support for sustainable UDL growth. This research also contributes to the limited literature on early-stage UDL Implementation.

Publication Date

4-30-2026

Keywords

Universal Design For Learning, Launch, Massachusetts Suburban Public High School, Educator Perceptions, UDL Guidelines, Multiple Means of Engagement, Multiple Means of Representation, Multiple Means of Action and Expression, Teacher Self-Efficacy, Educator buy-in

From Hearts to Hands: A Mixed Method Study of Educator Perspectives During Initial UDL Launch

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