The Education Table with Katie Novak, EdD

In this episode of The Education Table, Dr. Katie Novak speaks directly to school and district leaders and instructional coaches who want to better understand how Universal Design for Learning is showing up across classrooms. She introduces the UDL focus areas as a tool for noticing, naming, and supporting instructional practices that educators are already building, while also clarifying where intentional shifts can deepen impact.Drawing on classroom examples and implementation research, Dr. Novak explores how non-evaluative, supportive observations and walkthroughs help leaders strengthen Tier 1 instruction without positioning UDL as a checklist or compliance task. Rather than using observations to judge practice, this episode emphasizes how focus areas can guide coaching conversations, professional learning, and systems-level coherence in ways that support teachers and improve student outcomes.In this episode, you will learn:What UDL focus areas are and why they matterHow to use the focus areas to help support teacher growthWhy depth of practice leads to greater impact than breadthAdditional resources to explore:UDL Focus Areas Blog & ToolEpisode transcript

In this episode of The Education Table, Dr. Katie Novak examines a common concern with choice: students gravitating toward what is perceived as the “easy” option. She explains that this often happens for two reasons. Either the options are not truly aligned to grade-level standards, or students have not been explicitly taught how to use the options or supported with appropriate scaffolds.Drawing on research and real-world examples, Dr. Novak explores why students often choose pathways that feel predictable or manageable, particularly when uncertainty is high. Rather than offering choice and hoping students make good decisions, she emphasizes the importance of teaching the options, clarifying the goal, modeling workflows, and offering scaffolds that support learning without becoming requirements. When goals, success criteria, and reflection are made explicit, students are better positioned to choose options that provide the right balance of support and challenge.In this episode, you will learn:How to scaffold choice so students don't choose the "easiest" optionThe importance of aligning choice to grade-level standardsHowAdditional resources to explore:Episode transcriptRelated blog

In this episode of The Education Table, Dr. Katie Novak explores how Universal Design for Learning extends far beyond whole-class teaching. She emphasizes that UDL is a mindset for every interaction, regardless of whether you are a teacher, paraeducator, specialist, or counselor. Katie shares practical ways adults can create emotionally safe, predictable, and flexible interactions that honor learner identity and reduce barriers while still meeting firm goals, no matter the setting. Her message is clear: UDL isn’t just for classrooms: it’s for life.In this episode, you will learn: Why UDL matters just as much in small groups, mentoring, and 1:1 interactions as it does in structured lessonsSimple shifts adults can make to reduce stress, offer choice, and honor learner identityPractical ways to design interactions with variability in mind, even outside the classroomAdditional resources to explore: View episode transcriptRead corresponding blog

In this episode of The Education Table, Dr. Katie Novak spotlights the essential role paraeducators play in supporting inclusive classrooms. She shares practical ways paras can support learners without building dependency. Grounded in UDL principles, the conversation emphasizes that when paraeducators shift from “helping individuals” to “supporting the classroom ecosystem,” all students benefit.You’ll LearnThe critical role paraeducators play in delivering inclusive instructionHow UDL can help paras move from task-based help to strategic learner supportPractical communication routines paras can put in place todayWays to build student agency by fading adult support over timeView the episode transcriptAdditional resources to explore:Read: How Paraeducators Building Independence through Universal Design for Learning   

In this episode of The Education Table, Dr. Katie Novak explores one of the most common questions educators face when implementing Universal Design for Learning (UDL): How do I know if it’s actually working? Through stories, research, and practical strategies, Katie unpacks how to assess growth and improvement in inclusive classrooms. She emphasizes that UDL isn’t about perfection—it’s about steady progress and reflection over time. Listeners will walk away with clear guidance on identifying meaningful evidence of impact beyond engagement, focusing on student outcomes and authentic growth.You’ll LearnHow to identify meaningful evidence of impact when implementing UDL practices.Practical ways to collect and reflect on data to guide inclusive teaching decisions.How to shift your focus from perfection to progress when designing for all learners.If you find today’s episode to be interesting or insightful, please share it with one or two educators in your life! Your recommendation is one of the best ways to spread the word and to help fellow educators improve their practice.And to learn more,  to access the transcript and resources: https://www.novakeducation.com/blog/ep28-measuring-what-matters-looking-beyond-test-scoresFor more strategies and resources, sign up for our twice a month newsletter: https://info.novakeducation.com/newsletter-sign-up