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 Learn
How 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-scores
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If you’ve ever lost the first 10 minutes of class to chaos, stress, or blank stares you’re not alone. In this episode of The Education Table Podcast, Katie Novak,EdD shares how you can get started transitioning your classroom with Universal Design for Learning by starting small. You’ll learn one routine you can redesign right now.
Novak shares her personal experiences with Do Nows as a middle school teacher and emphasizes the importance of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles. By focusing on flexibility, accessibility, and collaboration, educators can create a more engaging and supportive learning environment for all students.
You'll learn:
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, head to the show page to access the transcript and resources:
https://www.novakeducation.com/episode-27-start-here-one-way-to-redesign-classroom-routines-with-udl
Key moments:
Redesigning Learning for Inclusivity
2:37 - The Power of Routines in Education
5:22- Implementing Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Strategies
8:14 Final advice
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Scaffolds are not always temporary, in fact for many, they are essential for building student confidence and skills.
In this episode of The Education Table, Katie Novak, EdD discusses the importance of scaffolding in education, particularly how to increase the effectiveness of scaffolds by utilizing them within the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework. Novak shares personal anecdotes and research insights on how scaffolds can support student learning and independence. You’ll learn different types of scaffolds—linguistic, conceptual, and socio-cultural—and walk away with practical strategies that educators can implement effectively in the classroom. You’ll also learn how and why we need to gradually release responsibility to our learners to foster student independence.
You'll learn:
A helpful analogy that breaks down why scaffolds are essential to improving learning
The research that supports the use of scaffolds
The three different types of scaffolds, and how you can use them in your schools and classrooms
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, head to the show page to access the transcript and resources: https://www.novakeducation.com/the-education-table-scaffolds-when-and-how-to-use
Key moments:
For more strategies and resources, be sure to sign up for our newsletter. Twice-a-month, we’ll deliver the latest updates and tips for creating learning environments where all learners can thrive. Sign Up: https://info.novakeducation.com/newsletter-sign-up
If you liked this episode, dive in deeper: Listen to Episode 23 Scaffolding Executive Function Skills.
Feedback should never be a one-way street. In this episode of The Education Table Podcast, we’re diving into feedback—what it is, why it matters, and how to do it well. Katie Novak shares a personal story highlighting the pitfalls of unchecked praise and breaks down three types of research-backed feedback. Novak provides concrete strategies for delivering effective feedback, including being specific, ensuring two-way communication, and aligning feedback with clear goals.
Whether you're a teacher looking to support student growth, an administrator or instructional leader aiming to guide your staff, or someone wanting to improve everyday communication, this episode will equip you with essential skills to make feedback more meaningful, impactful, and efficient—in both your professional and personal life.
Access resources, the UDL Look-For Tool, and more on the show page: https://www.novakeducation.com/the-education-table-action-oriented-feedback
Key Moments:
Rubrics are essential tools for tracking progress and providing meaningful feedback. However, choosing the right rubric and managing it effectively—in a time-efficient manner—is crucial for benefiting both your students and yourself.! In this episode of The Education Table, Katie Novak will share the different types of rubrics, how AI can revolutionize rubric creation, and discuss how to use rubrics in the UDL framework to empower students with frequent feedback and lots of opportunities for revision.
Access resources, a helpful infographic to delineate when to use each rubric, and more on the show page: https://www.novakeducation.com/the-education-table-rubrics
Key Moments:
01:42 - Types of Rubrics: Analytic Rubric, Holistic Rubric, and Single Point Rubric
05:51 -Strategies for Effective Rubric Use
09:29 - Conclusion: Empowering Students with Rubrics
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Executive function is one of the most essential skills we can teach our students—it helps them plan, problem-solve, and navigate the world independently. These cognitive processes are critical for fostering purposeful, motivated learners. But here’s the thing: executive function skills don’t just develop on their own. They need to be explicitly taught and scaffolded—for both students and adults.
In this episode, Katie Novak dives into the pivotal role of executive function in education and explains why it’s key to building learner agency. Novak shares personal anecdotes and research-backed insights, highlighting why teaching these life skills is crucial for student success. Plus, she offers three practical, classroom-ready strategies educators can use to scaffold executive function—empowering all learners to reach their full potential.
Whether you’re a teacher, instructional coach, or school leader, this episode offers actionable tips to help you support your students (and maybe even strengthen your own executive function skills along the way!).
Access resources and the transcript from the show: https://www.novakeducation.com/the-education-table-executive-functions
Today, we’re talking aboutdata—not just big data (such as test scores and report cards) but the small, everyday data that helps teachers adjust instruction, connect with students, and see the immediate impact of their work.
Katie Novak will share how teachers can gather this data and then share three action steps that educators, at any grade level, can use to leverage both big and small data in the classroom to make a difference every single day.
View resources and more onthe show page:https://www.novakeducation.com/the-education-table-how-teachers-use-small-data
In today’s episode, we’re exploring the power of AI—not as a replacement for educators but as a game-changing tool to elevate our work.
Katie Novak shares three practical strategies she has used to leverage AI to amplify her efforts, build relationships, and foster inclusive learning environments. She also recounts a personal story about how AI helped her son overcome writer's block and highlights compelling research on the benefits of educators using AI in the classroom.
By the end of this episode, you’ll feel empowered to try these strategies right away, lightening your load while strengthening your practice.
View resources, the episode article, and more on the show page: https://www.novakeducation.com/the-education-table-elevate-design-with-ai
Claim your two bonus chapters! https://info.novakeducation.com/elevating-educational-design-ai-bonus-chapters
Station rotations are one of the most powerful (and realistic) strategies for meeting the needs of diverse learners but knowing how to effectively implement it is crucial for its magic to shine through. In this episode, Katie Novak will share a helpful analogy to explain station rotations - a blended learning model that balances explicit instruction, collaboration, and digital learning to meet every student's needs - how it works. Then she will share compelling research from John Hattie along with three effective ways to increase engagement, scaffold lessons tailored to students needs and offer immediate feedback to and from students with the station rotation model.
To access resources and more, head to the show page https://www.novakeducation.com/the-education-table-station-rotations
In this episode of The Education Table, Katie Novak breaks down the ins and outs of learning playlists, a powerful tool that can transform your classroom. We explore how to blend online and offline learning, leverage existing resources, and scaffold student success. We’ll uncover the secret to creating flexible and structured playlists that empower students to personalize their learning journey while staying on track with tasks and time management.
This episode is for teachers, instructors, and coaches looking to give students more control of their learning while providing opportunities for educators to meet the individualized needs of their students through personalized check-ins and conferences throughout the learning process.
To access a playlist template, additional resources, and more, head to the show page https://www.novakeducation.com/the-education-table-learning-playlists
Discover how to elevate your school's instructional practices by empowering your teachers with Universal Design for Learning (UDL). In this episode, Katie Novak explores the impact of teacher efficacy - not only on students but on staff as well. Novak shares how to cultivate a culture of belief and competence among your staff while providing insights into effective professional development and support systems.
Discover how personal and collective beliefs shape student outcomes, explore practical strategies to implement UDL in your classrooms, from flexible learning materials to diverse assessment practices, and learn how to foster a culture of innovation and support teacher growth. Whether you are a seasoned school leader or just starting out in the education space, this episode will equip you with the knowledge and tools to inspire, motivate, and achieve remarkable results.
Access resources and the transcript from the show: https://www.novakeducation.com/the-education-table-teacher-efficacy
Today, math is often still taught the same way it was decades ago, but our students’ needs have evolved, and their performance on standardized tests shows it. We now recognize that learners vary in countless ways, and the idea that “there’s only one way to teach math” no longer holds up. Research shows us that integrating Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles creates more accessible and engaging math classrooms. With UDL, we can shift the narrative for students, helping them discover a love of learning and build confidence in math from an early age. In this episode you’ll learn how UDL plays a vital role in creating inclusive math classrooms for all students in grades K-5, no matter the curriculum you have adopted.
Katie Novak will share concrete strategies for effective K-5 math instruction, including how to incorporate inquiry-based learning, building clarity around learning goals, providing options and choices, incorporating visual representations, and promoting self-reflection.
Dive in deeper and access the resources from this episode: https://www.novakeducation.com/the-education-table-udl-math-k-5
In this Episode of The Education Table with Katie Novak, we’ll tackle the question, how can I get my team on board with more inclusive practices and implementing Universal Design for Learning (UDL)? Katie has seen it all and knows how challenging transitions can be for all parties: the facilitators, teachers, administrators, and staff. Katie will share some practical tips and insights to help educators feel supported and engaged in this process.
This episode would be especially helpful for those looking to implement new changes with staff members or those in the process of implementing inclusive practices and UDL in their schools or districts. Creating and sustaining teacher and staff buy-in is critical to meeting your goals and helping to create a space where all students are given high expectations and every opportunity to learn.
Join the movement. Transform Education. Hit Play on The Education Table.
View the show page, resources, transcript and more at https://www.novakeducation.com/the-education-table-teacher-buy-in
Sign up for Katie Novak’s monthly newsletter - https://info.novakeducation.com/newsletter-sign-up
Take action! Work with Katie and team - https://www.novakeducation.com/professional-development
In this episode of The Education Table, we’re answering the question, what's the difference between inclusion and inclusive practice. While these terms are often used interchangeably, they represent different aspects of creating effective learning environments for all students. Katie Novak will share insights on what sets them apart and discuss how educators can implement inclusive practices in their classrooms and learning environments.
With the benefits of inclusive practice increasingly presenting themself through evidence and research, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to create supportive learning environments. By the end of the episode, you will gain concrete strategies for implementing inclusive practices, such as embracing variability, recognizing that what is necessary for some can be good for all, facilitating student choice, and fostering a supportive classroom environment.
Resources and more on the show page: https://www.novakeducation.com/the-education-table-inclusion-vs-inclusive-practices
In this episode of The Education Table, Katie Novak explores the differences between equality and equity in education, and shares how learner agency is a missing piece in a lot of equity work.
By the end of this episode, you’ll see why implementing equity practices alone can feel overwhelming for educators. But don’t worry—we’re diving into strategies that make it more manageable while boosting outcomes for all learners. You’ll discover how to empower your students through goal-setting, self-assessment, and reflection, and so much more! Ready to join the movement and transform education? Hit play on The Education Table.
In this Episode of The Education Table with Katie Novak, we’ll tackle the question, does it make sense to implement Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in the classroom when standardized tests don’t offer the same options to students? Katie will share a story, talk about some key statistics and research, and provide test-taking strategies that will help educators prepare their students for those standardized tests—without compromising accessibility.
Implementing UDL can help students perform their best on standardized tests despite the limitations of the tests themselves and in this episode we’ll equip educators with strategies for preparing students including being honest about the purpose of testing, teaching test-taking strategies, using exemplars and rubrics, practicing test-taking skills, building digital literacy skills, and understanding the psychology of multiple-choice tests, all with the end goal of empowering our students to succeed!
Join the movement:
In this Episode of The Education Table with Katie Novak, we’ll tackle the question, what is the difference between Multi-Tiered System of Supports and Response to Intervention or most commonly known as MTSS vs. RTI? These two frameworks are so often used interchangeably, but their distinct differences are important to understand. In this episode, Katie will share insights into each approach and discuss how they impact teaching and learning.
This episode is best for educators looking to make system-wide shifts. You’ll walk away with concrete strategies for fostering MTSS, such as integrating academic, behavioral, and social-emotional supports, implementing data systems, and promoting collective efficacy and shared responsibility.
Join the movement. Transform Education. Hit Play on The Education Table.
View the show page, resources, transcript and more at https://www.novakeducation.com/the-education-table-how-is-mtss-different-from-rti
Sign up for Katie Novak’s monthly newsletter - https://info.novakeducation.com/newsletter-sign-up
Take action! Work with Katie and team - https://www.novakeducation.com/professional-development
In this Episode of The Education Table with Katie Novak, we’ll tackle the question, what is different about the updated version of the UDL Guidelines (UDL Guidelines 3.0)?, and we’ll discuss why these differences are important (for our learners, our teachers, our learning communities). Katie will share a story that illustrates the shift in focus from creating expert learners to cultivating learner agency (hint, a big focus of the update!), delve into the key differences in the guidelines, and discuss how these changes can impact your teaching practice.
With Universal Design for Learning rapidly taking over as best practice in schools, workplaces, and design - this episode is a must listen for those looking to understand the shift in language and implementation with the new update to the UDL Guidelines 3.0. Hit play on The Education Table.
Join the movement.
In this special edition of the Education Table with Katie Novak, we’ll explore the question, what is Multi-Tiered Systems of Support, or MTSS, from a Teacher’s perspective. Throughout the episode, Katie will provide practical strategies for enhancing Tier 1 instruction, including prioritizing professional learning, collaborating with colleagues, and embracing data collection and analysis. These practices have the potential to reduce the need for intensive interventions and help to promote increased student learning.
By the end of this episode, you’ll understand the power of data-driven decision making, how to advocate for resources and support to enhance tier one instruction, and how you can take action to reduce the need for intensive interventions by creating a strong Tier 1 foundation, plus much more! Join the movement. Transform education. Hit play on The Education Table.
In this special leadership edition of the Education Table with Katie Novak, we’ll explore what is a Multi-Tiered Systems of Support, or MTSS? I'll share a story about the importance of building a strong foundation, and dive into the research on implementation drivers and how effective execution helps to increase teacher satisfaction and reduce burnout. Plus, I’ll share right-now strategies for effectively implementing MTSS in your school or district.
By the end of this episode, you’ll understand that MTSS is more than just tiers of support and you’ll get to know the three key drivers of effective MTSS implementation, the importance of data and reflection and what to do next in your journey towards creating a comprehensive system that supports student and teacher success.
Join the movement. Transform education. Hit play on The Education Table.