Today, Lori speaks with Dr. Katie Novak, Founder and CEO of Novak Educational Consulting. Katie is an experienced educator, bestselling author, adjunct instructor at the University of Pennsylvania, global keynote speaker, and one of the leading voices in Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS).

Known for her clarity, courage, and contagious energy, Katie has helped schools around the world rethink how they design systems, lessons, and professional learning so every student — and every teacher — can thrive. In this conversation, she shares what UDL really means, why Tier 1 instruction is where inclusion begins, and how schools can move from good intentions to truly accessible, equitable practice.

Connect

• Website: Novak Education

• LinkedIn: Novak Educational Consulting

Book Recommendation: Subtract

Blog: How to Support, Challenge, and Engage Gifted and Twice Exceptional Students in Your Classroom

Slides that include a prompt to create a rubric that goes to mastery and beyond

Evidence-Based Intervention Resources

In ESSA for Evidence, find evidence-rated programs in reading, math, SEL, and attendance. Filter by grade band, setting, and subgroup to build a shortlist of programs to explore!

“Evidence-based” at Tier 2 means that the intervention program has been demonstrated through rigorous research to have a positive impact on target outcomes for students at risk, when delivered with fidelity. 

Learn more about the tools and strategies with this evidence below.

• Academic Intervention Tools Chart 

• Behavioral Intervention Tools Chart 

“Evidence-based” at Tier 3 means that the interventionist is following the data-based individualization (DBI) process with fidelity, making iterative adaptations as needed to an intervention platform, using their clinical judgment and expertise based on analysis of student data. 

Learn more about this in one of the links below.

• Literacy Strategies to Support Intensifying Interventions

• Mathematics Strategies to Support Intensifying Interventions

• Behavior Strategies to Support Intensifying Interventions