In this episode of The Education Table, Dr. Katie Novak reframes the commonly cited “80% rule” in MTSS. Rather than treating it as a hard benchmark or accountability threshold, she positions it as a temperature check - one data point that helps leaders pause and ask better questions about Tier 1 instruction.

Dr. Novak explains that when a large percentage of students require intervention, the response should not automatically be to pull more students, add more programs, or intensify supports. Instead, it is an opportunity to examine how Tier 1 instruction is designed, how clearly goals are communicated, and how accessible learning is for students from the start. The focus shifts from fixing students to understanding instructional conditions.

The episode highlights how Universal Design for Learning focus areas support leaders and instructional coaches in noticing patterns across classrooms through non-evaluative, supportive walkthroughs. Used well, these tools help teams reflect, build shared understanding, and strengthen core instruction, creating conditions where fewer students need intervention because Tier 1 is doing more of the work.

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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 matter
• How to use the focus areas to help support teacher growth
• Why depth of practice leads to greater impact than breadth

Additional resources to explore:

• UDL Focus Areas Blog & Tool
• Episode 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" option
• The importance of aligning choice to grade-level standards
• How

Additional resources to explore:

• Episode transcript

• Related 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 lessons
• Simple shifts adults can make to reduce stress, offer choice, and honor learner identity
• Practical ways to design interactions with variability in mind, even outside the classroom

Additional resources to explore:

• View episode transcript

• Read 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 Learn

• The critical role paraeducators play in delivering inclusive instruction

• How UDL can help paras move from task-based help to strategic learner support

• Practical communication routines paras can put in place today

• Ways to build student agency by fading adult support over time

View the episode transcript

Additional 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 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

For more strategies and resources, sign up for our twice a month newsletter: https://info.novakeducation.com/newsletter-sign-up

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:

• Focus on one routine at a time to help create manageable and effective changes in your classroom and teaching practice
• Embrace repeated routines as a pathway to reduce cognitive load for students.
• The research behind inclusive routines and why they matter

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

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

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:

• 00:00 Introduction to Scaffolding in Education
• 02:20 Understanding the Types of Scaffolds
• 04:40 Effective Strategies for Implementing Scaffolds
• 08:02 Fostering Independence Through Scaffolding

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

• Subscribe to Katie's newsletter: https://info.novakeducation.com/newsletter-sign-up
• Follow Katie Novak on ⁠LinkedIn⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/katienovakudl/
• Follow Novak Education on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/novak_education/

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

Follow Katie Novak on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/katienovakudl/

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https://www.instagram.com/novak_education/