The Education Table with Katie Novak, EdD

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. 

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!

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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. 

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.

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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.

Let’s dive into the dynamic duo of UDL and DI! In this episode of the Education Table with Katie Novak, we’ll tackle the relationship between Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Differentiated Instruction (DI). We’ll look at each educational framework’s origin, why a traditional one-size-fits-all approach is not effective, and Katie will share concrete strategies for implementing UDL and DI. 

By the end of this episode, you’ll understand how UDL and DI can revolutionize inclusive education when used together.

Join the movement. Transform education. Hit play on The Education Table.