In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Katie Novak, an internationally renowned education consultant, author, adjunct professor, former teacher, and former assistant superintendent of schools. We discuss the topic of her newest book, cowritten with Dr. Catlin Tucker, The Shift to Student-Led: Reimagining Classroom Workflows with UDL and Blended Learning. This work explores the unique intersection of Universal Design for Learning and blended learning as a way to design learning that is both student-centered and student-led.

Dr. Novak says, “My work is predominantly focused on deconstructing one-size-fits-all models for teaching and learning, and I do that through the lens of trying to universally design instruction.” She adds, “Universal design is essentially how we recognize barriers to one-size-fits-all and then provide pathways, so everyone has what they need to be successful.” Throughout our conversation, Dr. Novak details how these two approaches work together. She says, “Blended learning allows you to operationalize the research base as universal design because it gives us a frame for how we can provide all of these different pathways but also have opportunities to work with small groups of students—to help them self-assess, to determine if the choices they’re making are in fact serving them as learners.” Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.