INSIGHTS & IDEAS

The Education Table Blog

Practical strategies, research, and perspectives from the Novak Education team to help educators strengthen instruction, leadership, and inclusive systems.

Universal Design for Learning

When Choosing the “Easy” Option Is Responsible

Okay, I have a confession. I absolutely can drive over to my favorite pizza place, Brickhouse, and pick up a Greek salad with buffalo chicken (it is truly to die for) when I’m ...
Katie Novak · December 12, 2025
→
Universal Design for Learning

How Paraeducators Build Independence Through UDL

Years ago, I took a short video of my son, Boden, when he was about 2. He was trying so hard to put on a rubber glove all by himself. You could see his little brow furrowed in ...
Katie Novak · November 6, 2025
→
Universal Design for Learning

Measuring What Matters: Looking Beyond Test Scores

We all want to know if our work is making a difference. It’s a fair question, and a deeply human one. As educators, we pour our hearts into designing flexible, inclusive learning ...
Katie Novak · October 23, 2025
→
Classroom routines - redesigning classroom do-now exercise
Universal Design for Learning

Start Here! Improve Classroom Routines with UDL

When I was teaching middle school, I began every class with a “Do Now.” Students would enter, read the prompt written on the whiteboard, and get started. It was automatic for me; ...
Katie Novak · September 23, 2025
→
Multi tiered systems of support
Universal Design for Learning

What is MTSS and Why Do We Need It?

Multi-tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), “Oh, that is just another name for Response To Intervention (RTI), right?” you say. Nope. Nadda. Sorry.
Katie Novak · July 10, 2025
→