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

Tech Is Improving Teaching Methodologies

A look at the future trends in education Teachers can only be in so many places at once, and while they would like to devote individualized attention to each student in every ...
Shaun Borland · January 25, 2021
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CRT and Equity - Holidays
Inclusive Practices

How to Navigate the Holidays, Equitably

Fun and Culturally Responsive Seasonal Ideas “It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” You’ve likely heard this before – in song or otherwise – but what does it mean to you? For ...
Katie Novak · December 5, 2020
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diversity
Universal Design for Learning

The Value of Student Variability

Harnessing Variability to Improve the Success Rate of All Students We all know that all of our students are incredibly different from one another, but there is more to variability ...
Katie Novak · November 30, 2020
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tiger in classroom
Science of Learning

Reducing the “Tigers” in our Classrooms

How to Stop the Fight or Flight Response and Help Students Escape the “Tigers” in the Classroom. Do you remember having that feeling of dread in school, perhaps it was when you ...
Allison Posey · November 24, 2020
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Universally Designing an Assessment
Universal Design for Learning

Assessments, But Then Make it Universally Designed

Can you Really Universally Design an Assessment? I’d like you to think back to your former school years. How many of you remember your teacher announcing that there would be a pop ...
Tom Thibodeau · November 1, 2020
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Camera on for students?
Universal Design for Learning

To Turn the Camera On or Not? THAT is the question.

As a UDL Practitioner, a Mother, and an Educator, I say No…Saying that remote learning has changed education is an understatement! We are simultaneously teaching, parenting, and ...
Katie Novak · October 11, 2020
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Students reading
Universal Design for Learning

The Time for Equity in Schools is Now

As educators, we have committed our lives and careers to schools, colleagues, and students. Despite the obstacles the past few years have left in its wake, we have seen bright ...
Katie Novak and Mirko Chardin · October 5, 2020
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Design effective canvas modules
Blended Learning

How to Design Effective Canvas Modules

Online learning requires a lot more independence from learners. In the classroom, instructors hand out materials and provide content right when learners need it, manage class ...
Eric Moore · September 20, 2020
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