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.

Brain break tips for improved learning in classrooms
Universal Design for Learning

The Power of the 10-Minute Reset

How Frequent Pauses Lead to Improved Learning Outcomes We’ve all experienced that moment of completely zoning out. One minute, you're focused, and the next, you’re off in la la ...
Katie Novak · October 21, 2024
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students in an inclusive classroom
Universal Design for Learning

Inclusion vs. Inclusive Practice in Teaching

“Inclusion” and “inclusive practice” are often used interchangeably in education, but true inclusive practice goes beyond simply bringing people together. Inclusion takes an ...
Katie Novak · October 8, 2024
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urban classroom utilizing udl
Universal Design for Learning

UDL: A Dynamic Benefit for Urban Education

As someone who has dedicated the lion's share of my career to being a school teacher and leader in urban education, I can confidently say there is no other framework more aligned ...
Mirko Chardin · October 7, 2024
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student learner agency
Universal Design for Learning

How to Cultivate Learner Agency

When I was little, I knew I wanted to be a teacher, so naturally, I would play school with my dolls. I would line each of them up in front of a small chalkboard, and then - ...
Katie Novak · August 29, 2024
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Teacher observations
Universal Design for Learning

UDL Calibration Protocol

Evaluate and Measure Teacher Consistency When I tell my kids to clean their rooms, I envision an end product worthy of a Pinterest post. Just imagine it—everything in its place, ...
Katie Novak · August 13, 2024
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what you need to know about the udl guidelines 3.0 update
Universal Design for Learning

What to Know About the UDL Guidelines 3.0 Update

On July 30, 2024, CAST released the newest version of the UDL Guidelines. At first glance, Guidelines 3.0 truly impressed me. While many of the changes may seem minor, in the ...
Mirko Chardin · August 5, 2024
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teacher and class
Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS)

What is MTSS? An Overview for Teachers

As an administrator, one of the most rewarding experiences was when teachers came to me with a well-defined problem of practice. I am sure it wasn’t easy for them to say, “Urgh… ...
Katie Novak · July 22, 2024
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student thinking in a classroom - reflecting
Implementing UDL

How to Boost Student Learning Across All Subjects

5 Ways to Put UDL Into Action to Unlock Student Potential Recently, I was on a road trip and stopped to fill up my car with gas. I ran into the gas station to grab something quick ...
Katie Novak · June 24, 2024
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