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
Differentiated Instruction (DI)

The Science and Research Behind the UDL Framework

“Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a framework to improve and optimize teaching and learning for all people based on scientific insights into how humans learn.” It isn't ...
Tom Thibodeau · September 5, 2025
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UDL and SDI
Universal Design for Learning

My Rookie Mistake in Special Education

How I Learned to Foster Relationships Through UDL and SDI My first few years as a special education teacher were rocky. I was rich in confidence and poor in knowhow — a very ...
Zach Smith · August 7, 2025
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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
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teaching special ed in gen ed classrooms
Universal Design for Learning

Inclusive Education is a Right, Not a Privilege:

The IEP meeting that changed my understanding of equity and inclusion forever is one I will never forget. I remember the team being huge - the entire school team was there, along ...
Emily Mostovoy-Luna · June 13, 2025
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