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.

Lesson Plan Makeover - Math
Universal Design for Learning

UDL Lesson Plan Makeovers: Math

Previously we shared our “UDL Accommodations Faculty Meeting Protocol” designed to help educators better understand how to incorporate accommodations and scaffolds to improve ...
Katie Novak · March 17, 2025
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personalized learning with learning playlists
Universal Design for Learning

Personalize Learning with Playlists

How Utilizing Learning Playlists in Your Classroom Help to Make Time to Work With Individual Students Whole-group instruction has its place, but let’s face it—it rarely meets the ...
Katie Novak · March 6, 2025
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students working together in a student-led universally designed classroom
Universal Design for Learning

Universal Design for Learning, Simplified

The key to implementing UDL burden-free is to shift your approach to student-led learning. Back in my school days, group projects were my chance to take charge. I’d dive right in, ...
Katie Novak · February 7, 2025
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UDL Infographic
Universal Design for Learning

What is UDL Infographic

Too many educators feel that their autonomy has been taken away by standards, scripted curriculum, and ultimately, standardized testing. It doesn’t have to be this way. We need ...
Katie Novak · January 27, 2025
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Math is everywhere! Washington Park Bridge, New York, NY
Universal Design for Learning

Making Sense of Our World Through Mathematics

As a teacher and avid reader, I believe the sentiment that children’s literature helps our students see themselves in and make sense of the world we live in. In my experience, the ...
Ashley Marlow · January 6, 2025
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collective teacher effiicacy
Universal Design for Learning

6 Strategies for Building Stronger Collective Efficacy

Think about a team of educators you led that didn’t function quite as well as you wanted and/or hoped. What emotions come to mind? Frustration? Confusion? Disappointment? Anger? ...
Chris Bronke, EdD, Mirko Chardin · November 25, 2024
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Student Engagement
Universal Design for Learning

UDL: Designing Multiple Means of Engagement

My granddaughters, Aylin and Ariette, are queens of why. “Why do we need to do this homework?” “Why can’t we keep watching the iPad?” “Why can’t we eat Fruit Loops for dinner?” As ...
Tom Thibodeau · October 24, 2024
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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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