UDL Playbook

Changing school culture for the better starts with everyday practices rooted in research and a commitment to inclusivity. The authors deliver great tips and tools for improvement.

Today's school and district leaders need to be agents of change.  As we come out on the other side of a pandemic, we need to recognize that now is the time to rethink and redesign how teaching and learning happen within our schools.  Thanks to the fabulous Katie Novak and the inspiring Mike Woodlock, leaders now have a guide to do exactly that!  When you read UDL Playbook for School and District Leaders it will feel like you are talking shop with your best principal colleagues.  Whether you are a UDL novice or a resident expert in Universal Design for Learning, this book is packed full of tips and tools to help you create and expand your learner-centered school.  Any PD book that makes analogies to Super Mario and Alanis Morrissette while also championing educational change and putting all kids' needs first is one that I want to read again and again!

 

Novak and Woodlock recognize that changing school and district culture for the better starts with specific day-to-day practices rooted in a broader commitment to inclusivity. Universal Design for Learning is a great lever for change, and these authors offer both the vision and details to make change happen.

Wow, this was the book I have been waiting for! Dr. Katie Novak and Mike Woodlock bring their years of experience with implementing Universal Design for Learning and share practical and useful ways educational leaders can apply the UDL framework in their everyday work. Their suggestions will resonate with leaders and inspire all of us to take action. If you want to foster environments that support all learners, this book will provide you with tools and strategies that can be used immediately in your daily leadership role. best professional learning experience I have ever had in my 25 years in education!

In my 30 years as an educator, I’ve never come across a book that made so much practical sense. This engaging book inspires school leaders at every level to advance inclusive strategies and approaches that can change outcomes for all learners. The UDL Playbook is practical and promising, wise and witty. Every administrator needs a copy.

Katie Novak has demonstrated tremendous expertise in helping school and district level leaders in implementing universal design. Her passion for ensuring all students have multiple ways to access meaningful learning has been refreshing and inspiring, and it makes a huge difference that she’s put these ideas into practice in her own district. In working with our district, whether it be in person, online, or through her many teacher resources she provides, Katie’s infectious energy and ability to model UDL practices have enthused and motivated our staff throughout our UDL journey.

This is an excellent resource for school leaders, one that is full of practical suggestions for making learning environments more inclusive with Universal Design for Learning.