The Fast and the Flexible: Creating Inclusive Learning Design for All Students
Tue Nov 25 2025
In this final episode of Educast 3000 before we take a holiday break, host Ryan Lufkin and guest co-host Jody Sailor engage in a dynamic conversation with educator and consultant Katie Novak. They explore the importance of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in creating inclusive educational environments, the need for choice and voice in learning, and the disconnect between educators' perceptions and student outcomes. Katie emphasizes the role of leadership in driving change, the necessity of support systems for educators, and the importance of collaboration between K-12 and higher education. The discussion also highlights practical steps for educational leaders to implement effective practices and transform teaching for all learners.
Takeaways
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) aims to create inclusive learning experiences for all students.Educators often believe they know their students, but students may feel differently.Metrics for success in education need to reflect inclusive and future-ready learning environments.Support systems for educators are crucial for implementing UDL effectively.There is a disconnect between what educators believe they are doing and actual student outcomes.Transforming teaching practices requires abandoning outdated methods and embracing new approaches.Educational leaders must create clear instructional visions to guide change.Collaboration between K-12 and higher education can enhance learning experiences.Practical steps for educational leaders include setting firm goals and providing adequate support.Key Links
Here is a link about concern-based adoption: https://www.air.org/resource/cbam-concerns-based-adoption-model?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22771353292&gbraid=0AAAAADuG9jWdq_5jFKc6op3SnaJ1VH5tZ&gclid=Cj0KCQjwvJHIBhCgARIsAEQnWlDJgkM0Klo0hOhXgGB6A199OvCc9wsSo2y5oZ672kdMxth7X-8nb_8aAsrVEALw_wcBUDL Focus Area tool to know what to look for in universally designed classrooms: https://www.novakeducation.com/hubfs/10%20UDL%20Observations%20in%20the%20Classroom_Novak%20Education.pdfMTSS Self-Assessment to help districts reflect on which system drivers they have already and which they need to better support educators and students: https://7288705.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/7288705/Resources/MTSS%20Self-Assessment_Novak%20Education.pdfWorld Economic Forum Future of Jobs Report: https://www.weforum.org/publications/the-future-of-jobs-report-2025/
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In this final episode of Educast 3000 before we take a holiday break, host Ryan Lufkin and guest co-host Jody Sailor engage in a dynamic conversation with educator and consultant Katie Novak. They explore the importance of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in creating inclusive educational environments, the need for choice and voice in learning, and the disconnect between educators' perceptions and student outcomes. Katie emphasizes the role of leadership in driving change, the necessity of support systems for educators, and the importance of collaboration between K-12 and higher education. The discussion also highlights practical steps for educational leaders to implement effective practices and transform teaching for all learners. Takeaways Universal Design for Learning (UDL) aims to create inclusive learning experiences for all students.Educators often believe they know their students, but students may feel differently.Metrics for success in education need to reflect inclusive and future-ready learning environments.Support systems for educators are crucial for implementing UDL effectively.There is a disconnect between what educators believe they are doing and actual student outcomes.Transforming teaching practices requires abandoning outdated methods and embracing new approaches.Educational leaders must create clear instructional visions to guide change.Collaboration between K-12 and higher education can enhance learning experiences.Practical steps for educational leaders include setting firm goals and providing adequate support.Key Links Here is a link about concern-based adoption: https://www.air.org/resource/cbam-concerns-based-adoption-model?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22771353292&gbraid=0AAAAADuG9jWdq_5jFKc6op3SnaJ1VH5tZ&gclid=Cj0KCQjwvJHIBhCgARIsAEQnWlDJgkM0Klo0hOhXgGB6A199OvCc9wsSo2y5oZ672kdMxth7X-8nb_8aAsrVEALw_wcBUDL Focus Area tool to know what to look for in universally designed classrooms: https://www.novakeducation.com/hubfs/10%20UDL%20Observations%20in%20the%20Classroom_Novak%20Education.pdfMTSS Self-Assessment to help districts reflect on which system drivers they have already and which they need to better support educators and students: https://7288705.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/7288705/Resources/MTSS%20Self-Assessment_Novak%20Education.pdfWorld Economic Forum Future of Jobs Report: https://www.weforum.org/publications/the-future-of-jobs-report-2025/