Why UDL Is Not Just Differentiation: A Conversation with Katie Novak

Katie Novak is an internationally renowned education consultant, practicing education leader, and graduate instructor at the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education. She designs and presents workshops on Universal Design for Learning (UDL), MTSS, inclusive practices, and more. She’s the author of several books, including UDL Now, Innovate Inside the Box, Equity by Design (with Mirko Chardin), and Unlearning (with Allison Posey). She previously served six years as an assistant superintendent and now facilitates professional learning while leading through her site, novakeducation.com. In this conversation, Katie Novak unpacks what UDL really means and why it’s not just “differentiation by another name.” She argues that when we design from the start for learner variability—academic, linguistic, cultural, and emotional—students with the widest range of support needs can access grade‑level goals without lowering expectations. Katie also addresses standardized testing pressures, urging educators to focus on impact over intent and to create accessible, trauma‑informed, and culturally sustaining classrooms—then let students face the (often imperfect) tests. She explains the principle of “supplement, not supplant,” the centrality of least restrictive environment (general education first), and why inclusive placement plus flexible pathways is essential for real equity. Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/katie-novak-common-misconceptions-about-udl/