Discussing UDL & DI with Katie Novak and Carol Ann Tomlinson — The $2 Billion Podcast

In this episode, I’m thrilled to have two popular guests returning for a deep conversation covering the work they each do individually, along with the connections in their approaches. 

Katie Novak and Carol Ann Tomlinson, who each joined individually for previous conversations, return to have a conversation about Differentiated Instruction, Universal Design for Learning, what they have in common, what makes them unique, and how we can clarify misunderstandings so these practices can be used to the maximum benefit of learners.

We discuss:

• The common questions and misunderstandings that led to this discussion
• Defining the “why” of UDL and DI 
• Identifying the differences that are and/or are not important to understand
• What Differentiated Instruction Is — And Isn’t. What UDL Is — And Isn’t.
• Honoring the reality of the students we teach
• What can I do tomorrow to grow my practice?
• The problem with “We did that last year.”
• What moves should come from school leadership?
• What do you want listeners and readers to remember?

About today’s guests

Katie Novak, Ed.D. is an internationally renowned education consultant, a graduate instructor at the University of Pennsylvania, Graduate School of Education, and the best-selling author of 14 books on inclusive practices, with over 250K books sold worldwide. Katie designs and presents workshops both nationally and internationally focusing on the implementation of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS), inclusive practices, and universally designed leadership. 

Carol Ann Tomlinson is William Clay Parrish, Jr. Professor Emeritus at the University of Virginia’s School of Education and Human Development where she served as Chair of Educational Leadership, Foundations, and Policy, and Co-Director of the University’s Institutes on Academic Diversity.  During her time at UVa, she authored or co-authored over 300 books, book chapters, articles, and other educational materials for K-12 teachers and school leaders.

In 2023, she was ranked #12 in the Education Week Edu-Scholar Public Presence Rankings of the 200 “University-based academics who are contributing most substantially to public debates about schools and schooling,” and as the #4 voice in Curriculum. 

About the host

Ross Romano is a co-founder of the Be Podcast Network and CEO of September Strategies, a coaching and consulting firm that helps organizations and high-performing leaders in the K-12 education industry communicate their vision and make strategic decisions that lead to long-term success. Connect on Twitter @RossBRomano or LinkedIn