My guests today are Katie Novak and Ashley Marlow.

Katie, an internationally-renowned education consultant, graduate instructor at the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education, and the best-selling author of numerous books, returns to The Authority for the third time. Ashley is an elementary math coach, consultant, and director of operations for All Learners Network.

They co-authored the new book Universal Design for Learning in Mathematics Instruction, K-5.

This fun and timely discussion covers:

• Well…there’s a lot about bumper stickers (stay tuned)
• “Supplement not supplant”
• Math is one of the areas with the biggest hurdles to access and inclusion
• Algebra as the gatekeeper to future success
• What to make of the latest NAEP results
• Creating a math learning environment that sends the message that we are all capable mathematicians
• The problems with traditional math instruction
• What would a universally designed math class look like? How is it different from a traditional classroom?
• Importance of numeracy and keys to teaching it
• Dolly Parton
• Read the Edutopia article Making Math Accessible for All Students.

Find Universal Design for Learning in Mathematics Instruction, K-5 from CAST Publishing or wherever you get your books.

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. Connect on LinkedIn or her website.

Ashley Marlow, MSEd, is an elementary math coach, a consultant, and the director of operations for All Learners Network. She has 13 years of experience in teaching and coaching and is passionate about supporting teachers of experience in creating equitable learning opportunities in math. Ashley plans professional learning opportunities focusing on instructional routines in mathematics that support belonging, engagement, and access to rigorous grade-level content for all students. Connect on LinkedIn.

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 LinkedIn or Bluesky.

I also host Sideline Sessions, a podcast for coaches and parents of student-athletes. The show features conversations with coaches and performance experts in the NFL, NBA, NCAA, Olympics, and more. Listen here: https://bit.ly/3Rp0QGt