Educators from the San Marino Unified School District kicked off the school year Aug. 9th delving into the foundational concepts of Universal Design for Learning. More than 100 TK-12th grade educators gathered in the Huntington Middle School Auditorium for a day of professional learning. They offered insightful feedback regarding the ways understanding student variability and barriers to learning shaped their thinking. As the first of LACOE's partner districts to embark on a two-year involvement with the California Coalition for Inclusive Literacy, we welcome them and celebrate their commitment to reaching all learners by infusing inclusive literacy practices into instruction.

Leading Literacy is super thrilled and honored to welcome Dr. Katie Novak and Mirko Chardin to the podcast to talk about their new book, "Equity by Design: Delivering on the Power and Promise of UDL." Katie is a world-known educator, college professor, author, and has done extensive work around Universal Design for Learning. Mirko Chardin is also an educator and founding head of a school in Massachusetts as well as a hip-hop artist. Katie and Mirko both bring their authentic selves, knowledge, and passion around social justice, equity, and UDL. This conversation elevates the pairing of: will and skill. Your equity-educator-self will LOVE this episode!

Click here to learn more about Katie and Mirko, their work, and their latest book.

Leading Literacy is a podcast co-hosted by Leslie Zoroya, Project Director III, and Mara Shinn Smith, Senior Program Specialist, at the Los Angeles County Office of Education. Join Leslie & Mara as they engage in literacy conversations that both inspire and instruct.

This month's featured LACOE team member is Carol Higa.

Director, Special Education Unit

Area of Expertise: Special Education / Evidence-based Instructional Practices / Inclusion / Strength-based IEP Facilitation

Carol Higa is director for LACOE’s Special Education Unit in the Division of Curriculum and Instructional Services. This unit provides professional development, consultation and technical assistance with a focus on improving student outcomes, supporting trauma and resiliency-informed practices, strengthening community partnerships and achieving and exceeding operational standards. It supports LEAs throughout LA County and various community agencies.

She holds both general and special education credentials with an Autism authorization and the CLAD authorization. She holds a Tier II Clear Administration Credential. Higa was the 2018 LACOE Special Education Administrator of the Year and the 2015 Pasadena Unified School District Special Education Administrator of the Year. She began her career as a general education teacher in LAUSD before becoming a Special Education resource teacher, assistive technology specialist, teacher on special assignment, program coordinator and assistant director of Special Education.

M.A., Educational Administration, California State University, Los Angeles

B.A., Human Development, Pacific Oaks College

CAROL'S INSPIRATION:

"UDL is not a special ed thing or even a general ed thing. It’s just an ed thing. It is a way to connect every student to the learning experience, and a way at looking at learning that is fully inclusive and promotes success for all learners, regardless of ability."

--Mike Marotta

“Students who feel valued in the present are empowered to grow now and in the future”.

--George Couros and Katie Novak

"Barriers prevent learning. Students don’t prevent learning."

--Katie Novak

Elise Yerkey, M. Ed.

Coordinator III

Division of Curriculum and Instructional Services

UDL Implementation Specialist

CAST and the California Coalition for Inclusive Literacy

The California Coalition for Inclusive Literacy is funded by the California Department of Education's Educator Workforce Investment Grant (EWIG) and administered in partnership with five county offices of education and CAST, Inc.--the creators of Universal Design for Learning.

Email: yerkey_elise@lacoe.edu
Website: https://www.lacoe.edu/Curriculum-Instruction
Location: 12830 Columbia Way, Downey, CA, USA
Phone: 562.922.6035
Twitter: @UDL_LA