2023 KEYNOTE

Equity by Design: The Power Promise of UDL

 

Every student deserves the opportunity to be successful regardless of their zip code, the color of their skin, the language they speak, their sexual and/or gender identity, their religion, and whether or not they have a disability.  In his keynote, Novak Education's Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer, author, and active hip-hop artist Mirko Chardin will argue if we truly want to be inclusive in our learning environments, we must proactively plan for student variability and begin to see culture and diversity as an asset. This starts with examining our implicit biases, power, and privilege and tapping into students’ personal identities, creating a sense of belonging, and empowering them to co-create the education they are receiving. By using the best practices of Universal Design for Learning alongside culturally responsive teaching techniques, Mr. Chardin will guide us in emphasizing ways to provide an environment where all students have equal opportunities to learn, share their voices, and work toward meaningful, authentic, and relevant goals. By the end of the session, participants will walk away with practical examples of how to use the best practices of Universal Design for Learning and culturally responsive practices to elevate learner voice and help build more equitable learning environments.