Katz, J. (2012). Teaching to Diversity: The three-block model of Universal Design for Learning. Winnipeg, MB, Canada: Portage and Main Press.
This textbook is a comprehensive guide to establishing an inclusive learning community by utilizing the Three-Block Model in a Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework. From defining important concepts involved in working through these models, such as diversity and academic inclusion or exclusion, Katz continues all the way through the text by going into great detail about each specific block within the Three-Block Model. I have found this book to be incredibly useful throughout the courses in the M.Ed. program, as well as during my first year of teaching. Whenever I felt unsure about what I was doing, or what I should be doing next, I found myself coming back to this text for guidance.
This text allowed for me to connect theory to practice in the fact that I was able to use strategies such as the Respecting Diversity (RD) program in my classroom, as well as utilizing the Multiple Intelligences (MI) in overall program planning. At the beginning of the school year, I spent many hours going through the text and step-by-step following the three-block model in order to plan and make notes to best support the students in my classroom. As a new educator, it helped to inform and build my practice with an inclusive and diversity focused pedagogy.
I find that this text also has a connection to each of my learning goals in the way that it speaks to the importance of social and emotional learning, as well as working to support all students within the classroom, therefore building an overall inclusive practice. I believe that I still have so much to learn from this text, which is why it will always remain in easy access within my classroom. Through the voice of Katz and her many real-life examples, I feel a connection to her experiences and therefore find the models and strategies presented to be feasible to use with any classroom community I come to be a part of.