Unlocking Inclusive Math: Combining UDL and Elementary Instruction with Ashley Marlow

How can we break down barriers in elementary math and design instruction where every student thrives? In this episode of Math: Universally Speaking, host Ron Martiello sits down with Ashley Marlow—elementary math coach, consultant, Director of Operations at All Learners Network, and co-author of Universal Design for Learning in Mathematics Instruction K–5.

Ashley shares her journey of connecting high-quality math pedagogy with Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Multi-Tiered Systems of Supports (MTSS). Together, Ron and Ashley unpack:

• Dismantling Math Myths: Why we need to take math off its "pedestal" and shift from procedural drill to deep conceptual understanding.
• Proactive UDL vs. Reactive Differentiation: How anticipating learning barriers ahead of time creates accessible Tier 1 instruction for all students.
• High-Leverage Concepts (HLCs): Prioritizing foundational through-lines (place value, number sense, fractional reasoning) over short-term "whack-a-mole" interventions.
• Building Learner Agency: Empowering students to make choices, develop voice, and take ownership of their mathematical thinking.

Whether you're a K–5 classroom teacher, math coach, special educator, or administrator, this episode provides actionable strategies to foster true inclusion and learner agency in your math classroom.