In this back-to-school episode, Tom and Nat dive into the often-overlooked reality that your first assessments and grading decisions send powerful messages to students that can shape the classroom culture for the entire year. 
They unpack how early assessment choices communicate your values, influence student confidence, and either build or erode trust. From designing low-stakes, feedback-rich tasks to avoiding common grading traps, you’ll discover practical ways to set a learning-focused tone from day one. Whether you’re a new teacher or a seasoned pro, this episode will help you start the year with clarity, intention, and an assessment culture that inspires growth.
 
PROFESSIONAL LEARNING EVENTS
<ul>
<li>September 22-23 (Tom) <a href='https://www.solutiontree.com/grading-from-inside-out-atlanta.html'>Grading from the Inside Out</a> 
<ul>
<li>Atlanta, GA</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>October 22-23 (Tom) <a href='https://www.solutiontree.com/grading-from-inside-out-san-diego.html'>Grading from the Inside Out</a> 
<ul>
<li>San Diego, CA</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>October 23-24 (Natalie) <a href='https://www.solutiontree.com/grading-from-inside-out-spokane.html'>Grading from the Inside Out</a> 
<ul>
<li>Spokane, WA</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>December 2-3, 2025 (Tom) <a href='https://www.solutiontree.com/standards-based-learning-in-action-austin.html'>Standards-Based Learning in Action</a> 
<ul>
<li>San Diego, CA</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
 
NEW BOOK FROM TOM & NAT
<ul>
<li><a href='https://www.solutiontree.com/rehumanizing-assessment.html'>Rehumanizing Assessment</a></li>
</ul>
 
Unleash YES
<ul>
<li><a href='https://www.instagram.com/unleashyes?igsh=MXQ4dGV1dzI2bjBrbw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr'>Unleash YES Instagram</a></li>
</ul>
 
CONNECT WITH TOM & NATALIE
 
<ul>
<li>Podcast on <a href='https://x.com/Assess_THAT'>X</a></li>
<li>Tom on <a href='https://twitter.com/TomSchimmer'>X</a></li>
<li>Natalie on <a href='https://x.com/natabasso'>X</a></li>
<li>Podcast on <a href='https://www.instagram.com/assess_that/?hl=en'>IG</a> 
</li>
<li>Tom on <a href='https://www.instagram.com/tomschimmer/?hl=en'>IG</a></li>
<li>Natalie on <a href='https://www.instagram.com/natabasso/?hl=en'>IG</a></li>
<li>Email: assessthat24@gmail.com</li>
</ul>

In this back-to-school episode, Tom and Nat dive into the often-overlooked reality that your first assessments and grading decisions send powerful messages to students that can shape the classroom culture for the entire year. They unpack how early assessment choices communicate your values, influence student confidence, and either build or erode trust. From designing low-stakes, feedback-rich tasks to avoiding common grading traps, you’ll discover practical ways to set a learning-focused tone from day one. Whether you’re a new teacher or a seasoned pro, this episode will help you start the year with clarity, intention, and an assessment culture that inspires growth. PROFESSIONAL LEARNING EVENTS September 22-23 (Tom) Grading from the Inside Out Atlanta, GA October 22-23 (Tom) Grading from the Inside Out San Diego, CA October 23-24 (Natalie) Grading from the Inside Out Spokane, WA December 2-3, 2025 (Tom) Standards-Based Learning in Action San Diego, CA NEW BOOK FROM TOM & NAT Rehumanizing Assessment Unleash YES Unleash YES Instagram CONNECT WITH TOM & NATALIE Podcast on X Tom on X Natalie on X Podcast on IG Tom on IG Natalie on IG Email: assessthat24@gmail.com

In this back-to-school episode, Tom and Nat dive into the often-overlooked reality that your first assessments and grading decisions send powerful messages to students that can shape the classroom culture for the entire year. 
They unpack how early assessment choices communicate your values, influence student confidence, and either build or erode trust. From designing low-stakes, feedback-rich tasks to avoiding common grading traps, you’ll discover practical ways to set a learning-focused tone from day one. Whether you’re a new teacher or a seasoned pro, this episode will help you start the year with clarity, intention, and an assessment culture that inspires growth.
&nbsp;
PROFESSIONAL LEARNING EVENTS
<ul>
<li>September 22-23 (Tom) <a href="https://www.solutiontree.com/grading-from-inside-out-atlanta.html" rel="noopener noreferrer">Grading from the Inside Out</a>&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Atlanta, GA</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>October 22-23 (Tom) <a href="https://www.solutiontree.com/grading-from-inside-out-san-diego.html" rel="noopener noreferrer">Grading from the Inside Out</a>&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>San Diego, CA</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>October&nbsp;23-24 (Natalie) <a href="https://www.solutiontree.com/grading-from-inside-out-spokane.html" rel="noopener noreferrer">Grading from the Inside Out</a>&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Spokane, WA</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>December 2-3, 2025&nbsp;(Tom) <a href="https://www.solutiontree.com/standards-based-learning-in-action-austin.html" rel="noopener noreferrer">Standards-Based Learning in Action</a>&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>San Diego, CA</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
NEW BOOK FROM TOM &amp; NAT
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.solutiontree.com/rehumanizing-assessment.html" rel="noopener noreferrer">Rehumanizing Assessment</a></li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Unleash YES
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/unleashyes?igsh=MXQ4dGV1dzI2bjBrbw%3D%3D&amp;utm_source=qr" rel="noopener noreferrer">Unleash YES Instagram</a></li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
CONNECT WITH TOM &amp; NATALIE
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Podcast on&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Assess_THAT" rel="noopener noreferrer">X</a></li>
<li>Tom on <a href="https://twitter.com/TomSchimmer" rel="noopener noreferrer">X</a></li>
<li>Natalie on <a href="https://x.com/natabasso" rel="noopener noreferrer">X</a></li>
<li>Podcast on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/assess_that/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer">IG</a> 
</li>
<li>Tom on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/tomschimmer/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer">IG</a></li>
<li>Natalie on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/natabasso/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer">IG</a></li>
<li>Email: assessthat24@gmail.com</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

16 - First Impressions, Lasting Impact: Designing Your Assessment Culture from Day One

Assess THAT with Tom &amp; Nat is a bi-weekly podcast where co-hosts Tom Schimmer and Natalie Vardabasso unpack what it really means to deepen assessment literacy in schools. Known for their dynamic, insightful, and sometimes provocative conversations, Tom and Nat create a space where educators can rethink grading, feedback, and accountability in ways that put student learning first. Each episode blends practical strategies with big-picture thinking, helping teachers and leaders translate research into action without losing sight of the human side of education.
Listeners can expect honest discussions, fresh perspectives, and plenty of take-home ideas. From reimagining final exams to exploring the role of assessment in equity and Universal Design for Learning, Assess THAT is for any educator ready to challenge the status quo and embrace assessment as a tool for growth—not just measurement.

About the Hosts Tom Schimmer and Natalie Vardabasso are internationally recognized speakers, authors, and consultants who have spent their careers helping schools modernize assessment and grading practices. Together, they are the co-founders of the Canadian Assessment Centre (CAC), a national professional learning hub created by Canadians, for Canadians to bring clarity, credibility, and care to assessment in classrooms across the country.
<ul>
<li>
Tom Schimmer is the author and co-author of multiple best-selling books, including Grading from the Inside Out and Standards-Based Learning in Action. With 35 years of experience as a teacher, leader, and consultant, Tom is known for his ability to translate big ideas into practical tools educators can use right away.
</li>
<li>
Natalie Vardabasso is a leading voice in assessment and equity, recognized for her innovative approaches to standards-based learning, feedback, and student agency. As a speaker, writer, and coach, she has helped thousands of educators create assessment systems that are not only accurate but also deeply humanizing.
</li>
</ul>
Together, Tom and Natalie bring complementary perspectives, humour, and a deep commitment to making assessment meaningful. Their partnership in Assess THAT and at the Canadian Assessment Centre reflects a shared belief that when educators improve how they assess, they unlock the full potential of every learner.
Tom and Natalie are also the authors of Rehumanizing Assessment: Gathering Evidence of Learning Through Storytelling, a book that challenges traditional grading systems and shows how assessment can honour student voice and identity.

Why Listen? Whether you’re a classroom teacher, school leader, or policy maker, Assess THAT with Tom &amp; Nat will challenge your assumptions, equip you with actionable strategies, and inspire you to see assessment as the most powerful driver of student success.

Education

Assess THAT with Tom & Nat is a bi-weekly podcast where co-hosts Tom Schimmer and Natalie Vardabasso unpack what it really means to deepen assessment literacy in schools. Known for their dynamic, insightful, and sometimes provocative conversations, Tom and Nat create a space where educators can rethink grading, feedback, and accountability in ways that put student learning first. Each episode blends practical strategies with big-picture thinking, helping teachers and leaders translate research into action without losing sight of the human side of education. Listeners can expect honest discussions, fresh perspectives, and plenty of take-home ideas. From reimagining final exams to exploring the role of assessment in equity and Universal Design for Learning, Assess THAT is for any educator ready to challenge the status quo and embrace assessment as a tool for growth—not just measurement. About the HostsTom Schimmer and Natalie Vardabasso are internationally recognized speakers, authors, and consultants who have spent their careers helping schools modernize assessment and grading practices. Together, they are the co-founders of the Canadian Assessment Centre (CAC), a national professional learning hub created by Canadians, for Canadians to bring clarity, credibility, and care to assessment in classrooms across the country. Tom Schimmer is the author and co-author of multiple best-selling books, including Grading from the Inside Out and Standards-Based Learning in Action. With 35 years of experience as a teacher, leader, and consultant, Tom is known for his ability to translate big ideas into practical tools educators can use right away. Natalie Vardabasso is a leading voice in assessment and equity, recognized for her innovative approaches to standards-based learning, feedback, and student agency. As a speaker, writer, and coach, she has helped thousands of educators create assessment systems that are not only accurate but also deeply humanizing. Together, Tom and Natalie bring complementary perspectives, humour, and a deep commitment to making assessment meaningful. Their partnership in Assess THAT and at the Canadian Assessment Centre reflects a shared belief that when educators improve how they assess, they unlock the full potential of every learner. Tom and Natalie are also the authors of Rehumanizing Assessment: Gathering Evidence of Learning Through Storytelling, a book that challenges traditional grading systems and shows how assessment can honour student voice and identity. Why Listen?Whether you’re a classroom teacher, school leader, or policy maker, Assess THAT with Tom & Nat will challenge your assumptions, equip you with actionable strategies, and inspire you to see assessment as the most powerful driver of student success.

Assess THAT with Tom &amp; Nat is a bi-weekly podcast where co-hosts Tom Schimmer and Natalie Vardabasso unpack what it really means to deepen assessment literacy in schools. Known for their dynamic, insightful, and sometimes provocative conversations, Tom and Nat create a space where educators can rethink grading, feedback, and accountability in ways that put student learning first. Each episode blends practical strategies with big-picture thinking, helping teachers and leaders translate research into action without losing sight of the human side of education.
Listeners can expect honest discussions, fresh perspectives, and plenty of take-home ideas. From reimagining final exams to exploring the role of assessment in equity and Universal Design for Learning, Assess THAT is for any educator ready to challenge the status quo and embrace assessment as a tool for growth—not just measurement.

About the Hosts Tom Schimmer and Natalie Vardabasso are internationally recognized speakers, authors, and consultants who have spent their careers helping schools modernize assessment and grading practices. Together, they are the co-founders of the Canadian Assessment Centre (CAC), a national professional learning hub created by Canadians, for Canadians to bring clarity, credibility, and care to assessment in classrooms across the country.
<ul>
<li>
Tom Schimmer is the author and co-author of multiple best-selling books, including Grading from the Inside Out and Standards-Based Learning in Action. With 35 years of experience as a teacher, leader, and consultant, Tom is known for his ability to translate big ideas into practical tools educators can use right away.
</li>
<li>
Natalie Vardabasso is a leading voice in assessment and equity, recognized for her innovative approaches to standards-based learning, feedback, and student agency. As a speaker, writer, and coach, she has helped thousands of educators create assessment systems that are not only accurate but also deeply humanizing.
</li>
</ul>
Together, Tom and Natalie bring complementary perspectives, humour, and a deep commitment to making assessment meaningful. Their partnership in Assess THAT and at the Canadian Assessment Centre reflects a shared belief that when educators improve how they assess, they unlock the full potential of every learner.
Tom and Natalie are also the authors of Rehumanizing Assessment: Gathering Evidence of Learning Through Storytelling, a book that challenges traditional grading systems and shows how assessment can honour student voice and identity.

Why Listen? Whether you’re a classroom teacher, school leader, or policy maker, Assess THAT with Tom &amp; Nat will challenge your assumptions, equip you with actionable strategies, and inspire you to see assessment as the most powerful driver of student success.

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16 - First Impressions, Lasting Impact: Designing Your Assessment Culture from Day One

16 - First Impressions, Lasting Impact: Designing Your Assessment Culture from Day One

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