As the year winds down and classrooms settle into December’s quieter rhythm, Tom and Natalie invite you to pull up a chair for a fireside conversation about the small assessment moves that make a big difference. Instead of offering another checklist or set of strategies to “add on,” this special holiday episode explores twelve gentle, human-centred shifts, each connected to its day, that bring more clarity, confidence, and calm to both teachers and students. From the One Switch that changes everything to the Twelve Notes of Hope that strengthen partnerships with families, these micro-moves reflect the heart of modern assessment practice: simple actions that transform learning without overwhelming anyone.

Across the episode, Tom and Natalie share stories, classroom moments, and reflections from their work with educators. Each of the "twelve days of assessment" offers a tiny gift, something teachers can carry into January without adding to their workload or losing sight of what matters most: meaningful feedback, student growth, and strong relationships. Whether you’re looking to lighten your assessment practices, deepen student agency, or simply end the year with a bit of warmth and inspiration, this episode is designed to support you through the season and into a brighter, more hopeful new year.

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PROFESSIONAL LEARNING EVENTS

-Dec 2-3, 2025 (Tom) Standards-Based Learning in Action (Austin, TX)

-Mar. 18-21, 2026 (Tom) EARCOS Teacher Conference (Bangkok, TH)

-Apr. 1-2, 2026 (Tom) Grading from the Inside Out (Franklin, TN)

-Apr. 9-10, 2026 Canadian Assessment Spring Conference (Vancouver, BC)

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