In Don't @ Me (2:09), Tom calls on all educators to advocate their positions honestly, rather than resorting to creating caricatures on the other side of a debate. Then, Tom is joined by Dr. Thomas Murrary (9:33) for a conversation about what means for students to be "future-ready." Finally, in Assessment Corner (57:05), Tom (in part 3 of 3) shares his thoughts on which assessment & grading practices are trauma-informed, as they serve to create an atmosphere of calm rather than fear.
.
<ul><li>Tom Murray on Twitter: <a href='https://twitter.com/thomascmurray'>@thomascmurray</a></li>
<li>Tom Murray on Instagram: <a href='https://www.instagram.com/thomascmurrayedu/?hl=en'>@thomascmurrayedu</a></li>
<li>Tom Murray on Facebook: <a href='https://www.facebook.com/ThomasCMurrayEDU'>@thomascmurrayedu</a></li>
<li>Tom Murray on LinkedIn: <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomascmurray/'>@thomascmurray</a></li>
<li>Tom Murray on YouTube: <a href='https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3aYAuHcYUTI0x1OTXnoILw'>Thomas C. Murray</a></li>
<li>Tom Murray Website: <a href='https://www.thomascmurray.com/'>www</a><a href='https://www.thomascmurray.com/'>.t</a><a href='https://www.thomascmurray.com/'>h</a><a href='https://www.thomascmurray.com/'>o</a><a href='https://www.thomascmurray.com/'>mascmurray.com</a></li>
</ul>
 
 
<ul><li>Grading from the Inside Out Workshop 
<ul><li>Virtual (Apr. 5 & 12)
<ul><li><a href='https://tinyurl.com/mpz947rm'>https://tinyurl.com/mpz947rm</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Des Moines, IA (Mar. 28-29)
<ul><li><a href='https://tinyurl.com/2mfj5bhj'>https://tinyurl.com/2mfj5bhj</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>San Antonio, TX (Apr. 25-26)
<ul><li><a href='https://tinyurl.com/4svcwkz6'>https://tinyurl.com/4svcwkz6</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
 
<ul><li>Standards-Based Learning in Action Workshop 
<ul><li>San Antonio, TX (Apr. 27-28)
<ul><li><a href='https://tinyurl.com/yvxmvphe'>https://tinyurl.com/yvxmvphe</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
 
 
<ul><li>Email: <a>tomschimmerpod@gmail.com</a></li>
<li>Twitter: <a href='https://twitter.com/TomSchimmerPod'>@TomSchimmerPod</a></li>
<li>Twitter: <a href='https://twitter.com/TomSchimmer'>@TomSchimmer</a></li>
<li>Instagram: <a href='https://www.instagram.com/tomschimmerpodcast/?hl=en'>tomschimmerpodcast</a></li>
<li>TikTok: <a href='https://www.tiktok.com/@tomschimmerpodcast'>@tomschimmerpodcast</a></li>
<li>Facebook: <a href='https://www.facebook.com/SchimmerEducation/'>Schimmer Education</a></li>
<li>Website: <a href='https://tomschimmer.com/'>www.tomschimmer.com</a></li>
</ul>

In Don't @ Me (2:09), Tom calls on all educators to advocate their positions honestly, rather than resorting to creating caricatures on the other side of a debate. Then, Tom is joined by Dr. Thomas Murrary (9:33) for a conversation about what means for students to be "future-ready." Finally, in Assessment Corner (57:05), Tom (in part 3 of 3) shares his thoughts on which assessment & grading practices are trauma-informed, as they serve to create an atmosphere of calm rather than fear. . Tom Murray on Twitter: @thomascmurray Tom Murray on Instagram: @thomascmurrayedu Tom Murray on Facebook: @thomascmurrayedu Tom Murray on LinkedIn: @thomascmurray Tom Murray on YouTube: Thomas C. Murray Tom Murray Website: www.thomascmurray.com Grading from the Inside Out Workshop Virtual (Apr. 5 & 12) https://tinyurl.com/mpz947rm Des Moines, IA (Mar. 28-29) https://tinyurl.com/2mfj5bhj San Antonio, TX (Apr. 25-26) https://tinyurl.com/4svcwkz6 Standards-Based Learning in Action Workshop San Antonio, TX (Apr. 27-28) https://tinyurl.com/yvxmvphe Email: tomschimmerpod@gmail.com Twitter: @TomSchimmerPod Twitter: @TomSchimmer Instagram: tomschimmerpodcast TikTok: @tomschimmerpodcast Facebook: Schimmer Education Website: www.tomschimmer.com

In Don't @ Me (2:09), Tom calls on all educators to advocate their positions honestly, rather than resorting to creating caricatures on the other side of a debate. Then, Tom is joined by Dr. Thomas Murrary (9:33) for a conversation about what means for students to be "future-ready." Finally, in Assessment Corner (57:05), Tom (in part 3 of 3) shares his thoughts on which assessment &amp; grading practices are trauma-informed, as they serve to create an atmosphere of calm rather than fear.
.
<ul><li>Tom Murray on Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/thomascmurray" rel="noopener noreferrer">@thomascmurray</a></li>
<li>Tom Murray on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thomascmurrayedu/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer">@thomascmurrayedu</a></li>
<li>Tom Murray on Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ThomasCMurrayEDU" rel="noopener noreferrer">@thomascmurrayedu</a></li>
<li>Tom Murray on&nbsp;LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomascmurray/" rel="noopener noreferrer">@thomascmurray</a></li>
<li>Tom Murray on YouTube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3aYAuHcYUTI0x1OTXnoILw" rel="noopener noreferrer">Thomas C. Murray</a></li>
<li>Tom Murray Website: <a href="https://www.thomascmurray.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">www</a><a href="https://www.thomascmurray.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">.t</a><a href="https://www.thomascmurray.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">h</a><a href="https://www.thomascmurray.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">o</a><a href="https://www.thomascmurray.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">mascmurray.com</a></li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<ul><li>Grading from the Inside Out Workshop 
<ul><li>Virtual (Apr. 5 &amp; 12)
<ul><li><a href="https://tinyurl.com/mpz947rm" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://tinyurl.com/mpz947rm</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Des Moines, IA (Mar. 28-29)
<ul><li><a href="https://tinyurl.com/2mfj5bhj" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://tinyurl.com/2mfj5bhj</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>San Antonio, TX (Apr. 25-26)
<ul><li><a href="https://tinyurl.com/4svcwkz6" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://tinyurl.com/4svcwkz6</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<ul><li>Standards-Based Learning in Action Workshop&nbsp;
<ul><li>San Antonio, TX (Apr. 27-28)
<ul><li><a href="https://tinyurl.com/yvxmvphe" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://tinyurl.com/yvxmvphe</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<ul><li>Email: <a rel="noopener noreferrer">tomschimmerpod@gmail.com</a></li>
<li>Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/TomSchimmerPod" rel="noopener noreferrer">@TomSchimmerPod</a></li>
<li>Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/TomSchimmer" rel="noopener noreferrer">@TomSchimmer</a></li>
<li>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tomschimmerpodcast/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer">tomschimmerpodcast</a></li>
<li>TikTok:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@tomschimmerpodcast" rel="noopener noreferrer">@tomschimmerpodcast</a></li>
<li>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SchimmerEducation/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Schimmer Education</a></li>
<li>Website: <a href="https://tomschimmer.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.tomschimmer.com</a></li>
</ul>

Advocate Honestly | Tom Murray | Trauma-Informed Assessment (2)

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.

Share Advocate Honestly | Tom Murray | Trauma-Informed Assessment (2)

Sign up to save your podcasts

Advocate Honestly | Tom Murray | Trauma-Informed Assessment (2)

Advocate Honestly | Tom Murray | Trauma-Informed Assessment (2)

More shows like Assess THAT with Tom & Nat! (Assessment, Feedback, Grading, and Learning)

The Cult of Pedagogy Podcast

Angela Watson's Truth for Teachers

Up First from NPR

Oprah's Super Soul

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

Melissa & Lori Love Literacy ®

Science of Reading: The Podcast

A Bit of Optimism

Kelly Corrigan Wonders

Coaching Real Leaders

The Mel Robbins Podcast

Wiser Than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus

HBR On Leadership

The Oprah Podcast

Good Hang with Amy Poehler