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

In Don't @ Me (1:24), Tom takes aim at the relentlessly outraged and details why we are all at risk of losing all perspective, resiliency, individuality, & common-sense. Then, Tom is joined by Dr. Matt Townsley (15:30) to discuss the implementation of standards-based grading at the Secondary level. Finally, in Assessment Corner (1:11:40), Tom (continuing from last week's episode) uses Dr. John Kotter's research to explore the important phases necessary to transform the assessment & grading culture of a school. 

• Follow Matt Townsley on Twitter: @mctownsley

• SUMMER SERIES GOOGLE SURVEY

• Achieve Virtual Institute (August 16-18, 2021)

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In Don't @ Me (2:45), Tom examines the question of why it's so hard for us to be happy for others. Then, Tom is joined by Dr. Peter DeWitt (17:38) to discuss what it means to be an instructional leader. Finally, in Assessment Corner (1:19:07), Tom uses Dr. John Kotter's research to explore the important phases necessary to transform the assessment & grading culture of a school. 

• Follow Peter DeWitt on Twitter: @PeterMDeWitt

• Achieve Virtual Institute (August 16-18, 2021)

• Email the Podcast: [email protected]

In Don't @ Me (3:51), Tom outlines the challenges we face when deciding whether someone is defending themselves or being defensive. Then, Tom is joined by Alexa Schmid (16:42), Middle School Principal at the International School of Kenya, to discuss the findings of her doctoral research on Justice, Equity, and Cultural Competence in International Education. Finally, in Assessment Corner (1:12:35), Tom explores the inadvertent influence our lingering normative tendencies can have on the implementation of standards-based grading practices. 

• Follow Alexa Schmid on Twitter: @TeachSchmid

• Grading from the Inside Out (March 16 & 23, 2021)

• Email the Podcast: [email protected]

In Don't @ Me (2:13), Tom highlights the psychological phenomenon of "introspection illusion" (via Dr. Emily Pronin) and talks about its impact on both our disagreements with colleagues and on student self-reflection. Then, Tom is joined by Natalie Conway (13:19) to discuss online learning and what it takes to create a truly rich experience for online learners. Finally, in Assessment Corner (1:04:00), Tom explores the oft-overlooked aspect of report card reform; is the new report card consumable to parents and families?

• Follow Natalie Conway on Twitter: @AOENatalie

• Grading from the Inside Out (March 16 & 23, 2021)

• Email the Podcast: [email protected]

In this bonus episode, Tom is joined by Tom Guskey to discuss the recent decision by the Biden Administration to mandate that standardized tests proceed this spring. The conversation focuses on this acute decision and standardized tests in general.

• Tom Guskey on Twitter: @tguskey

• Grading from the Inside Out (March 16 & 23, 2021)

• Email the Podcast: [email protected]

In Don't @ Me (2:05) Tom takes aim at those who (wrongly) use the terms like "EduSpeak" or "Buzzword" to refer to important, research-validated processes. Then, Tom is joined by Trevor MacKenzie (10:02) to discuss inquiry-based learning and how to bring more student agency to the classroom. Finally, in Assessment Corner (1:10:03), Tom explores the 4 directions and the 2 dimensions of student self-reflection.

• Follow Trevor MacKenzie on Twitter: @trev_mackenzie

• Grading from the Inside Out (March 16 & 23, 2021)

• Email the Podcast: [email protected]

In Don't @ Me (1:34) Tom shares his thoughts on why (now more than ever) people use labels to undercut the credibility of those with whom they disagree. Then, Tom is joined by Starr Sackstein (10:48) to discuss her assessment journey and her quest to go "gradeless." Finally, in Assessment Corner (1:05:24), Tom explores when multiple-choice is an appropriate assessment method and how to develop a quality multiple-choice item.

• Follow Starr Sackstein on Twitter: @mssackstein

• Email the Podcast: [email protected]

In Don't @ Me (6:18) Tom examines the strange relationship some educators have with research and suggests that our experience be used to add the nuances of implementation. Then, Tom is joined by Jay McTighe (15:15) to discuss "Designing Authentic Performance Tasks and Projects." Finally, in Assessment Corner (1:20:30), Tom explores how teachers can assess creativity without stifling creativity and how to develop criteria to assess the creative process.

• Follow Jay McTighe on Twitter: @jaymctighe

• Email the Podcast: [email protected]