In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Rebecca Midles sits down with Pam Moran, Ira David Socol, and Liz Calvert to explore how educational leaders are transforming traditional teaching and assessment into meaningful, student-centered learning experiences. Drawing from their new book, Real Learning, Real Accomplishment, the conversation dives into the power of mastery learning, systemic change, and fostering student and teacher agency. With insights from innovative schools across Kentucky, Virginia, Illinois, and Nevada, this episode highlights the strategies and belief shifts necessary to create lasting, impactful educational transformation. Tune in to learn how educators and leaders can embrace risk, reimagine grading systems, and prioritize real-world learning to empower every student to succeed.

Outline

• (00:00) Introduction: The Journey to Real Learning
• (01:52) Shifting from Achievement to Accomplishment
• (08:37) Systems Change and Misconceptions About Leadership
• (14:35) Building Teacher Agency Through Vulnerability
• (21:52) Embracing Mistakes as Learning Opportunities
• (28:48) The Moral Obligation: Transforming Grades and Assessment

Links

• Watch the full video here
• Read the full blog here
• LinkedIn | Liz Calvert
• LinkedIn | Ira David Socol
• LinkedIn | Pamela Moran
• Real Learning, Real Accomplishment