In Don't @ Me (2:05), Tom opens with a warning about how overusing words will ruin them and weaken their impact. Then, Tom is joined by renowned researcher, Susan Brookhart (10:48) for a conversation about a breadth of assessment and grading topics. Finally, in Assessment Corner (1:02:27), Tom shares some experiences he's had in supporting schools and districts in their efforts to transform their assessment and grading cultures and why you, especially if you are part of leading this effort, need to trust the process.
.
<ul><li>Susan on Twitter: <a href='https://twitter.com/SusanBrookhart'>@SusanBrookhart</a></li>
<li>Susan on LinkedIn: <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-brookhart-91119535/'>Susan Brookhart</a></li>
<li>Susan's Website: <a href='http://susanbrookhart.com/'>www.susanbrookhart.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 the Podcast: <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 (2:05), Tom opens with a warning about how overusing words will ruin them and weaken their impact. Then, Tom is joined by renowned researcher, Susan Brookhart (10:48) for a conversation about a breadth of assessment and grading topics. Finally, in Assessment Corner (1:02:27), Tom shares some experiences he's had in supporting schools and districts in their efforts to transform their assessment and grading cultures and why you, especially if you are part of leading this effort, need to trust the process. . Susan on Twitter: @SusanBrookhart Susan on LinkedIn: Susan Brookhart Susan's Website: www.susanbrookhart.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 the Podcast: tomschimmerpod@gmail.com Twitter: @TomSchimmerPod Twitter: @TomSchimmer Instagram: tomschimmerpodcast TikTok: @tomschimmerpodcast Facebook: Schimmer Education Website: www.tomschimmer.com

In Don't @ Me (2:05), Tom opens with a warning about how overusing words will ruin them and weaken their impact. Then, Tom is joined by renowned researcher, Susan Brookhart (10:48) for a conversation about a breadth of assessment and grading topics. Finally, in Assessment Corner (1:02:27), Tom shares some experiences he's had in supporting schools and districts in their efforts to transform their assessment and grading cultures and why you, especially if you are part of leading this effort, need to trust the process.
.
<ul><li>Susan on Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/SusanBrookhart" rel="noopener noreferrer">@SusanBrookhart</a></li>
<li>Susan on LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-brookhart-91119535/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Susan Brookhart</a></li>
<li>Susan's&nbsp;Website:&nbsp;<a href="http://susanbrookhart.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.susanbrookhart.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 the Podcast: <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>

Ruining Words | Susan Brookhart | Trust the Process

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 Ruining Words | Susan Brookhart | Trust the Process

Sign up to save your podcasts

Ruining Words | Susan Brookhart | Trust the Process

Ruining Words | Susan Brookhart | Trust the Process

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

Radiolab

Freakonomics Radio

Pod Save America

The Daily

Up First from NPR

Making Math Moments That Matter

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

Melissa & Lori Love Literacy ® | Science of Reading for Teachers

The Balance, by Dr. Catlin Tucker

SmartLess

Huberman Lab

We Can Do Hard Things

The Mel Robbins Podcast

The Interview Chair

The Grading Podcast