The Embrace the Messy Podcast with Shannon Schinkel

In this episode, we navigate the delicate balance between stress and overwhelm in the journey of assessment reform. Learn how to recognize the signals, manage the challenges, and decide when it’s time to pause and recharge. Whether you’re feeling stuck or seeking clarity, this conversation will guide you through the messiness with compassion and actionable insights.

Erik M. Francis is returning to the Embrace the Messy Podcast. If you didn’t catch our first conversation, I recommend you head over and check out episode 16.  Erik is an international author, educator, presenter, and professional development provider with over 25+ years of experience in education. He is the author of Now That's a Good Question! How to Promote Cognitive Rigor Through Classroom Questioning published by ASCD. He is also the author of Deconstructing Depth of Knowledge: A Method and Model for Deeper Teaching and Learning and the more recent Inquiring Minds Want to Learn Posing Good Questions to Promote Student Inquiry which is the basis of our conversation today.  If you love assessment, inquiry, or have a fascination with how students learn you will love this episode!

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Find Erik Francis:

www.maverikeducation.com

X @Maverikedu12

Instagram @maverikedu

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Find out more about Shannon Schinkel:

https://linktr.ee/ShannonSchinkel

In this episode, we explore the nuanced debate over testing—when it works, when it doesn’t, and how to make it meaningful. Discover how thoughtful test design and preparation can transform assessments from high-stress events into valuable learning experiences. If you’ve ever questioned the role of tests in your classroom, this conversation will provide clarity and actionable ideas. Tune in!

In this episode, we're tackling the challenge of helping educators who are deeply rooted in traditional assessment practices take their first step toward reform. We'll explore how small, manageable changes can shift their perspective, even when there's pushback. If you’re ready to learn how empathy and patience can lead to meaningful transformation in the classroom, this episode is for you! Tune in to find out more.

In this episode, Shannon chats with Ken Williams, a nationally recognized trainer, speaker, coach and consultant in leadership and school culture. A practitioner for nearly three decades, Ken led the improvement efforts at two schools by leveraging the Professional Learning Communities at Work process. Skilled in joining the why of the work to the how of the work, Ken is known for his powerful and engaging combinations of “heart, humor, and hammer.” He is an expert at helping schools build capacity in the collective commitments required of learning for all cultures.  His book, RUTHLESS EQUITY, is a must read for any educator who wants to learn more about how to "start with the crown."

To learn more about Ken’s work, visit Unfold The Soul online at www.unfoldthesoul.com, and follow @unfoldthesoul on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIN.

Before the conversation with Ken, Shannon shares a story about a student who needed grace at a time when some might have shut the door on them, and how that proved the power of assessment flexibility and compassion

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Contact Shannon Schinkel about the podcast or consulting:

Website: mygrowthmindset.home.blog

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: @dramaqueenbrc 

Threads: @dramaqueenbrc 

If you are an educator who exclusively uses the British Columbia curriculum join Shannon's group on Facebook, Beyond Report Cards. https://www.facebook.com/share/g/65juRisqcoN4FmTa/

In this episode, we're diving into the heart of effective feedback—when to give it, how to give it, and how to ensure it actually leads to student growth. We'll explore why it's not about the amount of feedback but the impact it has, and how timely, actionable comments can make all the difference. Ready to rethink your feedback strategy? Tune in to learn more!

In this episode, we’re uncovering the hidden power of learning habits and why they matter more than traditional work habits. We’ll explore how shifting the focus from behaviors like attendance and homework to the skills behind student success can lead to more meaningful growth. If you’re ready to rethink how you view student progress, this conversation is for you.

In this episode, Shannon talks with Dr. Peter Liljedahl, a professor of mathematics education at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, Canada. Peter has authored or coauthored numerous books, book chapters, and journal articles on topics central to the teaching and learning of mathematics, and is most known as the author of the global phenomenon Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics: 14 Practices for Enhancing Learning (Corwin 2020).

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Find out more about Peter Liljedahl at peterliljedahl.com and buildingthinkingclassrooms.com

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Contact Shannon Schinkel about the podcast or consulting:

Website: mygrowthmindset.home.blog

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: @dramaqueenbrc 

Threads: @dramaqueenbrc 

If you are an educator who exclusively uses the British Columbia curriculum join Shannon's group on Facebook, Beyond Report Cards. https://www.facebook.com/share/g/65juRisqcoN4FmTa/