The Learning Curve ECSD

In this episode of The Learning Curve, host and Assessment & Reporting Consultant Julia McLeod is joined by internationally renowned educator and author Rachel French, Director of Professional Learning International and co‑author of Concept‑Based Inquiry in Action.

Together, they explore how Concept‑Based Inquiry (CBI) aligns with and strengthens planning, instruction, and assessment within Alberta’s new curriculum framework. Drawing on Rachel’s global expertise and curriculum work within ECSD, the conversation offers clarity and practical insight for teachers navigating program redesign.

In this episode, Rachel and Julia discuss how Concept‑Based Inquiry supports teachers to:

• Plan for deeper understanding through concepts, generalizations, and transfer goals

• Design learning experiences that move beyond coverage and into meaning‑making

• Create performance‑based assessments aligned with Alberta’s learning outcomes

• Support student agency, curiosity, and intellectual engagement

• Build coherence across units and subjects using conceptual lenses

• Make inquiry manageable and accessible for teachers at all experience levels

This episode offers practical guidance, reassuring perspective, and concrete examples of how inquiry models can thrive within Alberta’s curriculum, and how teachers can confidently plan for powerful, concept‑driven learning.

🎧 Subscribe and listen to gain fresh tools and inspiration for designing learning that goes beyond the surface and empowers students to think conceptually.

Episode Description 

In this episode of The Learning Curve, host and Elementary Math Consultant Amy Swinkels visits St. Teresa of Calcutta School to explore how a shared commitment to student success is transforming mathematics instruction.

Joined by Principal Tisa Haesch, Assistant Principal and Learning Coach Suzanne Campiou, Grade 5 teacher Erika Dubrule, and Inclusive Consultant Nick Freeman, the conversation highlights how data-informed decision-making and strong professional learning communities can create meaningful change for both students and educators.

Together, the team shares how they:

• Use MAST data to guide targeted and responsive instruction
• Strengthen teaching practice through collaborative response model meetings
• Build trust, clarity, and shared ownership across the school community
• Support new teachers through mentorship and collective learning
• Keep the focus on every child, every day, no exception

This episode is a powerful example of what’s possible when educators work together with purpose, faith, and a deep belief in student potential.

🎧 Subscribe and listen to be inspired by a school community growing together in learning and service.

Guests

Elementary Math Consultant, Amy Swinkels

Principal, Tisa Haesch

Assistant Principal and Learning Coach, Suzanne Campiou

Grade 5 teacher, Erika Dubrule

Inclusive Consultant, Nick Freeman

Producer 

Julia McLeod, Assessment & Reporting Consultant 

Music by Conor McLeod 

Produced with Canva & Riverside

🎙️ In this episode of The Learning Curve, we welcome Dr. Douglas Fisher—professor of educational leadership at San Diego State University and co-author of The Teacher Clarity Playbook. Together, we explore how professional learning communities (PLCs) can serve as a powerful structure for sustaining meaningful assessment practices in schools.

Dr. Fisher shares insights on:

• Defining effective PLCs and their role in combating teacher isolation

• Using diverse forms of assessment evidence to inform instruction

• Building vertical alignment across grade levels

• Creating collaborative teams that support both student learning and teacher retention

Whether you're a classroom teacher, school leader, or instructional coach, this episode offers practical strategies and inspiration for building strong, sustainable learning communities.

🔗 Subscribe and listen now to join the conversation.

#TheLearningCurvePodcast #EdmontonCatholicSchools #DrDouglasFisher #PLCs #Assessment #TeacherClarity #CatholicEducation

Guest

Dr. Douglas Fisher, Professor at San Diego State University

Producer 

Julia McLeod, Assessment & Reporting Consultant 

Music by Conor McLeod 

Produced with Canva & Riverside

Welcome to Season 3, Episode 1 of The Learning Curve Podcast! In this episode, we dive into the crucial topic of equity in assessment and grading practices in K-12 education.

Join us as we welcome Sarah, our Equity, Diversity, Anti-Racism, and Inclusion Consultant, who shares valuable insights on creating fair and inclusive grading systems. Discover practical strategies to ensure every student is assessed equitably, and learn about a fun and interactive assessment activity, “Two Truths and a Lie,” that you can use in your classroom today.

Don’t miss this engaging discussion that aims to support educators in fostering a more just and equitable learning environment for all students.

Subscribe to The Learning Curve Podcast for more episodes on innovative educational practices!

🎙️ Welcome back to Episode 11, Season 2 of The Learning Curve Podcast with Edmonton Catholic Schools! 📚 Today promises enlightening discussions and empowering insights into education. 

🌟 Let's delve into the Adolescent Brain, assessment practices with Dylan Wiliam, and a review of "What's Worth Fighting Against in Grading?" 📖 Let's Jump in! 🚀

🙌 Keep the learning going and stay connected on Instagram @ecsdlearning. 

🌈 Thank you for being part of The Learning Curve ECSD Podcast family. 🎧

Guest

Dylan Wiliam, Emeritus Professor of Educational Assessment at University College London

Segments by

Jennifer Espejo Harasimiuk, High School Biology Consultant 

Alyson Gabucci, Assessment & Reporting Consultant

Producer 

Julia McLeod, Assessment & Reporting Consultant 

Music by Conor McLeod 

Produced with Canva, Riverside, Spotify for Podcasters, Veed, & Clipchamp

🎙️ Welcome to The Learning Curve Podcast! 🎙️

Hey there, learners! Welcome back to another exciting episode of The Learning Curve Podcast with Edmonton Catholic Schools. Whether you're a returning listener or joining us for the first time, we're thrilled to have you here. 🌟

🔦 Spotlight:

In this episode, we shine the spotlight on Kimberley Clarke, an incredible educator from Edmonton Catholic Schools. Kimberley will be sharing her valuable insights on creating a culture and routines for Goal Setting & Feedback with grade 2 students in an online learning environment. 🏫💡

🙏 Prayer Moment:

Before we dive into the enriching content, let's take a moment for reflection and prayer. 🙏 Join us in seeking wisdom and guidance as we aim to inspire empathy and understanding in classrooms everywhere.

🌱 Land Acknowledgment:

Respectfully, we acknowledge that we are recording on the traditional land of Treaty 6, the ancestral territory of Indigenous peoples. We honor the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 4, and the enduring contributions of Indigenous communities. 🌍 Let's unite in engaging with and celebrating the diverse peoples who call this land home.

📝 Agenda Overview:

🙌 Gratitude:

A big thank you to Kimberley Clarke for sharing her expertise, and to all our dedicated listeners! Your support means the world to us. Stay connected on Instagram @ecsdlearning, and hit subscribe for updates on future episodes.

💡 Conclusion:

We hope today's episode sparks inspiration for meaningful connections in education and encourages thoughtful assessment practices. As you continue on your growth journey, may you find fulfillment and impactful connections. Thank you for tuning in to The Learning Curve ECSD Podcast! 🎧

Guest

Kimberley Clarke, Teacher with ECSD

Segments by

Jennifer Espejo Harasimiuk, High School Biology Consultant 

Alyson Gabucci, Assessment & Reporting Consultant

Producer 

Julia McLeod, Assessment & Reporting Consultant 

Music by Conor McLeod 

Produced with Canva, Riverside, Spotify for Podcasters, Veed, & Clipchamp

Welcome back to Episode 9 of Season 2 of The Learning Curve Podcast with Edmonton Catholic Schools! Whether you're a returning listener or joining us for the first time, we're thrilled to have you here. 🌟

In this episode, we shine the spotlight on Ray Pryma, a dedicated High School teacher with Edmonton Catholic Schools. Ray shares invaluable insights into cultivating a classroom culture focused on learning, along with his innovative use of technology to create YouTube video podcasts on math concepts. Discover how Ray flips the learning experience, providing support not only to his students but also to learners globally. 📚💡

But before we dive into the captivating content, let's take a moment for reflection: 🙏

Join us in a prayer for wisdom and guidance, as we strive to inspire empathy and understanding in our classrooms. Let patience and resilience guide us on the journey of creating positive learning environments. 🌱

We also acknowledge the traditional land of Treaty 6, honoring the contributions of Indigenous communities and committing to reconciliation through respect and collaboration. 🌍

Now, let's explore what's on today's agenda:

A heartfelt thank you to Ray Pryma and to you, our dedicated listeners. Stay connected with us on Instagram @ecsdlearning and subscribe for future updates. 📲

We hope this episode sparks inspiration for meaningful connections in education and encourages thoughtful assessment practices. Thank you for tuning in to The Learning Curve ECSD Podcast! 🎧

Guest

Ray Pryma, Teacher & Podcaster

Links https://www.youtube.com/@macpryma2167

Segments by

Jennifer Espejo Harasimiuk, High School Biology Consultant 

Tim Cusack, Dean of Education for Concordia University

Alyson Gabucci, Assessment & Reporting Consultant

Producer 

Julia McLeod, Assessment & Reporting Consultant 

Music by Conor McLeod 

Produced with Canva, Riverside, Spotify for Podcasters, Veed, & Clipchamp

🎙️ Welcome back to Episode 8, Season 2 of The Learning Curve Podcast with Edmonton Catholic Schools! 🍎 Excited to have you back or welcome you for the first time today! 🌟

🔦 Spotlight: In this episode, we shine a light on Dr. Tim Cusack, the Dean of Concordia University, co-author of "Leader Ready." 📚 Today's interview delves into leadership in education, teacher efficacy, and the vital role of assessment literate schools.

🙏 Moment of Reflection: 🌈 Pause for a moment of wisdom and guidance. May our words inspire empathy in classrooms. Bless us with patience and resilience as we create positive learning environments. 🙏 Amen.

🌍 Land Acknowledgment: 🌲 Recognizing the traditional land of Treaty 6, paying tribute to the Métis Nation of Alberta. 🤝 Honoring the wisdom and resilience of Indigenous communities. Let's engage positively, celebrating Indigenous cultures and working towards reconciliation. 🌺

📋 Agenda:

🧠 Jennifer's Learning Lab: Explore Mental Rehearsal and Visualization to enhance student performance.

🎓 Main Guest - Dr. Tim Cusack: Dive deep into leadership principles, teacher efficacy, and assessment literate schools.

📖 Alyson's Lit Literature: Featuring "Grading for Equity" by Joe Feldman, offering insights into equitable grading practices. Let's dive in!

🙌 Gratitude: A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Tim Cusack for sharing expertise and to our dedicated listeners! 🎧 Stay connected on Instagram @ecsdlearning and subscribe for future updates.

🌟 Closing: May today's episode inspire meaningful connections and a thoughtful approach to assessment practices in education. As you continue growing, may you find fulfillment and impactful connections. Thank you for tuning in to The Learning Curve ECSD Podcast! 🎉

Guest

Dr. Tim Cusack, Dean of Education for Concordia University & Author of “Leader Ready” for Corwin

Links Corwin Press https://us.corwin.com/books/leader-ready-281684

Segments by

Jennifer Espejo Harasimiuk, High School Biology Consultant 

Alyson Gabucci, Assessment & Reporting Consultant

Producer 

Julia McLeod, Assessment & Reporting Consultant 

Music by Conor McLeod 

Produced with Canva, Riverside, Spotify for Podcasters, Veed, & Clipchamp