🎙️ 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

🎙️ Welcome Back to Episode 7, Season 2! 🎉

Thank you for joining us on The Learning Curve Podcast ECSD! Whether you're a returning listener or a newcomer, we're thrilled to have you with us today. 🙌

👨‍🏫 Meet Our Guest: Matthew Johnson, an English teacher from Ann Arbor, Michigan. 📘 His book, "Flash Feedback," offers time-saving strategies for educators to combat burnout and enhance relationships, motivation, and student ownership of learning.

🤔 Today's Focus: Grading & Assessment challenges. Let's dive into some meaningful learning!

🤝 Acknowledgment: We honor Treaty 6 land and recognize the contributions of Indigenous peoples. Let's engage positively, celebrating diversity and working towards reconciliation with respect and empathy. 🌍

📋 Agenda Highlights:

Jennifer explores "The Myth of Learning Styles."

Matthew shares practical strategies from his book.

Tracy's "Mindset Matters" on Stereotype Threat.

Alyson delves into "Digital Portfolios in the Classroom" by Matt Renwick.

🎤 Special Thanks: Gratitude to Matthew Johnson and our dedicated listeners. Connect with us on Instagram @ecsdlearning, and don't forget to subscribe for future updates.

🌱 Closing Thoughts: We hope today's episode sparks inspiration and encourages thoughtful assessment practices in education. As you continue your growth journey, may you find fulfillment and impactful connections.

👋 Thank You for Listening! 🎧

Guest

Matthew Johnson, Author, Teacher, & Consultant

Links 

Corwin Press https://us.corwin.com/books/flash-feedback-grades-6-12-266175

Website https://matthewmjohnson.com/2019/09/27/feedback-2-0-using-digital-resources-to-give-better-feedback-faster/

Segments by

Jennifer Espejo Harasimiuk, High School Biology Consultant 

Tracy Hlus-Ewaskiw, Assessment & Reporting 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 The Learning Curve Podcast ECSD! 🌟

In this episode, we explore the dynamic connection between teachers and research with Dr. Jesse Wilcox. Join us as we discuss inquiry-based pedagogy, standards-based assessment, and the transformative power of questions in learning.

🙏 Prayer: In a moment of reflection, let's seek guidance for our discussions on outcomes-based assessment and universal design for learning. May these conversations foster understanding, empathy, and a commitment to inclusive education.

🌍 Treaty 6 Acknowledgment: We acknowledge that we are recording on the traditional land of Treaty 6. We honor the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 4, and express gratitude to Indigenous communities for their stewardship of this land.

📋 Agenda:

🚀 Let’s jump in!

As we wrap up, thanks to Dr. Jesse Wilcox and our listeners. Connect on Instagram @ecsdlearning, and subscribe for more.

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

Links

Learning to Learn (Article) https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Jesse-Wilcox-3/publication/358950489_Learning_to_Learn_Drawing_Students%27_Attention_to_Ideas_about_Learning/links/6249b8d857084c718b834e05/Learning-to-Learn-Drawing-Students-Attention-to-Ideas-about-Learning.pdf

Conceptualizing Moon phases: Helping students learn how to learn (Article) https://scholar.google.com/citations?view_op=view_citation&hl=en&user=W8nJFbUAAAAJ&citation_for_view=W8nJFbUAAAAJ:Tyk-4Ss8FVUC

Debunking Myths of Standards-Based Grading (Article) https://www.nsta.org/science-teacher/science-teacher-septemberoctober-2022/debunking-myths-standards-based-grading

Guest

Dr. Jesse Wilcox, Assistant Professor at the University of Northern Iowa 

Segments by

Jennifer Espejo Harasimiuk, High School Biology Consultant 

Tracy Hlus-Ewaskiw, Assessment & Reporting 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