In Don’t @ Me (2:11), Tom opens by addressing the widespread lack of student engagement and suggesting there are only two choices educators have in response. Then, Tom is joined by Eric Saibel (11:22), who is a co-founder of "Global School Play Day, for a conversation about the importance of unstructured play for children and teens. Finally, in Assessment Corner (58:11), Tom highlights why he is rethinking his long-held stance against group grades.
 
<ul><li>Eric on Twitter: <a href='https://twitter.com/ecsaibel'>@ecsaibel</a></li>
<li>Eric on Instagram: <a href='https://www.instagram.com/esaibel/?hl=en'>@esaibel</a></li>
<li>GSPD on Twitter: <a href='https://twitter.com/GSPlayDay'>@GSPlayDay</a></li>
<li>GSPD on Instagram: <a href='https://www.instagram.com/gsplayday/?hl=en'>@gsplayday</a></li>
<li>Eric on LinkedIn: <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-saibel-33364854/'>Eric Saibel</a></li>
<li>Eric's Website: <a href='https://ericsaibel.com/'>www.ericsaibel.com</a></li>
</ul>
 
Peter Gray (2014): <a href='https://tinyurl.com/4mte4ba6'>The Decline of Play</a>
 
NEW BOOKS BY TOM:
<ul><li><a href='https://www.solutiontree.com/concise-answers-to-frequently-asked-questions-about-assessment-and-grading.html'>"Concise Answers to FAQs about Assessment & Grading"</a></li>
</ul>
 
<ul><li><a href='https://www.solutiontree.com/jackpot.html'>"Jackpot: Nurturing Student Investment through Assessment"</a></li>
</ul>
 
 
UPCOMING PROFESSIONAL LEARNING
 
<ul><li>Grading from the Inside Out (2-Day Workshop) </li>
<li style="list-style-type:none;"> 
<ul><li>Minneapolis, MN (December 1-2, 2022)
<ul><li><a href='https://www.solutiontree.com/grading-from-inside-out-minneapolis.html'>Register Here</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
 
 
CONNECT WITH TOM SCHIMMER
<ul><li>Email: tomschimmerpod@gmail.com</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 (2:11), Tom opens by addressing the widespread lack of student engagement and suggesting there are only two choices educators have in response. Then, Tom is joined by Eric Saibel (11:22), who is a co-founder of "Global School Play Day, for a conversation about the importance of unstructured play for children and teens. Finally, in Assessment Corner (58:11), Tom highlights why he is rethinking his long-held stance against group grades. Eric on Twitter: @ecsaibel Eric on Instagram: @esaibel GSPD on Twitter: @GSPlayDay GSPD on Instagram: @gsplayday Eric on LinkedIn: Eric Saibel Eric's Website: www.ericsaibel.com Peter Gray (2014): The Decline of Play NEW BOOKS BY TOM: "Concise Answers to FAQs about Assessment & Grading" "Jackpot: Nurturing Student Investment through Assessment" UPCOMING PROFESSIONAL LEARNING Grading from the Inside Out (2-Day Workshop) Minneapolis, MN (December 1-2, 2022) Register Here CONNECT WITH TOM SCHIMMER Email: tomschimmerpod@gmail.com Twitter: @TomSchimmerPod Twitter: @TomSchimmer Instagram: @tomschimmerpodcast TikTok: @tomschimmerpodcast Facebook: Schimmer Education Website: www.tomschimmer.com

In Don’t @ Me (2:11), Tom opens by addressing the widespread lack of student engagement and suggesting there are only two choices educators have in response. Then, Tom is joined by Eric Saibel (11:22), who is a co-founder of "Global School Play Day, for a conversation about the importance of unstructured play for children and teens. Finally, in Assessment Corner (58:11), Tom highlights why he is rethinking his long-held stance against group grades.
&nbsp;
<ul><li>Eric on Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/ecsaibel" rel="noopener noreferrer">@ecsaibel</a></li>
<li>Eric on Instagram:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/esaibel/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer">@esaibel</a></li>
<li>GSPD on&nbsp;Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/GSPlayDay" rel="noopener noreferrer">@GSPlayDay</a></li>
<li>GSPD on&nbsp;Instagram:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/gsplayday/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer">@gsplayday</a></li>
<li>Eric on LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-saibel-33364854/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Eric Saibel</a></li>
<li>Eric's Website: <a href="https://ericsaibel.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.ericsaibel.com</a></li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Peter Gray (2014): <a href="https://tinyurl.com/4mte4ba6" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Decline of Play</a>
&nbsp;
NEW BOOKS BY TOM:
<ul><li><a href="https://www.solutiontree.com/concise-answers-to-frequently-asked-questions-about-assessment-and-grading.html" rel="noopener noreferrer">"Concise Answers to FAQs about Assessment &amp; Grading"</a></li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<ul><li><a href="https://www.solutiontree.com/jackpot.html" rel="noopener noreferrer">"Jackpot: Nurturing Student Investment through Assessment"</a></li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
UPCOMING PROFESSIONAL LEARNING
&nbsp;
<ul><li>Grading from the Inside Out (2-Day Workshop)&nbsp;</li>
<li>&nbsp;
<ul><li>Minneapolis, MN (December 1-2, 2022)
<ul><li><a href="https://www.solutiontree.com/grading-from-inside-out-minneapolis.html" rel="noopener noreferrer">Register Here</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
CONNECT WITH TOM SCHIMMER
<ul><li>Email: tomschimmerpod@gmail.com</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>
&nbsp;

Two Choices | Eric Saibel | Rethinking Group Grades

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.

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