Eat Better – Grilled Cheese vs. Standards and Rubrics

Alex T. ValencicBlog, Differentiate Better, Engage Better, Grade Better, Reflect Better

TL;DR: Grilled cheese has many variations. Consider standards-based grading in education and the use of rubrics in assessment, grading, and reporting. When designing a rubric, be sure to stay focused on what you want students to know or be able to do. Resist the urge to add criteria that do not relate to the task. Grilled Cheese vs. Standards and … Read More

One Word Failure | Jan Chappuis | Anything but Arbitrary

Tom SchimmerThe Tom Schimmer Podcast

In Don’t @ Me (2:46), Tom discusses how his One Word for 2022 was an epic failure and how he’s going to give itone more shot. Then (7:35) Tom is joined by mentor, author, and consultant Jan Chappuis to discuss the evolution of assessment for learning over the past 20 years. Finally, in Assessment Corner (52:52), Tom highlights why grades … Read More

Can You Be Led? | Connie Hamilton | Fractured Relationship

Tom SchimmerThe Tom Schimmer Podcast

In Don’t @ Me (2:53), Tom opens by asking us all to consider whether we can set our egos aside and be open to being led. Then, Tom is joined by educator and author Connie Hamilton (9:33) to discuss her book, “Hacking Questions: 11 Answers that Create a Culture of Inquiry in your Classroom.” Finally, in Assessment Corner (47:38), Tom … Read More

Wer Must Listen | Nathan Wear | Gradeless v. Grade Less

Tom SchimmerThe Tom Schimmer Podcast

In Don’t @ Me (2:36), Tom expresses his concern that if we can’t listen to one another and empathize without agreeing, then the divides in our society will further deepen. Then, Tom is joined by Nathan Wear (14:02) to discuss his book, “Making Grades Matter: Standards-Based Grading in a Secondary PLC at Work.”  Finally, in “Assess THAT with Tom & … Read More

Funny about Money | Tim Cavey | High School GPA

Tom SchimmerThe Tom Schimmer Podcast

In Don’t @ Me (2:36), Tom opens with an observation about how people have a funny relationship with money. Then, Tom is joined by MS Assistant Principal and the host of the Teachers on Fire podcast, Tim Cavey (13:50) for a conversation about an array of educational topics. Finally, in Assessment Corner (49:08), Tom answers a listener question about High … Read More