In Don’t @ Me (2:51), Tom opens with a question about why society defers to the younger generations to set societal norms and whether they ever get it wrong. Then, the podcast circles back (17:01) to previous guests and how they each defined success. Finally, in Assessment Corner (37:13), Tom begins a three-part exploration or think aloud about trauma-informed assessment … Read More
Math Mastery Grid Tips & Tricks
TL;DR: Using The Grid Method in your classroom provides extreme differentiation all the time! Try to use what you know about creating typical lesson plans when you make a grid. Add in assessments as checkpoints. Strategically place check-ins in common places where students have misunderstandings. Collaborate with others when creating your grids. Developing a grid in a math classroom is … Read More
Milestones | Garnet Hillman | Engineering Conversations
In Don’t @ Me (2:41), Tom opens this week with some thoughts about reaching milestones as the podcast hits its 50th episode. Then, Tom is joined by friend, colleague, and co-author Garnet Hillman (12:30) for a conversation about assessment and grading. Finally, in Assessment Corner (47:36), Tom focuses on engineering classroom conversations as a way to elicit formative assessment evidence. … Read More
Machinery of Achievement | Pav Wander | Acceptable Alternatives
In Don’t @ Me (3:48), Tom opens this week with a reminder that educators have more influence and control over the machinery of student achievement than some might think. Then, Tom is joined by teacher and podcast co-host Pav Wander (17:43) for a conversation about teacher-voice. Finally, in Assessment Corner (1:00:30), Tom focuses on the importance of acceptable alternatives in … Read More
Disproving the Theory | Phyllis Fagell | The Allure of Quick
In Don’t @ Me (1:36), Tom opens with a rant about student accountability and how so many, on a daily basis, disprove the theories they assert. Then, Tom is joined by LCPC, psychotherapist, and author Phyllis Fagell (12:57) for a discussion about the teacher-family dynamic and the uniqueness of middle-level learners. Finally, in Assessment Corner (45:07), Tom addresses a particular … Read More