The Fires in Grading

Some districts are abandoning Standards-Based Grading… but should you? In this video, we break down why giving up on SBG could be one of the biggest mistakes your district can make. We’ll explore:Why some schools are moving away from SBG The common myths and misconceptions fueling the backlash The long-term benefits that districts lose when they quitHow staying the course impacts student learning,...

Educators often debate whether letter grades should be abolished, but here’s the truth: the symbol itself isn’t the problem, it’s how we use it. In this episode of Fires in Grading, we dive into why fighting over A, B, C, or 1–4 misses the point, and how the real work lies in giving those symbols meaning through standards-based teaching and learning practices. Whether your school uses letters, num...

Parents often push back on Standards-Based Grading (SBG) because it feels unfamiliar and confusing. In this episode of Fires in Grading, we sit down with Dr. Chad Lang to tackle the big question: How do we bring parents along in the journey? From communication strategies to practical entry points, this conversation is packed with ideas to bridge the gap between schools and families so that grading...

" These Changes Won't Prepare them for the REAL WORLD!"   How many times have you heard it? “In the real world, there are deadlines.” “The boss won’t let you redo your work.” In this episode, we take on one of the most persistent and emotionally charged arguments used to resist grading reform.

One of the most common challenges school face when working through grading reform is educators and other stakeholders making the statement, "show me some research this actually works!" Special guest Dr. Matt Townsley will share this experiences in researching grading reform and what it means it terms of leading to better communication pertaining to student learning with students and care...

While borrowing might save time, it often leads to mismatched expectations, unclear instruction, and missed opportunities. Teachers need to engage in the work to truly understand what matters most—and principals must be ready to coach, question, and guide, because clarity can’t be outsourced.

During this episode, we look to debunk the myth that reassessment weakens effort in SBG. Through real stories and strategies, they show how retakes, done right, enhance accountability and learning. 

In the previous episode, we discussed the root of how grades are used as a tool for accountability in education. This episode will get to the heart of how to hold students accountable, without impacting their academic grade in Standards Based Grading. Special Guest Rick Wormeli also joined us for this episode!

One of the most common things we hear in SBG reform is that there is “No accountability in this system!”  We hear this in various forms, and in this episode we will dig into the root of where this comes from and how educators can respond to this notion.  In our next episode, we will continue this discussion and talk about how we see districts increasing accountability with SBG. 

In this first episode, we challenge a common misconception: grading reform isn’t solely about adopting Standards-Based Grading (SBG). While SBG is the "what"—the method or framework used—the real purpose lies in the "why." Take a look as we define the core motivations behind assessment reform is crucial for creating meaningful and lasting change. During this episode, we discuss...