The Fires in Grading

If feedback is one of the highest-impact instructional practices in education, why is it often missing from the grading process? Together, we explore the difference between grades and meaningful feedback, why students frequently ignore feedback, how traditional grading practices can unintentionally stop learning, and what schools can do to shift students from asking “What did I get?” to “What do I...

Join us as we tackle one of the most common questions schools ask during grading reform: How does standards-based grading work in AP and dual enrollment courses? The team explores the misconception that advanced courses require traditional grading practices and discusses how clarity around learning targets, aligned assessments, and meaningful feedback can still exist within AP and college-credit s...

Technology has made it easier than ever for teachers to create and grade assessments quickly. But what happens when efficiency replaces insight? In this episode, Becky, Don, and Garth explore a growing trend in classrooms: computer generated assessments that are automatically graded and return only a score. While these tools can save time, they can also limit teachers’ ability to see student think...

In this episode we explore a foundational question: What’s the purpose of assessment? Too often, assessment is viewed as a way to generate grades, but what if its true purpose is to gather evidence of learning? This episode challenges common practices, reframes assessment as a tool to reveal learning, and offers practical insights for shifting mindsets in classrooms and schools. Learn more about o...

In this episode we explore why standards-based learning is never a “set it and forget it” process. Many schools assume that once standards are prioritized and learning targets are created, the work is complete—but in reality, this is where the real work begins. The team discusses the importance of regularly reviewing standards, proficiency scales, assessments, and gradebooks to ensure they remain...

It is one of the most common questions we hear in grading reform work. In Episode 23, Becky, Don, and Garth explore why educators naturally look for examples before moving forward — and how that instinct can either support progress or unintentionally slow it down. They discuss how to structure school visits and cross district conversations so they inspire action, not comparison, and how to shift f...

Episode 22 of Fires in Grading features Larry Ainsworth in a practical conversation about why prioritizing standards is essential for meaningful grading reform. Don, Becky, and Garth examine what happens when schools try to teach everything with equal emphasis and why that approach often leads to shallow learning and limited feedback. Larry shares the research behind prioritization, explains the R...

In Episode 21 of the Fires in Grading Podcast, Garth Larson, Becky Peppler, and Don Smith sit down with renowned researcher Thomas Guskey to explore the history of grading reform and why the same conversations continue to resurface generation after generation. Drawing on decades of scholarship, Dr. Guskey unpacks the origins of traditional grading practices, the evolution of standards-based gradin...

In this episode of Fires in Grading , we are joined by Ben Wopat, Principal of West Salem Middle School, to explore what grading reform looks like from the principal’s seat. Ben shares real-world insights on leading implementation, navigating resistance, and building systems that support consistent, learning-focused grading practices. This practical conversation highlights the leadership moves, ch...

When should schools start communicating grading changes? Who should lead the message? And how do you communicate in a way that builds trust instead of resistance? In this episode, Becky, Don, and Garth break down practical communication strategies that support grading reform and help bring stakeholders along. Learn more about our sponsors: Otus: https://hubs.li/Q03StGb_0 STAGR Center: https://firs...

In this episode of Fires in Grading , Don, Becky and Garth are joined by special guests Kelly Barkovich and Shelly Daun, to tackle how grading works in a co-taught classroom. As co-teaching becomes more common, it is surfacing deeper issues around ownership of grades, accommodations versus modifications, and whether grades truly communicate learning. The team explores why co-teaching does not crea...

This episode brings hosts Garth Larson, Becky Peppler, and Don Smith together with special guest Jimmy Casas to unpack why grading reform so often stalls—not because of policies or systems, but because of adult behavior and school culture. Drawing from Jimmy’s work in Culturize , Recalibrate the Culture , and Words on the Wall , the group explores the four core principles of Culturize as a behavio...

Schools often use multiple levels to describe student learning—but how many is too many, and what happens when we add one above the standard? In this episode, Becky, Garth, and Don unpack the purpose of proficiency scales, explore the impact of different level structures, and discuss why the words we choose—like “exceeds” —can shape how students, teachers, and families interpret success. Check out...

If we switch to this system, won’t everyone get an “A”? In this episode, we tackle the myth of grade inflation in standards-based grading. We unpack the true role of grades when they are connected to learning, not compliance, and explore what actually changes—and what doesn’t—when schools shift away from traditional averaging and point systems. You’ll hear why SBG doesn’t lower expectations, how p...

This episode is a candid conversation with bestselling author and international speaker Myron Dueck , author of Grading Smarter, Not Harder . Myron shares stories from his own classroom, challenges long-standing grading myths, and offers practical, low-lift strategies educators can use immediately to make grading more efficient, accurate, and fair. Join the discussion on how Myron became comfortab...

In this episode of Fires in Grading , we tackle a phrase every educator has heard (or said): “My current assessments work just fine.” Don, Becky, and Garth unpack why “fine” often just means familiar, and why familiar doesn’t always equal effective. We explore what traditional assessments miss, how aligning assessments to standards brings real clarity to student learning, and practical steps teach...

In this episode of Fires in Grading , we answer real questions from teachers currently navigating standards-based grading. We dig into final exams and what “end-of-term evidence” can look like, how to stay committed when your teaching partner isn’t on board, and how subjects like PE handle separating effort from learning.

In this episode of Fires in Grading , we’re joined by special guest Ken O’Connor, “The Grade Doctor,” to explore how the words we choose as educators shape the culture of our classrooms. Are we reinforcing a focus on points and grades, or are we creating a learning-centered environment? Tune in for practical insights and reflections on how simple language shifts can make a big impact on student mo...

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.