Hosted by Garth Larson, Becky Peppler, Don Smith · 🇺🇸 US · EN · 24 episodes
Established thought leaders with verified media credentials.
In response to the challenges of transforming assessment and grading practices, this show offers educators and administrators insights and practical solutions to address common resistance points—or "fires"—in grading reform.The Fires in Grading Podcast is sponsored by Otus. Learn more: https://hubs.li/Q03StGb_0
Garth Larson, Becky Peppler, Don Smith hosts The Fires in Grading, a education show with 24 episodes published.
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 epis
Show notesIn 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 rea
Show notesIt 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 suppo
Show notesEpisode 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
Show notesIn 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 t
Show notesIn 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 imple
Show notesWhen 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 practic
Show notesIn 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 surf
Show notesThis 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
Show notesSchools 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 scale
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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 compli
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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 my
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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 doe
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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
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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 poin
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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 mov
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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
Show notesParents 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
Show notes"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 pers
Show notesOne 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 wil
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The Fires in Grading is hosted by Garth Larson, Becky Peppler, Don Smith. The show is categorised under education and has published 24 episodes.
The Fires in Grading has published 24 episodes.
The Fires in Grading regularly covers education. It sits in the education category.
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Episodes of The Fires in Grading average 38 minutes. a focused format where a clear narrative arc and tight preparation matter most.
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