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The Fires in Grading
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education

The Fires in Grading

Hosted by Garth Larson, Becky Peppler, Don Smith · 🇺🇸 US · EN · 24 episodes

Where this show ranks

Episodes
24
Last ep.
9 days ago
Avg length
38m
Booking Probability™
31
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Estimated audience
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Listen Score
20
Niche reach.
Virality (30d)
48
Steady cadence.

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80/ 100
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Best topics to pitch
education

About this podcast

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

education

About the host

Garth Larson, Becky Peppler, Don Smith hosts The Fires in Grading, a education show with 24 episodes published.

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Recent episodes

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Episode 25: What is the Purpose of Assessment?

May 29, 202633mEp. 25S1

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

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Episode 24: Reviewing your SBG progress and process

May 15, 202633mEp. 24S1

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 rea

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Episode 23: Is There a School Just Like Us Doing This?

May 1, 202630mEp. 23S1

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 suppo

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Episode 22: Why Prioritizing Standards Matters with Special Guest Larry Ainsworth

Apr 17, 202651mEp. 22S1

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

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Episode 21: The History of Grading Reform with Dr. Thomas Guskey

Apr 3, 202651mEp. 21S1

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 t

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Episode 20: SBG Implementation Through a Principal’s Eyes

Mar 20, 202640mEp. 20S1

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 imple

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Episode 19: Communicating about the changes

Mar 6, 202632mEp. 19S1

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 practic

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Episode 18: Grading in a Co-Taught Classroom

Feb 20, 202636mEp. 18S1

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 surf

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Episode 17: How Culture Impacts the Change Process

Feb 6, 202639mEp. 17S1

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

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Episode 16: Defining Proficiency: How Many Levels Do We Really Need?

Jan 23, 202635mEp. 16S1

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 scale

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Episode 15: Grade Inflation in SBG

Jan 9, 202631mEp. 15S1

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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Episode 14: The Origins of Grading Smarter, Not Harder

Dec 12, 202544mEp. 14S1

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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Episode 13: My Current Assessments Work Just Fine

Nov 28, 202532mEp. 13S1

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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Episode 12: Questions from the field

Nov 14, 202534mEp. 12S1

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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Episode 11: The Words we use with students matter

Oct 31, 202529mEp. 11S1

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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Episode 10: It didn’t work in the neighboring district.

Oct 17, 202528mEp. 10S1

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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Episode 9: The Real Problem Isn’t Letter Grades—It’s How We Use Them

Oct 3, 202529mEp. 9S1

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

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Episode 8: Parents Won’t Get It! Engaging Families in SBG w/guest Dr. Chad Lang

Sep 16, 202548mEp. 8S1

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

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Episode 7: "These Changes Won't Prepare Our Students For the Real World!"

Aug 6, 202553mEp. 7S1

"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

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Episode 6: Show me the research this actually works

Jul 10, 202553mEp. 6S1

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 wil

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Audience demographics

Age
25-54
Consumer type
Lifelong learners

Topics covered

education

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Frequently asked questions

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The Fires in Grading has a verified contact on file. Create a free PitchCentric account to access it and generate a personalised pitch in seconds. Research at least 3 recent episodes first and lead with a specific angle that serves their education audience.

Who is the host of The Fires in Grading?

The Fires in Grading is hosted by Garth Larson, Becky Peppler, Don Smith. The show is categorised under education and has published 24 episodes.

How many episodes does The Fires in Grading have?

The Fires in Grading has published 24 episodes.

What topics does The Fires in Grading cover?

The Fires in Grading regularly covers education. It sits in the education category.

Is it hard to get booked on The Fires in Grading?

The Fires in Grading is accessible for guests with genuine education expertise. A personalised, episode-aware pitch will still outperform a generic one every time.

Is The Fires in Grading currently accepting guest pitches?

The Fires in Grading hasn't explicitly signalled guest openness in recent episodes. That doesn't rule out pitching. your hook just needs to be especially compelling and relevant to their recent content.

How long are The Fires in Grading episodes?

Episodes of The Fires in Grading average 38 minutes. a focused format where a clear narrative arc and tight preparation matter most.

What guest credentials does The Fires in Grading typically look for?

Our data rates The Fires in Grading's guest bar at 80/100 (Premium tier). Established thought leaders with verified media credentials. Sign in to PitchCentric to see how your own Pod Score compares against this show.

Methodology. Booking Probability™ blends Listen Score, 30-day Virality, open-to-guests detection, and Apple ratings. Data refreshed every 60 minutes. Listen Score and Booking Probability are calculated by PitchCentric. Last enriched 9 days ago.

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