In this episode, Tom & Nat tackle one of education’s biggest myths: that percentages make grading fair and objective. They break down how percentage systems create the illusion of precision while concealing the true story of student learning. Through real numerical examples and insights from researchers, they reveal how averaging can distort growth, penalize early learning, and undermine teacher professionalism.

But this isn’t just a critique, it’s a call to action. Tom and Nat show why professional judgment is not a flaw in the system but its foundation, even within outcome-based frameworks. They share practical strategies for strengthening confidence in teacher judgment, communicating clearly with parents, and helping schools shift toward more authentic measures of learning. It’s an empowering conversation for any educator ready to move beyond numbers and trust the human side of assessment.

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PROFESSIONAL LEARNING EVENTS

-Dec 2-3, 2025 (Tom) Standards-Based Learning in Action (Austin, TX)

-April 9-10, 2026 Canadian Assessment Spring Conference (Vancouver, BC)

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Rehumanizing Assessment

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