16 - First Impressions, Lasting Impact: Designing Your Assessment Culture from Day One

In this back-to-school episode, Tom and Nat dive into the often-overlooked reality that your first assessments and grading decisions send powerful messages to students that can shape the classroom culture for the entire year.

They unpack how early assessment choices communicate your values, influence student confidence, and either build or erode trust. From designing low-stakes, feedback-rich tasks to avoiding common grading traps, you’ll discover practical ways to set a learning-focused tone from day one. Whether you’re a new teacher or a seasoned pro, this episode will help you start the year with clarity, intention, and an assessment culture that inspires growth.

 

PROFESSIONAL LEARNING EVENTS

• September 22-23 (Tom) Grading from the Inside Out 
  • Atlanta, GA

• October 22-23 (Tom) Grading from the Inside Out 
  • San Diego, CA

• October 23-24 (Natalie) Grading from the Inside Out 
  • Spokane, WA

• December 2-3, 2025 (Tom) Standards-Based Learning in Action 
  • San Diego, CA

 

NEW BOOK FROM TOM & NAT

• Rehumanizing Assessment

 

Unleash YES

• Unleash YES Instagram

 

CONNECT WITH TOM & NATALIE

 

• Podcast on X
• Tom on X
• Natalie on X
• Podcast on IG
  
• Tom on IG
• Natalie on IG
• Email: assessthat24@gmail.com