Assess THAT with Tom & Nat! (Assessment, Feedback, Grading, and Learning)

In Don't @ Me (6:22), Tom takes aim at the (intentional or otherwise) divisiveness that seems to be emerging within the education profession, especially on social media. Then, Tom is joined by Doug Reeves (15:38) part two of their conversation; this week centers on leadership and implementation of change. Finally, in Assessment Corner (39:05), Tom highlights the importance of relevance in assessment design.   Doug on Twitter: @DouglasReeves LinkedIn: Dr. Douglas Reeves Website: www.creativeleadership.net   50th Episode Contest (12 for 12) (1) Post a picture on Twitter, Instagram (NOT IG story b/c those disappear), or Facebook OR a video on TikTok (yes, the podcast is on TikTok) of what you typically do while listening to the podcast. E.g., Twitter - Something like Hey @TomSchimmerPod, I love listening to the podcast while on my commute to/from work every day OR Hey, @TomSchimmerPod, I love listening to the podcast while I work out or whatever. You have to tag the podcast - Podcast handles. I’ll check you are following the podcast too; that’s a must.   (2) Then, you have to get at least 12 people in the next 2 weeks to subscribe to the podcast and post about it. 12 hours of coaching – 12 people. It might sound something like this: I just subscribed to the @TomSchimmerPod. Thanks (tag you - @mybestfriend) for the recommendation! They don’t have to post a pic but that would certainly be cool if they did.     Email the Podcast: tomschimmerpod@gmail.com Podcast on Twitter: @TomSchimmerPod Tom on Twitter: @TomSchimmer Instagram: tomschimmerpodcast Facebook: Schimmer Education Website: www.tomschimmer.com

In Don't @ Me (2:16), Tom opens with an assertion that risk-taking itself can and should be the reward (as opposed to playing the results and deciding in retrospect). Then, Tom is joined by Doug Reeves (12:47) in part one of their two-part conversation; this week centers on how creativity and innovation can become more of a driving force in a 21st century, K-12 education. Finally, in Assessment Corner (39:53), Tom highlights a handbook chapter by Gordon Stobart that focuses on why it’s critical to tailor our feedback to where learners are along their learning continuums.   Doug on Twitter: @DouglasReeves LinkedIn: Dr. Douglas Reeves Website: www.creativeleadership.net   The Cambridge Handbook of Instructional Feedback   Email the Podcast: tomschimmerpod@gmail.com Podcast on Twitter: @TomSchimmerPod Tom on Twitter: @TomSchimmer Instagram: tomschimmerpodcast Facebook: Schimmer Education Website: www.tomschimmer.com

In Don't @ Me (1:42), Tom opens with a personal story that illustrates how the fear of regret can be a driver of success in our lives. Then, Tom is joined by Tina Boogren (19:08) to discuss the importance of self-care for educators and why focusing on ourselves is not selfish, but necessary for us to be at our best for students. Finally, in Assessment Corner (51:33), Tom talks briefly about whether teachers should intentionally use a variety of assessment methods?   Tina on Twitter: @THBoogren Tina on Instagram: @THBoogren Facebook: Self-Care for Educators LinkedIn: Dr. Tina Boogren Website: Self-Care for Educators Podcast     Email the Podcast: tomschimmerpod@gmail.com Podcast on Twitter: @TomSchimmerPod Tom on Twitter: @TomSchimmer Instagram: tomschimmerpodcast Facebook: Schimmer Education Website: www.tomschimmer.com

In Don't @ Me (2:46), Tom opens with a quick story from last week about how the small things in life – even if they are manufactured – can make a big difference in how we are feeling. Then, Tom is joined by friend and colleague Luis Cruz (11:19) to explore what it means to fulfill society’s new, more modern definition of ALL, as in all-means-all. Finally, in Assessment Corner (58:48), Tom talks briefly about rubrics and criteria. Not so much about the content and structure but about the creation of rubrics themselves and why we have to stop overthinking them.   Luis on Twitter: @lcruzconsulting     Email the Podcast: tomschimmerpod@gmail.com Podcast on Twitter: @TomSchimmerPod Tom on Twitter: @TomSchimmer Instagram: tomschimmerpodcast Facebook: Schimmer Education Website: www.tomschimmer.com

In Don't @ Me (1:36), Tom opens with a rant about student accountability and how so many, on a daily basis, disprove the theories they assert. Then, Tom is joined by LCPC, psychotherapist, and author Phyllis Fagell (12:57) for a discussion about the teacher-family dynamic and the uniqueness of middle-level learners. Finally, in Assessment Corner (45:07), Tom addresses a particular mindset around assessment that seems to be fairly pervasive but is one we need to be cautious of.   Phyllis on Twitter: @pfagell Phyllis on Instagram: @pfagell Phyllis on Facebook: Phyllis Fagell Phyllis on LinkedIn: Phyllis Fagell   Email the Podcast: tomschimmerpod@gmail.com Podcast on Twitter: @TomSchimmerPod Tom on Twitter: @TomSchimmer Instagram: tomschimmerpodcast Facebook: Schimmer Education Website: www.tomschimmer.com

In Don't @ Me (1:54), Tom opens with an assertion that educators should seek "second opinions" about the degree to which students have met learning goals. Then, Tom is joined by author, speaker, and expert Dr. Cathy Vatterott (15:23) for a discussion about homework and the larger issue of student stress and anxiety. Finally, in Assessment Corner (52:59), Tom focuses on peer assessment and the many iterations and potential outcomes of this powerful, yet often under-utilized practice.   Cathy on Twitter: @realhomeworkldy Cathy's Website: www.homeworklady.com   Email the Podcast: tomschimmerpod@gmail.com Podcast on Twitter: @TomSchimmerPod Tom on Twitter: @TomSchimmer Instagram: tomschimmerpodcast Facebook: Schimmer Education Website: www.tomschimmer.com

In Don't @ Me (1:48), Tom shares a daily habit that has contributed to both his personal and professional success. Then, Tom is joined by author, speaker, and expert Rachel Carrillo Fairchild (10:29) for a discussion on how we effectively and efficiently support Multilingual Learners. Finally, in Assessment Corner (56:36), Tom focuses on why we should not include point-fives (.5) in our grading scales.   Rachel on Twitter: @RachelELAuthor Rachel on Instagram: @rachelelauthor Rachel on LinkedIn: Rachel Carillo Fairchild Rachel on Facebook: Rachel Carillo Fairchild   Email the Podcast: tomschimmerpod@gmail.com Podcast on Twitter: @TomSchimmerPod Tom on Twitter: @TomSchimmer Instagram: tomschimmerpodcast Facebook: Schimmer Education Website: www.tomschimmer.com

In Don't @ Me (2:58), Tom wonders if we (as a society) have become too serious and makes the distinction between taking things seriously and taking ourselves too seriously. Then, Tom is joined by Greg Wolcott (10:54), author of SIGNIFICANT 72: UNLEASHING THE POWER OF RELATIONSHIPS IN TODAY’S SCHOOLS to discuss the critical role student-teacher relationships play in both the academic and social success of students. Finally, in Assessment Corner (43:11), Tom focuses on assessment and grading reform and breaks it down in terms of the specific mindset or approaches when colleagues are along the continuums of "willing" & "able" to manifest the change both individually and collectively.   Greg Wolcott on Twitter: @GregJWolcott Greg Wolcott on Instagram: @gregjwolcott Greg Wolcott on LinkedIn: Greg Wolcott Greg Wolcott Website: www.drivelearning.org Significant 72 website: www.significant72.com   Email the Podcast: tomschimmerpod@gmail.com Podcast on Twitter: @TomSchimmerPod Tom on Twitter: @TomSchimmer Instagram: tomschimmerpodcast Facebook: Schimmer Education Website: www.tomschimmer.com

The 2021 Summer Series continues with a roundtable discussion on Trauma-Informed Education. Joining Tom for this discussion are Jill Reedy, Joshua Stamper, & John Eller.   Jill Reedy is currently Assistant Regional Superintendent for the Macon/Piatt Regional Office of Education #39 located in Decatur, IL (24 yrs in education). She is a former elementary and middle school teacher and principal, as well as a district-level curriculum director. Jill led the work of the TIP (Trauma-Informed Partnership) consisting of the Macon/Piatt Regional Office, the Education Coalition of Macon County (community organization), the IEA (Illinois Education Association teacher union), and SIU School of Medicine Department of Population Science and Policy (Dr. Sameer Vohra,  Dr. Jeanne Koehler, Dr. Anne Scheer). Jill presents to administrators and teachers throughout Illinois with Dr. Nancy Brodbeck on “Implementing Trauma-Informed Practices in Schools” and “Creating a Culture of Care Through Mindful Leadership." She was recently invited to participate in the development of a new Children’s Mental Health Plan for Illinois with the ICMHP (Illinois Children’ Mental Health Partnership) and is currently working with the IL Governor’s R3 (Restore, Renew, Reinvest) grant to foster positive relationships between youth and law enforcement and build capacity within community leaders to implement restorative practices Twitter: @ReedyJill Instagram: @reedy.jill Facebook: Jill Reedy     Joshua Stamper is a middle school Assistant Principal for a North Texas School District, where he's had the amazing opportunity to serve at four campuses and in two school districts. Prior to Joshua's current position, he was a classroom art educator and athletic coach for 6 years working with students in grades 6-8. In addition to his administrative position, Joshua is a podcaster, author, leadership coach, education presenter, and Podcast Network Manager for the Teach Better Team. Twitter: @Joshua_Stamper Instagram: @joshua_stamper LinkedIn: Joshua Stamper Website: www.joshstamper.com     John Eller has served in many roles in education. He has been an elementary and secondary school teacher, a principal at several schools, a National Distinguished Principal with the US Department of Education, a principal center director, and a college professor. John consults with schools and districts across the United States, Canada, and Australia and in South America, Europe, and Asia. John has authored or co-authored over a dozen books for Solution Tree and Corwin Press. His newest publication, Trauma-Sensitive Instruction, is designed to help teachers, leaders, and schools to work more effectively with trauma-impacted students. Twitter: @jellerthree LinkedIn: John Eller Facebook: John Eller     Tom Schimmer Podcast: Email the Podcast: tomschimmerpod@gmail.com Podcast on Twitter: @TomSchimmerPod Tom on Twitter: @TomSchimmer Instagram: tomschimmerpodcast Facebook: Schimmer Education Website: www.tomschimmer.com Amazon Author Page: Books

The 2021 Summer Series continues with a roundtable discussion on Women in Leadership. Joining Tom for this discussion are Zandra Jo Galván, Anisa Baker-Busby, & Brittany Rincón   Zandra Jo Galvan has been serving as Superintendent of the Greenfield Union School District since August 10, 2017. Zandra has worked in public education for the past 28 years. Prior to joining GUSD, she served as the Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services for Gonzales Unified School District where she coordinated all educational programs, the LCAP process and budgets, and managed all state and federal programs. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Studies and Teaching Credential from the California State University of Fresno in 1993, her Master of Arts Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from CSU Monterey Bay in 2002, and her Master of Arts Degree and Administrative Credential in Educational Leadership from San Jose State University in 2008. She will begin at the University of Southern California in August 2021. She has also successfully completed the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) Superintendent Academy, served on the ACSA 2020 Superintendent Planning Committee, is a member of the National Superintendents Roundtable, is on the ACSA Region 10 Board of Directors, and is the president of California Association of Latino/a/x Superintendents and Administrators (CALSA). Superintendent Galvan is passionate about preparing students to be social-emotionally and academically prepared for college and career and ensures that every GUSD team member knows they are an ELITE team member dedicated to the arduous task of saving students from the cycle of poverty. She proudly is committed to “ALL Means ALL”: Fulfilling the Greenfield Guarantee for ALL students in the Greenfield Union School District.  Twitter: @zjgalvan Instagram: @zangalvan LinkedIn: Zandra Jo Galván Email: zjgalvan@greenfield.k12.ca.us   Dr. Anisa Baker-Busby, EdD, is an elementary school principal at Lindsey Elementary School in middle Georgia. In 2020, Solution Tree named Lindsey Elementary a national model PLC school. With more than 18 years of experience in high-poverty schools as an elementary teacher and administrator, Dr. Baker-Busby enjoys helping teachers and leaders use assessments to improve learning outcomes. She works with educators to create collaborative teams focused on using assessment data to make real-time instructional decisions. As an elementary principal, Dr. Baker-Busby helped high-performing collaborative teams embrace the PLC at Work process by focusing on the three big ideas—collaboration, learning, and results. As a result, teams created common formative assessments and used the results to improve their practices and determine students who need additional time and support. Dr. Baker-Busby was named the 2008–2009 Teacher of the Year at Miller Elementary School in Georgia. Twitter: @AnisaBusby Instagram: @anisa.busby Email: Anisa.busby@gmail.com   Dr. Brittany Rincón is a teacher, curriculum coordinator, and the host of The Teacher Leader Podcast. She helps teachers become leaders by finding their voice through podcasting and leadership mindset work. Brittany believes that every teacher is a teacher leader who has a story and a message worth sharing with the world. As a podcast coach, she helps teachers start, launch, and grow their podcasts through 1:1 coaching and her courses. She graduated from Rutgers University with a B.A. in Anthropology and from Johns Hopkins University with an M.A. in Educational Studies. She recently completed her Ed.D. at the University of Florida with a concentration in Curriculum, Teaching, and Teacher Education. She is always learning something new and eager to grow as a leader, educator, and person. Twitter: @brittrincon Instagram: @brittrincon LinkedIn: Brittany Rincon Email: hello@brittanyrincon.com   Tom Schimmer Podcast: Email the Podcast: tomschimmerpod@gmail.com Podcast on Twitter: @TomSchimmerPod Tom on Twitter: @TomSchimmer Instagram: tomschimmerpodcast Facebook: Schimmer Education Website: www.tomschimmer.com Amazon Author Page: Books