Extinguishing the Fires Within Assessment and Grading Reform
Free Webinar
DATE
May 16, 2024
TIME
4:00 pm - 4:45 pm
Central Time
LOCATION
Sessions take place on Zoom.
In the ever-evolving realm of education, traditional grading systems are proving inadequate for the dynamic needs of modern students and educators. Based on the newly released and best selling book, Extinguishing the Fires Within Assessment and Grading Reform, this webinar offers practical guidance for navigating the complexities of transitioning to standards-based assessment and grading. Drawing from school and district experiences, we will identify common barriers and provide strategies to prevent, contain, and overcome the “fires” that can derail reform efforts. Come join this session as we dive into specific scenarios and offer insights into why these challenges arise and how to tackle them efficiently and effectively in your school or district.
Session is presented by the authors of our newest publication, "Extinguishing the Fires Within Assessment and Grading Reform."
Matt Townsley
Matt Townsley, EdD, is an assistant professor of educational leadership at the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, Iowa. He is a former district administrator and teacher in Solon Community School District, also in Iowa, where he led curriculum, assessment,and school-improvement initiatives, all with a professional learning community culture as the foundation. District Administration magazine named Solon Community Schools a district of distinction, and Solution Tree recognized multiple buildings in the district as Model PLCs during his tenure. Through conferences, professional development, and workshops, Matt has consulted with teachers, administrators, and parents, across the United States on the topics of assessment and standards-based grading. He is author and coauthor of multiple books, including Grading Reform That Lasts: Eight Steps to Transform Your School’s Assessment Culture, A Parents’ Guide to Grading and Reporting: Being Clear About What Matters, Using Grading to Support Student Learning, and Making Grades Matter: Standards-Based Grading in a Secondary PLC at Work.
Garth Larson
Garth Larson, Ed.D is the Co-Founder and CEO of FIRST Educational Resources. Garth has previously worked as the Director of Learning for the Winneconne Community School District in northeast Wisconsin, was an elementary principal in two separate buildings and started his career in education as a high school speech and English teacher. In 2015, Garth Co-Founded FIRST Educational Resources with a focus on improving student achievement across the United States. Since 2015, over 2000 school districts throughout the globe have become partnership districts with his company. Garth currently consults with school districts around the world and provides customized professional development around a variety of topics, mainly Professional Learning Communities 2.0, Learning-Centered Grading Practices, Leadership and School Improvement. Garth is also the author of 4 books, including Grading for Impact, Raising Student Achievement Through a Target-Based Assessment and Learning System.
Becky Peppler
Becky Peppler is the Director of the STAGR Center at FIRST Education Center. Her career highlights include serving as a 6-12 Instructional Coach and a Chemistry and Forensic Science teacher, during which she received the Excellence in Science Education Award from the Wisconsin Society of Science Teachers. A crucial figure in transitioning the Winneconne Community School District to Target Based Grading and Reporting, Becky’s work has facilitated a focus on continuous improvement for both teachers and students. Her influence extends nationally, having consulted with over 100 school districts across the United States to enhance student outcomes through effective assessment and grading practices. Becky’s educational philosophy emphasizes that all students deserve the chance to succeed academically and personally. She is also a co- author of the STAGR Process Roadmap Laminated Guide in partnership with Dr. Garth Larson and Ken O’Connor, demonstrating her dedication to providing educators with the resources they need for success.
Don Smith
Don Smith has 20 years of professional experience in public schools. Don previously served as the Director of Teaching and Learning for the Winneconne Community School District, in Wisconsin. Prior to that, Don was the Director of Teaching and Learning in the School District of Waupaca. Don also served as the Principal at Fond du Lac STEM Academy and Fond du Lac STEM Institute, as well as the District Assessment Coordinator for the Fond du Lac Area School District (WI). Don continually leads professional development sessions centered on research based practices in instruction, assessment and grading. In 2022, Don began working full time with FIRST Educational Resources.
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