UPCOMING EPISODES
Episode # 5
"Why Reinvent the Wheel? Can't we just take someone else's Priority Standards and Learning Targets?"
Join us live on June 11, 2025 at 10:00 AM CST
While borrowing might save time, it often leads to mismatched expectations, unclear instruction, and missed opportunities. Teachers need to engage in the work to truly understand what matters most—and principals must be ready to coach, question, and guide, because clarity can’t be outsourced.
PAST EPISODES
Episode # 1
What is Standards-Based Grading and Why are We Doing It?
In this first episode, we challenge a common misconception: grading reform isn’t solely about adopting Standards-Based Grading (SBG). While SBG is the "what"—the method or framework used—the real purpose lies in the "why." Take a look as we define the core motivations behind assessment reform is crucial for creating meaningful and lasting change. During this episode, we discuss understanding your "why" shapes the practices and goals of grading reform, allowing SBG or any other approach to become a tool that aligns with your school’s vision for students. success.
Episode # 2
Where is the accountability in standards-based grading?
One of the most common things we hear in SBG reform is that there is “No accountability in this system!” We hear this in various forms, and in this episode we will dig into the root of where this comes from and how educators can respond to this notion. In our next episode, we will continue this discussion and talk about how we see districts increasing accountability with SBG.
Episode # 3
Where is the accountability in standards-based grading?
Part 2
In the previous episode, we discussed the root of how grades are used as a tool for accountability in education. This episode will get to the heart of how to hold students accountable, without impacting their academic grade in Standards Based Grading.
With Special Guest Rick Wormeli
Episode # 4
"If I offer Reassessment, the kids won't take the first test seriously."
During this episode, we looked to debunk the myth that reassessment weakens effort in SBG. Through real stories and strategies, we showed how retakes, done right, enhance accountability and learning.
Show Hosts
Garth Larson, Ed.D
Becky Peppler
Don Smith
Garth Larson is the Co-Founder and CEO of FIRST Educational Resources. He began his career as a high school English teacher and Associate Principal, later serving as an elementary principal and the Director of Learning for the Winneconne Community School District in Northeast Wisconsin. In 2015, he co-founded FIRST Educational Resources, aiming to enhance student achievement across the United States. Since then, over 2000 school districts worldwide have partnered with his company.
Becky Peppler is the Director of the FIRST Education STAGR Center, a division of FIRST Educational Resources. With over 18 years in public education, she is dedicated to helping schools navigate the challenges of grading and assessment reform to create systems that support student learning and growth. A former 6-12 Instructional Coach and science educator, Becky has played a pivotal role in guiding over one hundred schools and districts through full transitions to Standards-Based Grading.
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).