Grading with Intention Workshop
Event Details
Date: July 8, 2025
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Time: 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM (Central)
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Location: Virtual On Zoom
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Cost: $149.00
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Video Access: Session is recorded with access until December 31, 2025
In an educational landscape where traditional grading practices often fall short of accurately reflecting student learning, Grading With Intention invites educators to reimagine what grades truly represent. This workshop will explore the urgent need for grading reform, focusing on how intentional practices can transform grades into meaningful tools for communication and growth. Dr. Garth Larson will guide participants through the foundational principles of grading with intention, including:
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Understanding and clarifying the purpose of grades.
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Identifying the key characteristics of effective, intentional grading systems.
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Addressing common challenges and resistance to change in schools.
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Implementing practical steps for schools to create consistent and accurate grading practices.
Grounded in research and real-world examples, this workshop connects seamlessly to various approaches schools have used in their grading reform journeys. It will inspire educators to embrace grading practices that prioritize clarity within student learning. This session is designed for teachers, administrators, and educational leaders ready to ignite meaningful change in their schools by aligning grading practices with their ultimate purpose: supporting every student in their learning journey.
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Presenter: Garth Larson, Ed.D, 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. Garth consults globally, providing customized professional development on topics such as Professional Learning Communities, Learning-Centered Grading Practices, Leadership, and School Improvement. He is the co-author of six books, including Collaborative Systems of Support, PLC 2.0, Grading for Impact, The STAGR Process Roadmap, Extinguishing the Fires Within Assessment and Grading Reform, and Simplifying School Improvement: A Framework for Impact in Today’s Schools.
THE STAGR Center ADVANTAGE
Schools across the country have spent significant amounts of time, energy and resources on reviewing standards and trying to figure out what they want kids to learn. And for the most part, they have done a nice job of this. Yet, many schools still struggle to figure out the best ways to assess if kids are actually learning and have kept very traditional and inaccurate ways of communicating student achievement to students and families. The STAGR Center was created to help schools through this challenge. Based on a practical and proven process, the STAGR Center can help schools increase student achievement, reliability in assessment and accuracy in communication. Contact us today to learn how we can support your school or district on all things pertaining to assessment and grading.
ASSESSMENT AND GRADING ANALYSIS
Did you implement Standards-Based Grading years ago? Did you have a large turnover in staff since the implementation? Wondering how well your SBG instructional efforts are meeting the needs of your students? How consistent are your practices across your teams, grade levels, and schools? Are all students successful with grade level standards? Are you seeing the instructional gains you expected with your current SBG practices?
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In order to best support your team in meeting your grading, reporting, and assessment goals, each step in our analysis is guided by the unique needs of your school or district. Allow us to analyze your progress and collaboratively determine your next steps.
ON-SITE AND VIRTUAL COACHING
Our coaching program is designed to provide comprehensive guidance and support for schools undergoing changes in assessment and grading practices. Our team of expert coaches works closely with educators, whether in person or virtually, to help navigate the complexities of implementing effective, equitable, and standards-aligned assessment and grading systems. Through ongoing collaboration, we tailor our approach to meet the unique needs of your school or district, offering hands-on support, actionable strategies, and research-based best practices. Whether your team is just beginning this journey or refining existing practices, our coaches will partner with you to ensure a smooth and successful transition.
KEYNOTES AND WORKSHOPS
The STAGR Center prides itself on delivering high-impact keynotes and workshops tailored to meet the diverse needs of educators, including administrators, teachers, and support staff. We understand that every school or district has unique goals and challenges, which is why we work closely with you to customize our messages, ensuring they align with your specific priorities and professional learning objectives. Whether you are organizing a small team training, a district-wide professional development session, or a large-scale educational conference, our expert speakers bring engaging, research-based content designed to inspire action. Our presentations focus on the essential shifts needed to create equitable, standards-aligned assessment and grading systems that support student success.
