Common Challenges, Practical Moves in Assessment and Grading

Free Virtual Series

Virtual | 3-Part Series

Common Challenges, Practical Moves in Assessment and Grading

Many schools are working to improve assessment and grading and are running into similar challenges along the way. This free, three-part virtual series explores common points of tension in assessment and grading and highlights practical moves schools are using to bring greater clarity, coherence, and momentum to their work. Each session stands alone and offers ideas you can use right away.

Session 1 – When Everything Feels Important, Clarity Gets Hard
As schools work to strengthen assessment and grading practices, teams often find themselves overwhelmed by standards, targets, and expectations. When everything feels important, clarity becomes hard to achieve.

In this session, we will explore how schools are identifying what matters most without starting over. You will see practical ways teams are clarifying learning targets and defining what success looks like so instruction, assessment, and grading are more aligned and manageable.

Session 2 – When Grading Sends Mixed Messages
Grades are often asked to communicate too many things at once. As a result, teachers and leaders can feel tension between accuracy, consistency and flexibility.

This session focuses on how schools are clarifying the purpose of grades and making grading practices more coherent. We will explore simple decision lenses teams are using to determine what belongs in an academic grade and how schools are reducing gradebook noise without increasing complexity.

Session 3 – When Good Practice Lives in Silos
Many schools have strong individual classroom practices but struggle to build shared direction across teams or departments. When good practice lives in silos, progress can feel uneven and hard to sustain.

In this session, we will highlight how schools are building shared language and alignment around assessment and grading without mandates or one-size-fits-all solutions. You will leave with practical ideas for creating momentum while honoring professional judgment.

Event Details

February 25, March 11, April 15, 2026

4:00 pm - 4:30 pm CENTRAL

Zoom Event

Registration Cost

Free!

Session Recording

This session is not recorded.

Garth Larson

Presenter

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 2011, Garth formed Wisconsin Educational Resources (now FIRST) with a focus on improving student achievement across the United States. Since 2011, 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 Collaborative Systems of Support: Learning for ALL with co-authors Tom Hierck and Chris Weber, Target-Based Grading in Collaborative Teams: 13 Steps to Moving Beyond Standards with co-author Tom Hierck, Grading for Impact: Raising Student Achievement through a Target-Based Assessment and Learning System and PLC 2.0: Collaborating for Observable Impact in Today’s Schools with co-author Cale Birk.

Becky Peppler

Presenter

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 numerous schools through full transitions to Standards-Based Grading. She has worked with over 100 districts nationwide, helping educators design grading practices that are meaningful, accurate, and student-centered. Her expertise includes developing clear learning targets, designing meaningful assessments, implementing effective reassessment policies, and ensuring grades reflect student achievement rather than behavior. She is passionate about supporting schools in building grading systems that foster deeper learning, meaningful communication, and improved transparency between teachers, students, and families.

Becky is the co-author of the best-selling book, Extinguishing the Fires of Assessment and Grading Reform and the STAGR Process Roadmap Laminated Guide, collaborating with Dr. Garth Larson and Ken O’Connor. Her work continues to drive impactful change in grading practices, helping educators create systems that truly support student success.

Common Challenges, Practical Moves in Assessment and Grading