The Fires in Grading
Podcast
In response to the challenges of transforming assessment and grading practices, this podcast offers educators and administrators insights and practical solutions to address common resistance points—or "fires"—in grading reform.
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." 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. Special Guest Rick Wormeli also joined us for this episode!
Episode 4: "If I Offer Reassessment, The Kids Won't Take the First Test Seriously!"
During this episode, we look to debunk the myth that reassessment weakens effort in SBG. Through real stories and strategies, they show how retakes, done right, enhance accountability and learning. Learn how to actually make Reassessment a strength and not a fire in your building.
Episode 5: "Why Reinvent the Wheel? Can't we just take someone else's Priority Standards and Learning Targets?"
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. This episode gives you clear talking points when this fire comes up.
Episode 6: "Show Me Some Research This Actually Works!" with Matt Townsley
One of the most common challenges school face when working through grading reform is educators and other stakeholders making the statement, "show me some research this actually works!" Special guest Dr. Matt Townsley will share this experiences in researching grading reform and what it means it terms of leading to better communication pertaining to student learning with all stakeholders
Episode 7: "These Changes Won't Prepare Our Students For the Real World!"
"These Changes Won't Prepare them for the REAL WORLD!" How many times have you heard it? “In the real world, there are deadlines.” “The boss won’t let you redo your work.” In this episode, we take on one of the most persistent and emotionally charged arguments used to resist grading reform to help listeners understand these changes are very much connected to the "real world."
Episode 8: "Parents Won't Understand What We Are Doing!" with Chad Lang
Parents often push back on Standards-Based Grading (SBG) because it feels unfamiliar and confusing. In this episode of Fires in Grading, we sit down with Dr. Chad Lang to tackle the big question: How do we bring parents along in the journey? From communication strategies to practical entry points, this conversation is packed with ideas to bridge the gap between schools and families so that grading reform doesn’t stop at the classroom door.
Episode 9: "The Real Problem Isn't Letter Grades, It's How We Use Them!"
Educators often debate whether letter grades should be abolished, but here’s the truth: the symbol itself isn’t the problem, it’s how we use it. In this episode of Fires in Grading, we dive into why fighting over A, B, C, or 1–4 misses the point, and how the real work lies in giving those symbols meaning through standards-based teaching and learning practices. Whether your school uses letters, numbers, or descriptors, this conversation will challenge you to think differently about what grades actually communicate.
Episode 10: "It didn’t work in the neighboring district and they quit doing it!"
In Episode 10 – “It Didn’t Work in the Neighboring District,” we tackle a common roadblock in grading reform: when skepticism sets in because another district’s efforts didn’t succeed. Together, they unpack why context matters, how to separate implementation from philosophy, and how to keep students at the center of every grading conversation.
Show Hosts
Garth Larson, Ed.D
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
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
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).