Episodes
April 21, 2025
12 - Assessment & UDL
In this episode, Tom and Nat explore the intersection between assessment and Universal Design for Learning (UDL). Specifically, they highlight five important connections: UDL means designing assessments from the start with fl...
April 7, 2025
11 - Would You Rather? (Assessment Edition)
In this episode, Tom and Nat play the game "Would You Rather," exploring five assessment dilemmas that teachers and schools often face: Would You Rather: #1: Allow students to redo assessments right up to report card deadline...
March 10, 2025
10 - Assessing PBL & Inquiry
Tom and Nat explore some important reminders about how to ensure that the assessment of both Project- and Inquiry-Based Learning are meaningful, cognitively complex, and substantive. Just "doing" PBL or Inquiry is not enough....
Feb. 24, 2025
BONUS [TSP Classic] - Gholdy Muhammad (July 2022)
In this Tom Schimmer Podcast classic, Tom is joined by Gholdy Muhammad to discuss her book, "Cultivating Genius, an Equity Framework for Culturally and Historically Responsive Literacy." Gholdy on X: @GholdyM Gholdy on Instag...
Feb. 10, 2025
EP9: 3 Year Checklist for Implementing Standards-Based Grading
In this episode, Tom and Nat share a three-year checklist for implementing standards-based grading. Of course, every checklist must be checked" against the culture and nuances of each specific situation. but generally, this c...
Jan. 27, 2025
EP8: The Secrets to Self-Assessment
In this episode, Tom and Nat discuss the "Secrets to Self-Assessment." Having students competent in self-assessment is the ultimate outcome of teachers' assessment literacy; teachers need to teach students how to do it. Tom a...
Dec. 2, 2024
EP7: The Grading Trap!
In this episode, Tom and Natalie discuss the "Grading Trap," which inadvertently occurs when traditional grading practices - things like zeros for missing work, late penalties, and mixing behavior with academic performance - ...
Nov. 18, 2024
EP6: Three Quick Assessment Wins
In this episode, Tom and Natalie discuss three quick assessment wins. Each "win" falls within a specific aspect of assessment. Formative: Engineer conversations Summative: Reorganize the gradebook. Student Agency: Feedback th...
Nov. 4, 2024
EP5: The Anatomy of a Good Rubric
In this episode, Tom and Natalie discuss what makes a good rubric. They discuss the art and science of rubrics and what constitutes a high-quality rubric. They also discuss the differences between analytic, holistic, and sing...
Oct. 21, 2024
EP4: Are Common Assessments Worth It?
In this episode, Tom and Natalie ask, "Are Common Assessments Worth It?" Spoiler alert: they are, as long as certain fundamentals and conditions are adhered to. In particular, when common assessments are used formatively they...
Oct. 7, 2024
EP3: Feedback - Simple & Complex
In this episode, Tom and Natalie explore the topic of feedback. They discuss it as both simple and complex. It's simple because there is unanimous agreement in academia about the role feedback plays in increasing student lear...
Sept. 23, 2024
EP2: Quieting the Grading Noise
In this episode of Assess THAT, Tom and Nat discuss how educators can quiet the grading noise. Whether it be the traditional graders on one side or the undgraders on the other, many educators can find themselves feeling uncer...
Sept. 9, 2024
EP1: Five Reasons we're still "doing" Assessment
In this first episode of Assess THAT, Tom & Nat discuss the five reasons assessment must still be an essential part of every educator's professional learning plan. UPCOMING PROFESSIONAL LEARNING Sep. 23-24: GFIO 2-Day (Tom) M...
Sept. 2, 2024
TRAILER - Introducing Assess THAT with Tom & Nat (Assessment, Grading,
Introducing Assess THAT with Tom & Nat! Tom Schimmer and Natalie Vardabasso will be your go-to podcast for everything assessment. From formative assessment to feedback to grading, Tom and Natalie will share their expertise an...
Aug. 29, 2024
[TSP Classic] Ken Williams (March 2022)
MARCH 2022: Tom was joined by Ken Williams, author of Ruthless Equity and Starting a Movement Ken on X: @unfoldthesoul Ken on Instagram: @unfoldthesoul Ken on Facebook: Unfold The Soul Ken on LinkedIn: Kenneth C. Williams Ken...
Aug. 14, 2024
[TSP Classic] John Hattie (October 2022)
OCTOBER 2022: Tom was joined by Dr. John Hattie for a conversation about his Visible Learning research. Visible Learning Website: www.visible-learning.org Hattie Foundation Website: www.hattieff.org UYES PODCAST UYES podcast ...
July 15, 2024
[TSP Classic] Yvette Jackson (May 2021)
MAY 2021: Tom was joined by Dr. Yvette Jackson, author of Pedagogy of Confidence, to discuss the equity issue surrounding Special Education and Gifted programs. Yvette Jackson does not have an active social media presence. Em...
July 13, 2024
INTRODUCING: UYES Podcast with Tom Schimmer & Natalie Vardabasso
Are you feeling stifled in your job? Have you gone from being celebrated to being the problem? Are you ready to become your boss and finally live the life you were always meant for? If you answered 'yes' to any of the above q...
July 8, 2024
[TSP Classic] Zaretta Hammond: Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain
JUNE 2022: Tom was joined by author Zaretta Hammond to discuss her 2015 book, "Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain." Zaretta on X: @Ready4rigor Zaretta on Instagram: @crtandthebrain Zaretta on Facebook: CRTandtheBrai...
June 21, 2024
I'm Back | Paula Maeker | UYES!
In this episode, Tom shares where he has been and why it has been six months since his last episode. Then (4:54) Tom is joined by his good friend and colleague Paula Maeker to discuss the most promising practices in Literacy....
Jan. 15, 2024
Elevate Your Moments | Ashley Aoki | Assessment Pressure
In the Mindset Moment (2:44), Tom talks about why it is essential to elevate your moments. Elevating the little things will make your life feel elevated. Then (8:00) Tom is joined by teacher and former student Ashley Aoki to discuss "Spirals of Inqui...
Dec. 11, 2023
BONUS: Assessment, Change, & Mindset through Story (w/ Natalie Vardabasso)
In this bonus crossover episode, Tom is joined by co-author Natalie Vardabasso to discuss their upcoming book "Rehumanizing Assessment through Story." This led to further conversations about the power of stories:
Assessment through Story (1:50)
Chan...
Oct. 9, 2023
Why Not Me? | Jon Orr | Implementation Errors
In the Mindset Minute (1:58), Tom shares the mantra "Why not me?" as one way of trying to combat imposter syndrome. Then (5:50) Tom is joined by Math expert and podcast host Jon Orr to discuss the state of the Math Wars and all things mathematics. Fi...
Sept. 25, 2023
Allow the Negative | Alex Kajitani | Assessment Dilemma
In the Mindset Minute (1:53), Tom shares his thoughts on why we must allow our negative thoughts to flow through us. Then (6:18) Tom is joined by author, speaker, and trapping Mathematician Alex Kajitani to discuss his latest book, "Owning It: Proven...