Episodes
March 29, 2021
Happiness Killer | Defining Success | Transcripts
In Don't @ Me (2:16), Tom identifies the most efficient and effective happiness killer. Then (15:11) hear how the first 24 guests have answered the question, "What's your definition of success?" Finally, in Assessment Corner (37:02), Tom describes wh...
March 22, 2021
Relentless Outrage | Matt Townsley | Leading Change in Assessment (2)
In Don't @ Me (1:24), Tom takes aim at the relentlessly outraged and details why we are all at risk of losing all perspective, resiliency, individuality, & common-sense. Then, Tom is joined by Dr. Matt Townsley (15:30) to discuss the implementation o...
March 15, 2021
Happy for Others | Peter DeWitt | Leading Change in Assessment
In Don't @ Me (2:45), Tom examines the question of why it's so hard for us to be happy for others. Then, Tom is joined by Dr. Peter DeWitt (17:38) to discuss what it means to be an instructional leader. Finally, in Assessment Corner (1:19:07), Tom us...
March 8, 2021
Defending vs Defensive | Alexa Schmid | Normative Tendencies
In Don't @ Me (3:51), Tom outlines the challenges we face when deciding whether someone is defending themselves or being defensive. Then, Tom is joined by Alexa Schmid (16:42), Middle School Principal at the International School of Kenya, to discuss ...
March 1, 2021
Introspection Illusions | Natalie Conway | Consumable Report Cards?
In Don't @ Me (2:13), Tom highlights the psychological phenomenon of "introspection illusion" (via Dr. Emily Pronin) and talks about its impact on both our disagreements with colleagues and on student self-reflection. Then, Tom is joined by Natalie C...
Feb. 26, 2021
BONUS: Standardized Testing with Tom Guskey
In this bonus episode, Tom is joined by Tom Guskey to discuss the recent decision by the Biden Administration to mandate that standardized tests proceed this spring. The conversation focuses on this acute decision and standardized tests in general.
T...
Feb. 22, 2021
Defending EduSpeak | Trevor MacKenzie | Self-Reflection
In Don't @ Me (2:05) Tom takes aim at those who (wrongly) use the terms like "EduSpeak" or "Buzzword" to refer to important, research-validated processes. Then, Tom is joined by Trevor MacKenzie (10:02) to discuss inquiry-based learning and how to br...
Feb. 15, 2021
Allure of Labels | Starr Sackstein | Multiple-Choice
In Don't @ Me (1:34) Tom shares his thoughts on why (now more than ever) people use labels to undercut the credibility of those with whom they disagree. Then, Tom is joined by Starr Sackstein (10:48) to discuss her assessment journey and her quest to...
Feb. 9, 2021
Experience for Nuance | Jay McTighe | Assessing Creativity
In Don't @ Me (6:18) Tom examines the strange relationship some educators have with research and suggests that our experience be used to add the nuances of implementation. Then, Tom is joined by Jay McTighe (15:15) to discuss "Designing Authentic Per...
Feb. 1, 2021
Learning Loss Illusion | Shauna Brown | Net-Zero Grading Reform
In Don't @ Me (2:50) Tom explains why he's done talking about the "COVID learning loss" and why rich, engaging opportunities now are all students need going forward; that "catching-up" is a manufactured narrative. Then Tom is joined by Shauna Brown (...
Jan. 25, 2021
Psychology of Conspiracy | Katie Novak | Atypical Assessments (2)
In Don't @ Me (1:58) Tom explores the psychological motives behind why some people believe strongly in conspiracy theories and potentially how to support those who realize the theories were wrong. Then, in the interview (14:08), Tom is joined by auth...
Jan. 18, 2021
Professional Judgment | Rick Wormeli | Atypical Assessments
In Don't @ Me (2:48) Tom asserts that now is the time for teachers to reclaim their professional judgment; however, to do so, he also asserts that teachers must be prepared for the responsibilities that come with it. Then, in the interview (15:14), T...