HeyJaredThe Fires in Grading
In response to the challenges of transforming assessment and grading practices, this show offers educators and administrators insights and practical solutions to address common resistance points—or "fires"—in grading reform.The Fires in Grading Podcast is sponsored by Otus.
- Indexed episodes, last 90 days
- 6
- Latest publication
- Sep 18, 2026
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- Earliest in this view
- Jul 10, 2026
Latest episodes
Episode 33: Gratitude to Those That Have Influenced Us (opens the original)
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In Episode 33 of Fires in Grading , Don, Becky, and Garth reflect on three influential voices who helped shape their thinking about assessment and grading: Ken O’Connor, Tom Guskey, and Rick Wormeli. The team explores how each challenged traditional grading practices, influenced the standards-based grading movement, and continues to shape the work happening in schools today. More than a look back, this episode is a tribute to the ideas and people who continue to push educators to question, refin
Episode 32: What is the Principal's Role in Making Standards-Based Grading Successful? (opens the original)
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The school year has just begun, and principals everywhere are balancing countless priorities while trying to lead meaningful instructional improvement. In this episode of Fires in Grading , Becky Peppler, Don Smith, and Garth Larson explore one of the most important—and often overlooked—questions in grading reform: What is the principal's role in making Standards-Based Grading successful? Together, they discuss how school leaders create the conditions for sustainable change, common leadership mi
Episode 31: More Than Grades: Becky's Journey to Grading Reform (opens the original)
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In this special episode of Fires in Grading , the hosts begin a new series that explores the personal journeys behind their passion for assessment and grading reform. Garth Larson and Don Smith sit down with Becky Peppler to discuss her path from classroom teacher to national consultant, the experiences that challenged her thinking about traditional grading, and the students who inspired her to seek a better way. Becky also shares the key lessons she's learned throughout her career, the influenc
Episode 30: New Teachers, Old Habits: Protecting Your SBL Culture (opens the original)
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In Episode 30 of Fires in Grading , Don, Becky, and Garth tackle one of the most overlooked challenges in grading reform: onboarding new teachers. While many districts invest significant time and effort into developing standards-based grading systems, far fewer create intentional processes to help new staff understand and sustain that work. The team explores how relying on mentors, assumptions, or “learning as you go” can lead to inconsistency, system drift, and the gradual erosion of a district
Episode 29: Does SBG Work for Students with IEPs? (opens the original)
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One of the biggest concerns schools raise during grading reform is: “What about special education?” In Episode 29 of Fires in Grading, Becky, Don, and Garth are joined by special guest Danica Lewis to unpack the complicated and often misunderstood relationship between special education and standards-based grading. Together, the team explores common misconceptions around IEPs, accommodations, modified expectations, grading practices, and student support systems. The conversation focuses on how st
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