17 - Grade Expectations: Resetting the Rules for a New Year

When it comes to transforming assessment, few educators bridge the gap between vision and practice quite like Danielle Paloposki. As a passionate advocate for outcomes-based learning, Danielle helps schools move beyond the chaos of percentages and points toward a system grounded in clarity, consistency, and authentic evidence of learning. Her work challenges the old myths of grading by reminding us that fairness isn’t about giving everyone the same task, but about ensuring every learner has a clear pathway to demonstrate mastery. In this conversation, Tom and Nat sit down with Danielle to explore how schools can make the philosophical shift to an outcomes-based mindset while navigating the very real challenges of implementation and leadership. They also dig into her upcoming CAC webinar, “AI Won’t Pass THIS Test: Moving from AI Cheating to Authentic Evidence of Learning,” where she reframes the AI “cheating” narrative and reminds us that technology can only expose what was never truly authentic to begin with. This one’s all about designing learning and assessment that machines can’t mimic and humans can’t fake.   November 15 Webinar: A.I. Won't Pass THIS Test!   🍁CANADIAN ASSESSMENT CENTRE Join our mailing list for assessment strategies, new podcast episodes, upcoming events, and all things Canadian Assessment. Join Here CAC on Instagram CAC on Facebook CAC on X EMAIL: [email protected]     PROFESSIONAL LEARNING EVENTS   -Dec 2-3, 2025 (Tom) Standards-Based Learning in Action (Austin, TX) -April 9-10, 2026 Canadian Assessment Spring Conference (Vancouver, BC)     NEW BOOK FROM TOM & NAT Rehumanizing Assessment     CONNECT WITH TOM & NATALIE Podcast on X Tom on X Natalie on X Podcast on IG Tom on IG Natalie on IG

Formative assessment is one of education’s most powerful tools, but its real impact lies in the subtle, often-overlooked nuances that transform it from good to great. In this episode, Tom and Nat explore five key moves that elevate formative practice, from designing prompts that elicit the right evidence of learning to interpreting student thinking with precision and timing feedback for maximum impact. Drawing from real examples across math, literacy, science, social studies, and the arts, they show how small shifts in practice can yield big gains in student understanding and ownership. Whether you’re new to formative assessment or looking to refine your craft, this conversation will leave you rethinking how evidence, feedback, and instructional decisions can work together to drive deeper learning.     🍁CANADIAN ASSESSMENT CENTRE Join our mailing list for assessment strategies, new podcast episodes, upcoming events, and all things Canadian Assessment. Join Here CAC on Instagram CAC on Facebook CAC on X EMAIL: [email protected]     PROFESSIONAL LEARNING EVENTS   -Oct 22-23 (Tom) Grading from the Inside Out (San Diego, CA) -Oct 23-24 (Natalie) Grading from the Inside Out (Spokane, WA) -Dec 2-3, 2025 (Tom) Standards-Based Learning in Action (Austin, TX) -April 9-10, 2026 Canadian Assessment Spring Conference (Vancouver, BC)     NEW BOOK FROM TOM & NAT Rehumanizing Assessment     CONNECT WITH TOM & NATALIE Podcast on X Tom on X Natalie on X Podcast on IG Tom on IG Natalie on IG

In this episode, Tom & Nat sit down with Karley Alleyn, a Canadian Assessment Centre consultant and a powerful voice helping educators rethink what assessment can be. Drawing on her graduate research in assessment identity, Karley explores how our personal experiences, beliefs, and emotions as educators shape our approach to assessing students. Her insights help teachers understand why they do what they do and how greater self-awareness can lead to more authentic and equitable assessment practices. Karley shares stories from her Assessment Accelerator program, offering practical ways for teachers to move from assessment frustration to confidence. Whether you’re a classroom teacher, instructional coach, or school leader, this conversation will challenge you to see assessment not just as a set of practices, but as a reflection of who you are and the kind of learning environment you want to create.     🍁CANADIAN ASSESSMENT CENTRE Join our mailing list for assessment strategies, new podcast episodes, upcoming events, and all things Canadian Assessment. Join Here CAC on Instagram CAC on Facebook CAC on X EMAIL: [email protected]     PROFESSIONAL LEARNING EVENTS   -Oct 22-23 (Tom) Grading from the Inside Out (San Diego, CA) -Oct 23-24 (Natalie) Grading from the Inside Out (Spokane, WA) -Dec 2-3, 2025 (Tom) Standards-Based Learning in Action (Austin, TX) -April 9-10, 2026 Canadian Assessment Spring Conference (Vancouver, BC)     NEW BOOK FROM TOM & NAT Rehumanizing Assessment     CONNECT WITH TOM & NATALIE Podcast on X Tom on X Natalie on X Podcast on IG Tom on IG Natalie on IG

Exams have long been a fixture in schools, but too often they end up measuring memory and endurance more than deep learning. In this episode, we challenge the tradition of final exams and explore how schools can reimagine them into experiences that actually matter for students. From case studies and performance tasks to choice-driven assessments, we share practical ways to transform exams into authentic, equitable, and engaging showcases of learning. Whether you’re a teacher redesigning a course or a leader guiding policy, you’ll leave with clear ideas to make exams the most valuable moment of the year.     🍁CANADIAN ASSESSMENT CENTRE Join our mailing list for assessment strategies, new podcast episodes, upcoming events, and all things Canadian Assessment. Join Here CAC on Instagram CAC on Facebook CAC on X EMAIL: [email protected]     PROFESSIONAL LEARNING EVENTS   -Oct 22-23 (Tom) Grading from the Inside Out (San Diego, CA) -Oct 23-24 (Natalie) Grading from the Inside Out (Spokane, WA) -Dec 2-3, 2025 (Tom) Standards-Based Learning in Action (Austin, TX) -April 9-10, 2026 Canadian Assessment Spring Conference (Vancouver, BC)     NEW BOOK FROM TOM & NAT Rehumanizing Assessment     CONNECT WITH TOM & NATALIE Podcast on X Tom on X Natalie on X Podcast on IG Tom on IG Natalie on IG

Creativity isn’t a bonus skill for a lucky few — it’s a core competency every student needs to thrive in an unpredictable future. In this episode, Tom and Nat break down why creativity deserves a place in your assessment plan and, more importantly, exactly how to make that happen without stifling student imagination. You’ll learn practical strategies for defining creativity, building student-friendly criteria, and making both the process and product visible. Along the way, they share examples to show that creative thinking belongs in every classroom. Whether you’re looking for small tweaks or a complete rethink, you’ll leave with tools that empower students to take bold risks and produce original work they’re proud of. Assessing creativity isn’t just possible — it’s one of the most powerful ways to prepare your learners for the world ahead.     🍁CANADIAN ASSESSMENT CENTRE Join our mailing list for assessment strategies, new podcast episodes, upcoming events, and all things Canadian Assessment. Join Here CAC on Instagram CAC on Facebook CAC on X EMAIL: [email protected]     PROFESSIONAL LEARNING EVENTS -Sep 22-23 (Tom) Grading from the Inside Out  (Atlanta, GA) -Oct 22-23 (Tom) Grading from the Inside Out (San Diego, CA) -Oct 23-24 (Natalie) Grading from the Inside Out (Spokane, WA) -Dec 2-3, 2025 (Tom) Standards-Based Learning in Action (Auston, TX) -April 9-10, 2026 Canadian Assessment Spring Conference (Vancouver, BC)     NEW BOOK FROM TOM & NAT Rehumanizing Assessment     CONNECT WITH TOM & NATALIE Podcast on X Tom on X Natalie on X Podcast on IG Tom on IG Natalie on IG

In this bonus episode of Assess THAT with Tom & Nat, we’re excited to introduce the Canadian Assessment Centre (CAC) — a new national hub dedicated to helping schools modernize their assessment and grading practices with clarity, credibility, and care.   We share the story of why CAC was created, outline our Charter, Vision, and Mission, and highlight what’s coming: free webinars, mini-courses, on-site PD, and national conferences. We also announce our first-ever national conference, taking place on April 9–10, 2026, in Vancouver, BC — a coast-to-coast gathering designed for Canadian educators to connect, collaborate, and shape the future of assessment. While CAC is built by Canadians, for Canadians, we warmly invite our U.S. and international colleagues to join us in learning and leading together.   🍁CANADIAN ASSESSMENT CENTRE Join our mailing list for assessment strategies, new podcast episodes, upcoming events, and all things Canadian Assessment. Join Here CAC on Instagram CAC on Facebook CAC on X EMAIL: [email protected]   PROFESSIONAL LEARNING EVENTS -Sep 22-23 (Tom) Grading from the Inside Out  (Atlanta, GA) -Oct 22-23 (Tom) Grading from the Inside Out (San Diego, CA) -Oct 23-24 (Natalie) Grading from the Inside Out (Spokane, WA) -Dec 2-3, 2025 (Tom) Standards-Based Learning in Action (Auston, TX) -April 9-10, 2026 Canadian Assessment Spring Conference (Vancouver, BC)   NEW BOOK FROM TOM & NAT Rehumanizing Assessment   CONNECT WITH TOM & NATALIE Podcast on X Tom on X Natalie on X Podcast on IG Tom on IG Natalie on IG Email: [email protected]      

As a new school year begins, it’s the perfect time to revisit the grading habits we’ve carried forward, sometimes without question. In this episode, Tom and Nat unpack five common grading “rules” that may be doing more harm than good. With a mix of mindset shifts and actionable tips, they invite educators to hit reset and design grading practices that actually support learning. Whether you’re just starting or looking to go deeper, this episode offers clarity, encouragement, and a fresh perspective for the year ahead. PROFESSIONAL LEARNING EVENTS Sep 22-23 (Tom) Grading from the Inside Out  (Atlanta, GA) Oct 22-23 (Tom) Grading from the Inside Out (San Diego, CA) Oct 23-24 (Natalie) Grading from the Inside Out (Spokane, WA) Dec 2-3, 2025 (Tom) Standards-Based Learning in Action (Auston, TX)   NEW BOOK FROM TOM & NAT Rehumanizing Assessment   Unleash YES Unleash YES Instagram   CONNECT WITH TOM & NATALIE Podcast on X Tom on X Natalie on X Podcast on IG Tom on IG Natalie on IG Email: [email protected]      

In this back-to-school episode, Tom and Nat dive into the often-overlooked reality that your first assessments and grading decisions send powerful messages to students that can shape the classroom culture for the entire year. They unpack how early assessment choices communicate your values, influence student confidence, and either build or erode trust. From designing low-stakes, feedback-rich tasks to avoiding common grading traps, you’ll discover practical ways to set a learning-focused tone from day one. Whether you’re a new teacher or a seasoned pro, this episode will help you start the year with clarity, intention, and an assessment culture that inspires growth.   PROFESSIONAL LEARNING EVENTS September 22-23 (Tom) Grading from the Inside Out  Atlanta, GA October 22-23 (Tom) Grading from the Inside Out  San Diego, CA October 23-24 (Natalie) Grading from the Inside Out  Spokane, WA December 2-3, 2025 (Tom) Standards-Based Learning in Action  San Diego, CA   NEW BOOK FROM TOM & NAT Rehumanizing Assessment   Unleash YES Unleash YES Instagram   CONNECT WITH TOM & NATALIE   Podcast on X Tom on X Natalie on X Podcast on IG Tom on IG Natalie on IG Email: [email protected]    

As the school year winds down, it’s the perfect time to pause, reflect, and refine. In this episode, Tom and Nat walk you through five powerful questions to guide an end-of-year assessment audit—no data deep dives or compliance checklists required. Just clear, practical ways to decide what assessment strategies to keep, adjust, or let go. Whether you’re packing up your classroom or planning for next year, this episode will help you carry forward what works and ditch what doesn’t.   PROFESSIONAL LEARNING EVENTS June 25-27 (Tom & Nat) ST Assessment Collaborative Institute  Madison, WI   September 22-23 (Tom) Grading from the Inside Out  Atlanta, GA October 22-23 (Tom) Grading from the Inside Out  San Diego, CA December 2-3, 2025 (Tom) Standards-Based Learning in Action  San Diego, CA   NEW BOOK FROM TOM & NAT Rehumanizing Assessment   Unleash YES Unleash YES Instagram   CONNECT WITH TOM & NATALIE   Podcast on X Tom on X Natalie on X Podcast on IG Tom on IG Natalie on IG Email: [email protected]

In this episode, Tom and Nat continue the discussion about their new book, "Rehumanizing Assessment: Gathering Evidence of Student Learning through Storytelling." This episode takes a deeper dive into how, through various story structures, students can tell the story of WHAT they're learning and HOW they're learning.   PROFESSIONAL LEARNING EVENTS June 25-27 (Tom & Nat) ST Assessment Collaborative Institute  Madison, WI   September 22-23 (Tom) Grading from the Inside Out  Atlanta, GA October 22-23 (Tom) Grading from the Inside Out  San Diego, CA December 2-3, 2025 (Tom) Standards-Based Learning in Action  San Diego, CA   NEW BOOK FROM TOM & NAT Rehumanizing Assessment   Unleash YES Unleash YES Instagram   CONNECT WITH TOM & NATALIE   Podcast on X Tom on X Natalie on X Podcast on IG Tom on IG Natalie on IG Email: [email protected]