The Fires in Grading

Episode 26: What Auto Grading Misses - Why efficiency can’t replace insight into student learning

Technology has made it easier than ever for teachers to create and grade assessments quickly. But what happens when efficiency replaces insight? In this episode, Becky, Don, and Garth explore a growing trend in classrooms: computer generated assessments that are automatically graded and return only a score. While these tools can save time, they can also limit teachers’ ability to see student thinking, identify misconceptions, and provide meaningful guidance for improvement. The conversation isn’t about rejecting technology. It’s about finding the right balance. Together, they unpack what auto grading can be useful for, what it often misses, and how teachers can protect their time without losing visibility into student learning. Learn more about our sponsors: Otus: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://hubs.li/Q03StGb_0⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://hubs.li/Q03StGb_0⁠⁠⁠⁠] STAGR Center:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://firsteducation-us.com/stagr⁠⁠⁠ [ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://firsteducation-us.com/stagr⁠⁠]

Episode 25: What is the Purpose of Assessment?

In this episode we explore a foundational question: What’s the purpose of assessment? Too often, assessment is viewed as a way to generate grades, but what if its true purpose is to gather evidence of learning? This episode challenges common practices, reframes assessment as a tool to reveal learning, and offers practical insights for shifting mindsets in classrooms and schools. Learn more about our sponsors: Otus: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://hubs.li/Q03StGb_0⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://hubs.li/Q03StGb_0⁠⁠⁠⁠] STAGR Center:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://firsteducation-us.com/stagr⁠⁠⁠ [ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://firsteducation-us.com/stagr⁠⁠]

Episode 24: Reviewing your SBG progress and process

In this episode we explore why standards-based learning is never a “set it and forget it” process. Many schools assume that once standards are prioritized and learning targets are created, the work is complete—but in reality, this is where the real work begins. The team discusses the importance of regularly reviewing standards, proficiency scales, assessments, and gradebooks to ensure they remain aligned and meaningful. They also highlight common pitfalls schools encounter when they treat these tools as static documents rather than living parts of instruction. This episode offers practical guidance on building a sustainable review cycle that keeps clarity and student learning at the center. If your system is sitting in a binder instead of driving daily practice, this conversation is for you. Learn more about our sponsors: Otus: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://hubs.li/Q03StGb_0⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://hubs.li/Q03StGb_0⁠⁠⁠⁠] STAGR Center: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://firsteducation-us.com/stagr⁠⁠ [ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://firsteducation-us.com/stagr⁠⁠]

Episode 23: Is There a School Just Like Us Doing This?

It is one of the most common questions we hear in grading reform work. In Episode 23, Becky, Don, and Garth explore why educators naturally look for examples before moving forward — and how that instinct can either support progress or unintentionally slow it down. They discuss how to structure school visits and cross district conversations so they inspire action, not comparison, and how to shift from waiting for a perfect match to building clarity in your own context. Learn more about our sponsors: Otus: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://hubs.li/Q03StGb_0⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://hubs.li/Q03StGb_0⁠⁠⁠] STAGR Center: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://firsteducation-us.com/stagr⁠⁠ [⁠⁠⁠https://firsteducation-us.com/stagr⁠]

Episode 22: Why Prioritizing Standards Matters with Special Guest Larry Ainsworth

Episode 22 of Fires in Grading features Larry Ainsworth in a practical conversation about why prioritizing standards is essential for meaningful grading reform. Don, Becky, and Garth examine what happens when schools try to teach everything with equal emphasis and why that approach often leads to shallow learning and limited feedback. Larry shares the research behind prioritization, explains the REAL process, and discusses how schools can identify what is truly essential for student success. The episode also highlights why textbooks are not designed to serve as prioritization tools and why clarity must come before alignment in grading systems. For schools working through the STAGR roadmap, this episode offers a clear look at why Step 02 shapes everything that follows. Learn more about our sponsors: Otus: ⁠⁠⁠https://hubs.li/Q03StGb_0⁠⁠⁠ [https://hubs.li/Q03StGb_0⁠⁠⁠] STAGR Center: ⁠⁠⁠https://firsteducation-us.com/stagr⁠ [⁠⁠⁠https://firsteducation-us.com/stagr⁠]