The Fires in Grading

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]

Episode 21: The History of Grading Reform with Dr. Thomas Guskey

In Episode 21 of the Fires in Grading Podcast, Garth Larson, Becky Peppler, and Don Smith sit down with renowned researcher Thomas Guskey to explore the history of grading reform and why the same conversations continue to resurface generation after generation. Drawing on decades of scholarship, Dr. Guskey unpacks the origins of traditional grading practices, the evolution of standards-based grading practices, and the common reasons reform efforts stall. This episode offers historical perspective and practical guidance for leaders committed to building grading systems that are accurate, meaningful, and truly focused on learning rather than ranking and sorting. 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 20: SBG Implementation Through a Principal’s Eyes

In this episode of Fires in Grading, we are joined by Ben Wopat, Principal of West Salem Middle School, to explore what grading reform looks like from the principal’s seat. Ben shares real-world insights on leading implementation, navigating resistance, and building systems that support consistent, learning-focused grading practices. This practical conversation highlights the leadership moves, challenges, and mindset shifts necessary to turn grading reform from theory into sustainable practice.  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]