Tom Schimmer

Many think assessment reform starts with changing the gradebook.

But the biggest shifts happen long before anything gets recorded.

So, let's start by reflecting on what counts, why it matters, & how students can show it. That’s where real transformation begins.

#assessment #education #teachers

[WORKSHOP] There is still time to join me in Atlanta, GA (Sept. 22-23) for the 2-Day, Grading from the Inside Out training.

Register --> tinyurl.com/5f8p2wkt

We focus on developing a standards-based mindset that leads to accurate grades & confident learners!

#assessment #grading #education

🇨🇦 Educators, I am pleased to announce the launch of The Canadian Assessment Centre!

Co-founded by me and Natalie Vardabasso, this is your new
hub for modern assessment practices in Canada.

Listen: linktr.ee/tschimmer
Follow: @cacpd.bsky.social
Email list: tinyurl.com/2ebe8sw9

Standardized tests reward correctness over creativity

But many real-world challenges demand innovative thinking, not just accurate answers

So, let's use performance tasks that encourage creative solutions & novel approaches, even if they look different from student to student

#EduSky #EduSkyChat

Assessment often happens behind closed doors.

But authentic performance tasks thrive with an audience beyond the teacher.

So, let's consider having students present some of their learning publicly (to peers, families, or community members) to strengthen the authenticity of their learning.

Grades are often seen as the final word on a student's ability.

But students grow over time, and #assessment results should reflect that.

So, let's consider using portfolios or multi-step tasks where students can show growth across multiple checkpoints, not just once.

30 min Meeting with Tom Schimmer - Tom Schimmer

[🇨🇦] CAN educators, I could use your help!

Are you leading change in #assessment & #grading?

If so, I'm hoping to have a 30-min chat with you about a new project I'm working on.

So, if you have time b/t now & Sep 2, please follow the link below to book a Zoom.

tinyurl.com/mdpjz7k3 Thank you!🙏

Hey, 🇨🇦 educators, are you leading change in #assessment & #grading?

If so, I'm conducting some empathy interviews for a new project I'm working on & I'd love to chat!

If you can spare just 30 min b/t now & Sep. 2, please click the link below to book a Zoom call

tinyurl.com/mdpjz7k3 Thank you! 🙏

Are you a 🇨🇦 Educator leading change in #assessment & #grading?

If so, I'd love to chat with you about a new project I'm working on. If you can spare 30 minutes, please follow the link below to book a Zoom call. Thank you!

Book a call --> tinyurl.com/3srs3f5t

Traditional tests often focus on speed, not depth.

But rushing through content only rewards surface learning and sidelines reflection.

So, let's design assessments that allow students to take their time, think deeply, and develop thoughtful, nuanced responses.

#assessment #education #teaching

Some fear that giving students choice will reduce academic rigor.

However, when grounded in clear outcomes, choice increases ownership, meaning, and motivation.

So, let's make student choice the default by allowing personalization in product, process, or topic.

#EduSky #EduSkyChat #assessment

Rich, complex #assessments are often reserved for “gifted” students.

But critical competencies (like collaboration, critical thinking, & communication) are essential for all learners.

So, let's make next-generation assessments the norm; all students deserve access to them!

#EduSky #EduSkyChat

Most teachers finish the year thinking, “Next year will be better," but without reflection, we recreate the same chaos.

In Ep. 15 of Assess THAT, we discuss a 5-question #assessment audit to end the year with clarity.

🟣 Apple apple.co/3TqfLRX
🟢 Spotify tinyurl.com/cef4rv84

#EduSky #EduSkyChat

Traditional #assessments often prioritize recall & isolated skills.

But today’s learners need to reason, synthesize, & respond to real situations.

So, let's design assessments that are modern, student-centred, & iterative. Let students show how their thinking evolves, not just what they memorized

Two students can do the same work and receive different grades depending on the teacher.

That’s not autonomy, it’s inequity.

So let's work on grading consistently by engaging in collaborative scoring and co-creating clear criteria. Equity begins with consistency in how we assess.

Traditional tests often focus on what’s easy to score, not always what matters

Memorized facts don’t reveal whether students can apply, synthesize, or create.

So, let's start using performance tasks that challenge students to think & transfer learning.

#assessment #education #teacher #EduSky

Self-assessment is often underutilized or improperly implemented.

When taught effectively, it empowers students to invest in their learning journey from beginning to end.

So, let's integrate structured self-assessment practices to develop metacognitive skills essential for lifelong learning.

Traditional grading practices often fail today's learners.

Real change starts in the middle not at the extremes.

It's time to reform assessment practices to be equitable and reflective of all students, not just those born on 3rd base.

#assessment #atplc #grading #education #EduSky #EduSkyChat

Many believe Standards-Based Grading (SBG) is meant to boost achievement.

SBG isn't about raising achievement—it's about accurately verifying it.

Use grades to reflect true proficiency, not as motivational tools or rewards for obedience.

#EduSky #EduSkyChat #assessment #education

The Freedom Formula: A 3-Step Process to Launch an Education Business Join Tom Schimmer and Natalie Vardabasso—former educators turned global education thought leaders—for a powerful 60-minute session to kickstart your journey into speaking, coaching and educational con...

Two stories:

1️⃣ You play it safe, stay stuck, & keep waiting.
2️⃣ You bet on yourself, reinvigorate, & expand your impact.

If #2 lights you up…

✨ Join our FREE webinar:
🆓The Freedom Formula:
🗓 June 4 | 7pm ET (4pm PT)

www.unleashyes.org/webinar

Is it time to reimagine your role within education?

[NEW POD] In Ep. 14, Natalie and I continue the discussion of our new book, "Rehumanzing #Assessment."

Storytelling is not fluffy. It's at the heart of humanity, whether telling the story of WHAT or HOW I'm learning.

🟣 Apple apple.co/3YY7qIy
🟢 Spotify tinyurl.com/cef4rv84

#EduSkyChat #EduSky

[NEW EPISODE] In Ep. 12, Natalie & I discuss the important intersection between #assessment & #UDL.

🟣 Apple apple.co/4isc0FT
🟢 Spotify tinyurl.com/cef4rv84

Still hoping @bryoncar.bsky.social gets us back in the rotation haha!

#teachers #education #education #atplc

The “Skills vs Content” debate is a mirage and a false dichotomy.

“Skills” (or competencies) need content for substance; you always have to think about something.

“Content” needs cognitive complexity & needs to be used or it’s just trivia.

🎙️[NEW] In Ep 11 of “Assess THAT, Natalie and I play the game, "Would You Rather?" (Assessment Edition)

🟣 Apple apple.co/3G5vjY8
🟢 Spotify tinyurl.com/cef4rv84

#EduSky

Thank you, @meganrogholt.bsky.social! You are too kind! Please reach out as questions emerge!

[NEW EPISODE] Ep. 10 of Assess THAT features our conversation about "Assessing PBL & Inquiry-Based Learning."

PBL & inquiry can be deep & sophisticated, or it can be fluff.

🟣 Apple apple.co/41ZDjlL
🟢 Spotify tinyurl.com/cef4rv84

#PBL #inquiry #education #teachers #assessment #EduSky #EduSkyChat

[BONUS] From the Tom Schimmer Podcast archives (July '22) comes this interview with Gholdy Muhammad.

We focused on her book, "Cultivating Genius, an Equity Framework for Culturally & Historically Responsive Literacy."

🟣 Apple apple.co/4gXaLO9
🟢 Spotify tinyurl.com/cef4rv84

#EduSkyChat #EduSky

[NEW BOOK] I'm so excited that "Rehumanzing Assessment" will be out on May 16!

We share how story structures can elicit authentic evidence of learning without compromising rigor.

There is more to #assessment than stapled packets.

Pre-Order --> tinyurl.com/4hzt94sd

#grading #EduSkyChat #EduSky

Honestly, seeing my books on display never gets old!

Spending today presenting at the PLC Summit here in Phoenix, AZ!

KEYNOTE: The Grading Trap!
BREAKOUT: Redefining Student Accountability

I’m looking forward to a great day! #EduSkyChat #EduSky #assessment #grading #education #teachers

Spending the day at Sartell High School in Sartell, MN (where it was -28F this morning 🥶) talking “Grading from the Inside Out!” Great table discussions so far! #EduSkyChat #EduSky #grading #GFIO