Assess THAT with Tom & Nat! (Assessment, Feedback, Grading, and Learning)

25 - The Ghosts of Grading Past, Present & Future (Rethinking Assessment Through A Christmas Carol)

15 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this special holiday episode of Assess THAT with Tom & Nat, Tom and Natalie explore grading through the timeless lens of Charles Dickens’ A C...

24 - The 12 Days of Assessment: Small Teacher Moves with Big Impact

01 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As the year winds down and classrooms settle into December’s quieter rhythm, Tom and Natalie invite you to pull up a chair for a fireside conversati...

23 - Trust the Teacher: Why Percentages Fail and Professional Judgment Prevails

17 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Tom & Nat tackle one of education’s biggest myths: that percentages make grading fair and objective. They break down how percen...

22 - Outcomes-Based Grading & Artificial Intelligence in Education with Danielle Paloposki

03 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When it comes to transforming assessment, few educators bridge the gap between vision and practice quite like Danielle Paloposki. As a passionate advo...

21 - The 5 Nuances That Take Formative Assessment from Good to Great!

20 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Formative assessment is one of education’s most powerful tools, but its real impact lies in the subtle, often-overlooked nuances that transform it f...

20 - Assessment Identity with Karley Alleyn

06 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Tom & Nat sit down with Karley Alleyn, a Canadian Assessment Centre consultant and a powerful voice helping educators rethink wha...

19 - Reimagining Final Exams

22 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 chall...

18 - Assessing Creativity Without Killing It

08 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 episod...

🍁 BONUS - The Canadian Assessment Centre

29 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this bonus episode of Assess THAT with Tom & Nat, we’re excited to introduce the Canadian Assessment Centre (CAC) — a new national hub dedi...

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

25 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 episod...

16 - First Impressions, Lasting Impact: Designing Your Assessment Culture from Day One

11 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this back-to-school episode, Tom and Nat dive into the often-overlooked reality that your first assessments and grading decisions send powerful mes...

15 - Year-End Assessment Audit

16 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ques...

14 - Rehumanizing Assessment (Pt. 2)

19 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Tom and Nat continue the discussion about their new book, "Rehumanizing Assessment: Gathering Evidence of Student Learning through St...

13 - Rehumanizing Assessment (Pt. 1)

05 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Tom and Nat introduce listeners to their new book, "Rehumanizing Assessment: Gathering Evidence of Student Learning through Storytell...

12 - Assessment & UDL

21 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Tom and Nat explore the intersection between assessment and Universal Design for Learning (UDL). Specifically, they highlight five im...

11 - Would You Rather? (Assessment Edition)

08 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Tom and Nat play the game "Would You Rather," exploring five assessment dilemmas that teachers and schools often face:   Would You R...

10 - Assessing PBL & Inquiry

10 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Tom and Nat explore some important reminders about how to ensure that the assessment of both Project- and Inquiry-Based Learning are meaningful, cogni...

BONUS [TSP Classic] - Gholdy Muhammad (July 2022)

24 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this Tom Schimmer Podcast classic, Tom is joined by Gholdy Muhammad to discuss her book, "Cultivating Genius, an Equity Framework for Culturally an...

9 - 3 Year Checklist for Implementing Standards-Based Grading

10 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Tom and Nat share a three-year checklist for implementing standards-based grading. Of course, every checklist must be checked" agains...

8 - The Secrets to Self-Assessment

27 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Tom and Nat discuss the "Secrets to Self-Assessment." Having students competent in self-assessment is the ultimate outcome of teacher...

7 - The Grading Trap!

02 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Tom and Natalie discuss the "Grading Trap," which inadvertently occurs when traditional grading practices - things like zeros for mis...

6 - Three Quick Assessment Wins

18 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Tom and Natalie discuss three quick assessment wins. Each "win" falls within a specific aspect of assessment. Formative: Engineer con...

5 - The Anatomy of a Good Rubric

04 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Tom and Natalie discuss what makes a good rubric. They discuss the art and science of rubrics and what constitutes a high-quality rub...

4 - Are Common Assessments Worth It?

21 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Tom and Natalie ask, "Are Common Assessments Worth It?" Spoiler alert: they are, as long as certain fundamentals and conditions are a...

3 - Feedback - Simple & Complex

07 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Tom and Natalie explore the topic of feedback. They discuss it as both simple and complex. It's simple because there is unanimous agr...

2 - Quieting the Grading Noise

23 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Assess THAT, Tom and Nat discuss how educators can quiet the grading noise. Whether it be the traditional graders on one side or th...

1 - Five Reasons we're still "doing" Assessment

09 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this first episode of Assess THAT, Tom & Nat discuss the five reasons assessment must still be an essential part of every educator's profession...

TRAILER - Introducing Assess THAT with Tom & Nat (Assessment, Grading,

02 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Introducing Assess THAT with Tom & Nat! Tom Schimmer and Natalie Vardabasso will be your go-to podcast for everything assessment. From formative a...

[TSP Classic] John Hattie (October 2022)

14 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

OCTOBER 2022: Tom was joined by Dr. John Hattie for a conversation about his Visible Learning research.   Visible Learning Website: www.visible-learn...

[TSP Classic] Yvette Jackson (May 2021)

15 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

MAY 2021: Tom was joined by Dr. Yvette Jackson, author of Pedagogy of Confidence, to discuss the equity issue surrounding Special Education and Gifted...

INTRODUCING: UYES Podcast with Tom Schimmer & Natalie Vardabasso

13 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Are you feeling stifled in your job? Have you gone from being celebrated to being the problem? Are you ready to become your boss and finally live the ...

[TSP Classic] Zaretta Hammond (June 2022)

08 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

JUNE 2022: Tom was joined by author Zaretta Hammond to discuss her 2015 book, "Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain." Zaretta on X: @Ready4rig...

I'm Back | Paula Maeker | UYES!

21 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Tom shares where he has been and why it has been six months since his last episode. Then (4:54) Tom is joined by his good friend and ...

Elevate Your Moments | Ashley Aoki | Assessment Pressure

15 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In the Mindset Moment (2:44), Tom talks about why it is essential to elevate your moments. Elevating the little things will make your life feel elevat...

BONUS: Assessment, Change, & Mindset through Story (w/ Natalie Vardabasso)

11 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this bonus crossover episode, Tom is joined by co-author Natalie Vardabasso to discuss their upcoming book "Rehumanizing Assessment through Story."...

Why Not Me? | Jon Orr | Implementation Errors

09 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In the Mindset Minute (1:58), Tom shares the mantra "Why not me?" as one way of trying to combat imposter syndrome. Then (5:50) Tom is joined by Math ...

Allow the Negative | Alex Kajitani | Assessment Dilemma

25 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In the Mindset Minute (1:53), Tom shares his thoughts on why we must allow our negative thoughts to flow through us. Then (6:18) Tom is joined by auth...

Act Toward | Discipline as Noun | Judge Holistically

11 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Mindset Minute (2:11) focuses on why we need to "act toward" what we want. Then (5:35), Tom describes how his view of school discipline evolved to one...

Act as If | Relationships through Learning | Levels to %

28 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Mindset Minute (2:23) focuses on the concept of "act as if" where we create present emotions that match how we want to feel when what we want manifest...

Spot Upfront | Cale Birk | Know Your Purpose

07 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In the Mindset Minute (2:13), Tom shares a mantra that he's used to create a mindset that everything always works out for him. Then (6:06) Tom is join...

Biology of Belief | Nikta Afonso | Time to Pushback

24 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In the Mindset Minute (2:36) Tom highlights the book, “The Biology of Belief” by Dr. Bruce Lipton. It is one of the most influential books in term...

Mindset Minute | Julie Schmidt Hasson | Now is the Time

10 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In the Mindset Minute (2:22) - a new segment - Tom asserts that the power of positive thinking is as much about the present as it is about the future....

BONUS: New BC Reporting Order

07 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this bonus episode, Tom offers his perspective on the New Reporting Order in British Columbia set to be implemented in the 2023-24 school year. In ...

Reset on Failure | Dylan Wiliam (Pt. 2) | Fake Grading War

22 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In Don’t @ Me (2:31), Tom opens with an assertion that it's time for a collective societal reset on what it means to fail. Then (12:24) Tom is once ...

Exceptions Prove the Rule | Dylan Wiliam | Cumulative Effect

08 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In Don’t @ Me (3:56), Tom opens by explaining why the exceptions prove the rule rather than discredit it. Then (10:57) Tom is joined by Dylan Wiliam...

Can vs Should | Shaunak Roy | Redefining Student Accountability (2)

24 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In Don’t @ Me (1:45), Tom opens by contrasting the difference between what we can do and what we should do in education, especially with ChatGPT. Th...

Less is More | Eric Sheninger | Redefining Student Accountability

10 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In Don’t @ Me (2:11), Tom opens by reminding listeners that when it comes to making an argument in favour of something, or when you are trying to co...

Thank you! | Ron Ritchhart | Idea Cults in Assessment

27 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In Don’t @ Me (2:19), Tom celebrates episode 100 with a thank you to listeners. Then (7:50) Tom is joined by researcher and author Dr. Ron Ritchhart...

ChatGPT in Education | Jessica Vance | ChatGPT & Assessment

13 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In Don’t @ Me (2:17), Tom discusses the pros & cons of ChatGPT in K-12 education. Then (8:23) Tom is joined by author Jessica Vance to discuss her b...

Last Thing You Said | Shelley Moore | Portfolios

27 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In Don’t @ Me (2:37), Tom asked listeners to consider the question, "what's the last thing you said to yourself about yourself?" Then (10:11) Tom is...

Impact Update | Rob Dunlop | Overrater Explains

13 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In Don’t @ Me (2:31), Tom provides an "impact" update, an update on how his #OneWord challenge is going so far. Then (9:20) Tom is joined by author ...

Cost of NOT Changing | Tim Stephenson | Next Generation Assessment

30 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In Don’t @ Me (2:56), Tom discusses why, when considering any change, it's important to consider the cost of NOT changing as well. Then (8:53) Tom i...

One Word Failure | Jan Chappuis | Anything but Arbitrary

16 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In Don’t @ Me (2:46), Tom discusses how his One Word for 2022 was an epic failure and how he's going to give itone more shot. Then (7:35) Tom is joi...

BONUS: Teach Better ’22 (Part 2)

29 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this bonus episode, Tom shares some highlights of the Teach Better '22 conference by interviewing presenters and participants while on Podcast Row....

No Holiday Trophy | Top 5 Holiday Movies | Empowerment Ecosystem

12 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In Don’t @ Me (2:32), Tom reminds listeners that there is no trophy at the end of the holidays and that it is important to find time for ourselves a...

Celebrate Your Wins | Kristine Tesoriero Mizzone | Culturally Responsive Assessment

05 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In Don’t @ Me (2:44), Tom reminds listeners to celebrate their wins, no matter how small, medium, or large. Then, Tom is joined by education consult...

Now is the Time | Kyle Pearce | Procedure for Inferences

28 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In Don’t @ Me (1:34), Tom opens by asserting that NOW is the time to take the first step to accomplish any personal and/or professional goals you ha...

Get What You Give | Genein Letford | Personalized Exams

21 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In Don’t @ Me (1:30), Tom opens with a reminder that when it comes to professional learning, you get out of it what you put into it. Then, Tom is jo...

Two Choices | Eric Saibel | Rethinking Group Grades

14 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In Don’t @ Me (2:11), Tom opens by addressing the widespread lack of student engagement and suggesting there are only two choices educators have in ...

Relationship with Research | Laura Rizo | Standardized Test Engagement

07 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In Don’t @ Me (1:50), Tom opens by asking listeners to reflect on their relationship with educational research. Then, Tom is joined by teen coach an...

BONUS: Teach Better ’22 (Part 1)

03 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this bonus episode, Tom shares some highlights of the Teach Better '22 conference by interviewing presenters and participants while on Podcast Row....

Respectful Engagement | Dave Schmittou | AP Exam Format

31 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In Don’t @ Me (1:50), Tom opens by contemplating the rules of "respectful" engagement when debating contentious issues. Then, Tom is joined by educa...

Dear Society | Dawn Harris | Reassessing ’Big Rocks’

24 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In Don’t @ Me (1:22), Tom opens with a Letter to Society regarding why so many teachers are leaving the profession. Then, Tom is joined by education...

Complainers | Joe Feldman | Rubrics 101

17 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In Don’t @ Me (2:29), Tom complains about complainers who have turned complaining into a personality trait driven by ego. Then, Tom is joined by Joe...

Must Be Measurable | John Hattie | The Good Ol’ Test

10 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In Don’t @ Me (2:37), Tom shares his thoughts on how anything schools want to count in the court of public opinion must be measurable. Then, Tom is ...

Quiet Quitting | John Hattie | Willful Distortion

03 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In Don’t @ Me (2:15), Tom shares his thoughts on the recent social media phenomenon called "Quiet Quitting." Then, Tom is joined by Dr. John Hattie ...

Can You Be Led? | Connie Hamilton | Fractured Relationship

26 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In Don’t @ Me (2:53), Tom opens by asking us all to consider whether we can set our egos aside and be open to being led. Then, Tom is joined by educ...

Reborn a Critic | Livia Chan | Synthesizing Standards

19 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In Don't @ Me (5:29), Tom declares that in his next life, he wants to return as a critic. Then, Tom is joined by author, speaker, and Teach Better Dig...

Answer the Question | Joe Sanfelippo | Jackpot!

12 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In Don't @ Me (2:41), Tom shares his thoughts on why it is so important to answer people's questions, especially in online forums, and why performativ...

Spoiler Rules | Lindsay Titus | Sustaining Change

29 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In Don't @ Me (3:21), Tom outlines what he believes the societal rules surrounding "no spoilers" should be. Then, Tom is joined by Lindsay Titus (11:1...

Teaching Still Matters | Lainie Rowell | Leadership Blindspots

15 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In Don't @ Me (2:32), Tom expresses his frustration with those teachers who seem to want to run away from referring to themselves as "teachers."  The...

We Must Listen | Nathan Wear | Gradeless vs Grade Less

01 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In Don't @ Me (2:36), Tom expresses his concern that if we can't listen to one another and empathize without agreeing, then the divides in our society...

Friends like Family | Gholdy Muhammad | Assessing Competencies

18 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In Don't @ Me (2:16), Tom reflects after a camping trip about his core group of friends who are more like family. Then, Tom is joined by Gholdy Muhamm...

Tales from MTL | Tyrone McNeil | Assessment Analogies

04 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In Don't @ Me (2:53), Tom recounts his trip to Montreal with his son to see their first-ever Formula 1 race. Then, Tom is joined by FNESC President Ty...

What’s a Majority? | Zaretta Hammond | Non-Negotiables v Philosophy

20 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In Don't @ Me (3:17), Tom questions whether or not society's assertion of "majority rule" is something we all really believe in. Then, Tom is joined b...

I Was Tested | Andrea Samadi | Where to Begin

06 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In Don't @ Me (3:17), Tom, through highlighting a truly awful travel experience last week, explores how life tests us and how we have to maintain pers...

Negative Self-Talk | Rick Jetter | Assess THAT!

23 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In Don't @ Me (2:30), Tom explores the issue of negative self-talk and wonders why, if we wouldn’t say negative things to others, we keep saying neg...

Allowed an Opinion? | Robert Cobbs | What Are You Assessing?

09 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In Don't @ Me (3:13), Tom discusses his concern over a new tactic that could become more divisive than helpful when debating societal issues. Then, To...

BeReal with Me | Mike Mattos | 3 Strikes in Grading Reform

02 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In Don't @ Me (4:00), Tom discusses the new social media app BeReal which he says has a chance to create a more authentic online experience. Then, Tom...

Another Happiness Killer | Mirko Chardin | Leveled Responses

25 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In Don't @ Me (2:45), Tom highlights another sure-fired "happiness killer." Then, Tom is joined by author Mirko Chardin (12:19) to discuss his latest ...

Ego of AP | Morgane Michael | Mastery for Targets

18 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In Don't @ Me (2:25), Tom takes aim at any adult associated with AP courses, including parents, by highlighting why adult ego is driving students to o...

Must Be Nice | Tony Reibel | Get Them Talking

11 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In Don't @ Me (2:34), Tom opens by sharing why "must be nice" is the most condescending phrase anyone can use. Then, Tom is joined by author and colle...

Passions or Strengths | Chey Cheney | Concise Answers

04 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In Don't @ Me (2:10), Tom opens by wondering whether "follow your passion" is sound advice for our students. Then, Tom is joined by teacher and podcas...

Virtue Signalling is Good | Jimmy Casas | Confirm What You Suspect

28 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In Don't @ Me (2:00), Tom opens with an assertion that on the net, virtue signalling is good. Then, Tom is joined by author, speaker, and leader Jimmy...

Beware of the Curious | Rosa Perez-Isiah | Assessment Mantra

21 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In Don't @ Me (1:55), Tom opens with a warning to beware of the "just curious." Then, Tom is joined by Rosa Perez-Isiah (9:25) to discuss what it mean...

Relationship with Research | Ken Williams | Unnecessary Overkill

14 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In Don't @ Me (2:35), Tom opens by sharing an observation about our convenient relationship with research. Then, Tom is joined by Ken Williams (14:32)...

Do Something | Sascha Heckmann | Art of Corrections

07 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In Don't @ Me (2:04), Tom opens by sharing a personal mantra he uses when the to-do list is piling up and the workload is relentless. Then, Tom is joi...

Funny about Money | Tim Cavey | High School GPA

28 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In Don't @ Me (2:36), Tom opens with an observation about how people have a funny relationship with money. Then, Tom is joined by MS Assistant Princip...

Advocate Honestly | Tom Murray | Trauma-Informed Assessment (2)

21 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In Don't @ Me (2:09), Tom calls on all educators to advocate their positions honestly, rather than resorting to creating caricatures on the other side...

Leave Wordle Alone | Allison Dillard | Trauma-Informed Assessment

14 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In Don't @ Me (2:25), Tom expresses his concern that we - educators and society as a whole - are on the verge of ruining "Wordle," the online viral tr...

Generation Wrong? | Defining Success | Emotional Side of Assessment

07 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In Don't @ Me (2:51), Tom opens with a question about why society defers to the younger generations to set societal norms and whether they ever get it...

Ruining Words | Susan Brookhart | Trust the Process

31 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In Don't @ Me (2:05), Tom opens with a warning about how overusing words will ruin them and weaken their impact. Then, Tom is joined by renowned resea...

Why Not You? | Heather Lyon | Instructional Efficiency

24 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In Don't @ Me (2:50), Tom opens this week with a simple question that can shift your mindset away from self-doubt. Then, Tom is joined by educator and...

Enough with the Fluff | Monica Burns | Would You Accept It?

17 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In Don't @ Me (1:52), Tom opens this week with a rant about how he's had enough with the educational fluff that seems to be more prominent than ever. ...

Impact | Andrew Maxey | Overcorrection

10 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In Don't @ Me (2:17), Tom opens this week by sharing his #OneWord for 2022. Then, Tom is joined by educator and author Andrew Maxey (11:52) for a conv...

Here We Go Again | George Sugai (Pt. 2) | Your Assessment Journey

13 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In Don't @ Me (1:52), Tom opens with a recent experience that reminded him that even the smallest connections can make the biggest difference. Then, T...

I‘m Doing That! | George Sugai | Think They‘re Right

06 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In Don't @ Me (2:11), Tom opens by recounting his work with George Sugai in the early 2000s and describes why George is on his Mount Rushmore of caree...

If Not Ed | Hedreich Nichols | Myths of Summative Assessment

29 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In Don't @ Me (2:11), Tom opens this week by talking about what career he would have chosen had he not gone into education. Then, Tom is joined by aut...

What‘s Happened to Us? | Brian Butler | Common Assessments

22 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In Don't @ Me (3:50), Tom opens this week by questioning why we've collectively become so brazen and disrespectful towards others. Then, Tom is joined...

Milestones | Garnet Hillman | Engineering Conversations

15 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In Don't @ Me (2:41), Tom opens this week with some thoughts about reaching milestones as the podcast hits its 50th episode. Then, Tom is joined by fr...