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Chris Sarkonak

@csarkonak.bsky.social
722 followers 428 following 96 posts

Former Physics/Math teacher (17 yrs). 2026 NSTA Yager Award, CERN HST2019, E+2022, MAMT Murray McPherson Award 2022, CAP Physics Teacher Award 2022, Perimeter Institute Regional Coordinator for Manitoba, PASCO Champion, #Ungrading

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Chris Sarkonak @csarkonak.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
Looking forward to presenting at IDEC next weekend and sharing how I worked with students to design their learning! Making Ss the integral part of the classroom design that they always should have been made for a much healthier classroom with more authentic learning for all. #assessment #ungrading
The International Democratic Education Conference (IDEC) starts next weekend from September 11-13, 2026. Register at www.idec2026.org
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Canadian Assessment for Learning Network @caflnetwork.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
CAfLN is excited to welcome leading experts to Yellowknife, NWT, from October 1–3 for an inspiring three days of professional learning. Registration is now open! Visit cafln.ca/events to learn more and reserve your spot. #CAfLN2026 #AssessmentForLearning
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Chris Sarkonak @csarkonak.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
I'm very excited to be presenting at IDEC 2026 on Sunday, Sept 13! This is an amazing conference that I would highly recommend to educators everywhere! #ungrading #assessment #democraticeducation
International Democratic Education Conference (IDEC) 2026. Presentation by Christopher Sarkonak titled "Finding Agency in a Traditional School System" on September 13, 2026. The virtual conference takes place September 11-13 and you can get tickets at www.idec2026.org
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Chris Sarkonak @csarkonak.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
Very excited to share my first peer-reviewed, research article! Dr. Watson has been an incredible mentor and research partner. We look at how collaborative grading affects Ss self-determination! Check it out at www.academia.edu/164930248/Em... or www.atasciencecouncil.com/alberta-scie... #ungrading
academia.edu
Empowering student self-determination through collaborative grading in high school physics
Educators and educational researchers have been calling for reconsideration of traditional grading systems; however, these systems remain rarely challenged in science classrooms. This article describe...
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Chris Sarkonak @csarkonak.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
Very excited to share my first peer-reviewed, research article! Dr. Watson has been an incredible mentor and research partner. We look at how collaborative grading affects Ss self-determination! Check it out at www.academia.edu/164930248/Em... or www.atasciencecouncil.com/alberta-scie... #ungrading
academia.edu
Empowering student self-determination through collaborative grading in high school physics
Educators and educational researchers have been calling for reconsideration of traditional grading systems; however, these systems remain rarely challenged in science classrooms. This article describe...
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Katie White @katiewhite426.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
If you are looking for a one-of-a-kind event that is equal parts learning, collaborating, and experiencing Canada’s north, register for this conference today! Like all CAfLN events, it will be memorable. 🎯 Register here: cafln.ca/events/ to be part of something truly special! #edusky
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The Worthy Educator @theworthyeducator.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
Christopher Sarkonak gets #celebratED for receiving the Robert E. Yager Exemplary Teaching Award! We are grateful for all the ways he is an ambassador for the sciences, and we are excited for what’s next in his impactful career! www.get-celebrated.com/post/christo... #EduSky
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Teacher2Teacher @teacher2teacher.bsky.social · 01/03/2026
"I want class to feel empowering, and I want learning to feel like a journey, not a series of disconnected tasks." Check out the shifts that helped T Chris Sarkonak put his vision into practice:
teacher2teacher.education
This Is How Learning Should Feel
Watching students grow into confident, curious thinkers is the ultimate reminder of my “why.”
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Canadian Assessment for Learning Network @caflnetwork.bsky.social · 28/02/2026
Join us on Mon, Mar. 2 for another engaging conversation. This session will focus on student self-reflection. What works in your setting? How do we get students to go deeper in their thinking? Visit cafln.ca for registration information. This will be a good one!
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Chris Sarkonak @csarkonak.bsky.social · 28/02/2026
If anyone is looking for some amazing PD that focuses on evidence-based, student-centered practices, then check out LearningInspirED's Student Power Summit in LA, March 9-10! I had the opportunity to take part last year and it's easily the best PD in my career! www.learninspired.org/events
learninspired.org
Events — Learning InspirED
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Grow Beyond Grades @growbeyondgrades.org · 06/02/2026
The presence of grades takes psychological safety away from students, putting them into states of anxiety or apathy, neither of which allow for learning. @csarkonak.bsky.social growbeyondgrades.org/blog/the-ung...
growbeyondgrades.org
The (Un)grading Spectrum — Grow Beyond Grades
Ungrading is more of a philosophy than a single model that says “do this and your students will learn.” Chris Sarkonak explores ungrading as a spectrum of possibilities that moves us away from the har...
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Grow Beyond Grades @growbeyondgrades.org · 04/01/2026
With the phrase going gradeless, we hope to express the idea of moving—gradually or rapidly—away from the pernicious influence of grades, and toward more humane and effective methods of assessment and feedback. growbeyondgrades.org/start
growbeyondgrades.org
Start Here — Grow Beyond Grades
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Grow Beyond Grades @growbeyondgrades.org · 28/12/2025
If standard-based grading is to progress beyond the real difficulties that beset it, it must espouse curiosity over defensiveness, openness over dogmatism, empathy over insularity. @achiaravalli.bsky.social www.growbeyondgrades.org/blog/we-need...
growbeyondgrades.org
We Need to Talk About Standards-based Grading — Grow Beyond Grades
While standards-based grading purports to put the focus squarely on learning, practitioners have noted how this is not always the reality. Arthur Chiaravalli points out the ways that SBG “has at times...
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Grow Beyond Grades @growbeyondgrades.org · 19/12/2025
It was a joy to talk going gradeless with the O.G. @mssackstein.bsky.social & @crystalfrommert.bsky.social for Learner-Centered Spaces. www.teachbetterpodcastnetwork.com/show/learner...
teachbetterpodcastnetwork.com
Arthur Chiaravalli grows beyond grading.
https://growbeyondgrades.org/ LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/arthur-chiaravalli-0903a51/] On today's episode, we're joined by Arthur Chiaravalli, House Direc…
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Grow Beyond Grades @growbeyondgrades.org · 19/09/2025
Our second Growth, Not Grades winner is Sharlyn Barrett 🎉 Sharlyn writes how chasing perfection — whether pounds on a scale or letters on a page — left her ready to give up. She imagines an education that values growth and self-acceptance. Read and share! growbeyondgrades.org/blog/degradi...
growbeyondgrades.org
The Degrading Scale — Grow Beyond Grades
In her essay, Sharlyn Barrett recalls how the pursuit of perfection—whether on a scale or on a report card—stripped joy from both learning and life, and how messages about perfection left her exhauste...
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MC @martc.bsky.social · 20/09/2025
I am too exhausted to care about other standards of perfection, like grades. Insecure in my personal life, I give up trying at school because I can’t bear being judged anymore. @GBGEdu @growbeyondgrades.org growbeyondgrades.org/blog/degradi...
growbeyondgrades.org
The Degrading Scale — Grow Beyond Grades
In her essay, Sharlyn Barrett recalls how the pursuit of perfection—whether on a scale or on a report card—stripped joy from both learning and life, and how messages about perfection left her exhauste...
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MC @martc.bsky.social · 14/09/2025
I want my learning to be measured by how much I’ve grown, how deeply I’ve understood, and how boldly I’ve tried, not just by the shape of the letter at the top of the page. @GBGEdu @growbeyondgrades.org growbeyondgrades.org/blog/a-lette...
growbeyondgrades.org
A Letter to Letters — Grow Beyond Grades
In this letter, Subhiksha Sreeram breaks up with grades, recalling how letters once ruled her worth and turned learning into a numbers game. She shares how chasing A’s left her anxious, perfectionisti...
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Chris Sarkonak @csarkonak.bsky.social · 07/09/2025
I'm inspired by some amazing teachers doing #teach180 and thought I'd give it a try this year... but I'm already 2 days behind so I'll start by catching up! This semester I have 2 sections of 11 Physics, 1 class of 12 Physics, and 1 class of 9 Science (which will be my 3rd time in 17 years!) 🎢
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Grow Beyond Grades @growbeyondgrades.org · 03/09/2025
“Why focus on how to improve when the verdict has already been delivered?” 📫 High school senior, Subhiksha Sreeram, describes the way grades cut off real learning. Her essay A Letter to Letters is the first of three winners in our Growth, Not Grades contest. growbeyondgrades.org/blog/a-lette...
growbeyondgrades.org
A Letter to Letters — Grow Beyond Grades
In this letter, Subhiksha Sreeram breaks up with grades, recalling how letters once ruled her worth and turned learning into a numbers game. She shares how chasing A’s left her anxious, perfectionisti...
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Dr. Heather Leslie @heatherleslie.bsky.social · 15/08/2025
I truly believe traditional grades (already problematic) only exacerbates the transactional problem of education when coupled with AI.
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Canadian Assessment for Learning Network @caflnetwork.bsky.social · 13/08/2025
The Summer Institute has been such an amazing event, with so much more great learning ahead. #assessment
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Canadian Assessment for Learning Network @caflnetwork.bsky.social · 11/08/2025
Today we gather on Treaty 1 territory to begin our @caflnetwork.bsky.social Summer Institute. We look forward to rich, engaging conversations. #assessment #teacherpd
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Teacher2Teacher @teacher2teacher.bsky.social · 27/07/2025
Mistakes are where the learning happens! Here's how T @csarkonak.bsky.social encourages learners to embrace them:
"Encourage students to celebrate their mistakes by: 1) Prioritizing looking at mistakes as a class. 2) Creating a collaborative environment where students feel safe enough to make those mistakes and take risks in front of each other. 3) Mitigating the importance of grades for the things you want students to take risks on, where you can." —Teacher Chris Sarkonak
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Teacher2Teacher @teacher2teacher.bsky.social · 06/03/2025
Looking to build a more S-centered classroom practice? T @csarkonak.bsky.social offers these three strategies that have transformed his classroom: buff.ly/dSWMFnd #EduSky
buff.ly
This Is How Learning Should Feel
Watching students grow into confident, curious thinkers is the ultimate reminder of my “why.”
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Chris Sarkonak @csarkonak.bsky.social · 26/07/2025
This was such an influential book in my #ungrading journey! It was some of the best PD and at just the right time! Now, inspired by those that contributed to this book, I try to share what I can about my journey and where I’m at so others may find something helpful from my story.
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Chris Sarkonak @csarkonak.bsky.social · 10/07/2025
A4: assessment: @achiaravalli.bsky.social @humanrestorationproject.org @covingtonedu.bsky.social @leeannjung.bsky.social @mssackstein.bsky.social @davefrangiosa.bsky.social @stacieoliver.bsky.social @jessifer.bsky.social 🎢: @cossettej.bsky.social @joemilliano.bsky.social #T2Tchat #EduSky
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Chris Sarkonak @csarkonak.bsky.social · 10/07/2025
A3: For me, #ungrading has been transformative! All that I’ve learned has been huge in helping me be successful in creating a far more equitable classroom that is focused on students! #T2Tchat #EduSky
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Chris Sarkonak @csarkonak.bsky.social · 10/07/2025
A2: I love learning about their thoughts and perspectives as it helps me think more deeply about my own practice. I’m also always on the lookout for new physics ideas to give Ss the best experiences I can! #T2Tchat #EduSky
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Chris Sarkonak @csarkonak.bsky.social · 10/07/2025
A1: I’m Chris, a high school Physics teacher in Manitoba, Canada! This summer I’m going back to being a student again! 🌻📕 #T2Tchat #EduSky
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Teacher2Teacher @teacher2teacher.bsky.social · 09/07/2025
How T @csarkonak.bsky.social is building a #GrowthMindset classroom culture: 🍎 Talk about mistakes together 🍏 Create a collaborative culture 🍎 Keep the focus on real learning
"Encourage students to celebrate their mistakes by: 1) Prioritizing looking at mistakes as a class. 2) Creating a collaborative environment where students feel safe enough to make those mistakes and take risks in front of each other. 3) Mitigating the importance of grades for the things you want students to take risks on, where you can." —Teacher Chris Sarkonak
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Paul Emerich France @sustainteaching.bsky.social · 07/06/2025
If the only feedback is a grade, why bother putting effort into the process? Students learn the game fast. Grades need to go.
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Rhonda Hewer @rhondahewer.bsky.social · 01/06/2025
Facilitated a gr8 session with admin about assessment practices and how they shape the culture of a school. Blue = assessment of Yellow=assessment for Pink=assessment as Y-axis=Student identity X-axis=school culture What do you notice? #EduSky #EduSkyChat #educoach #edchat #mtbos
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Chris Sarkonak @csarkonak.bsky.social · 24/05/2025
Such a great opportunity for students to share their voice and have their experiences impact education in the future!! #ungrading
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Grow Beyond Grades @growbeyondgrades.org · 23/05/2025
🕐 ONE WEEK LEFT! Students: How have grades—or the lack of them—shaped your learning or growth? All genres & formats welcome ✍️ Cash prizes 💸 Chance to be published 📚 growbeyondgrades.org/contest #gradeless #ungrading #growbeyondgrades @humanrestorationproject.org @gotlearning.bsky.social
growbeyondgrades.org
Contest — Grow Beyond Grades
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Jennifer Gonzalez @cultofpedagogy.bsky.social · 13/04/2025
Traditional grading systems do a terrible job of measuring learning and discourage students from reaching their full potential. This week, we're exploring a different model that is gaining traction in hundreds of schools: competency-based learning. www.cultofpedagogy.com/competency-b...
cultofpedagogy.com
A Close Look at Competency-Based Learning | Cult of Pedagogy
Learn about this teaching model that prioritizes growth and mastery over grades.
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Grow Beyond Grades @growbeyondgrades.org · 06/04/2025
✍️ PLEASE SHARE WITH HS & COLLEGE-AGE STUDENTS! How have grades—or the experience of learning without them—influenced your learning, growth, or personal journey? All genres and formats welcome! @humrespro.bsky.social @gotlearning.bsky.social #gradeless #growbeyondgrades growbeyondgrades.org/contest
growbeyondgrades.org
Contest — Grow Beyond Grades
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Chris Sarkonak @csarkonak.bsky.social · 03/04/2025
I hear Ss say this almost every semester! Developing a system WITH them and honoring their voice builds a culture of learning. This is a human connection that AI can never replace and it’s only through this connection that Ss truly learn best. Eliminating grades clears the path for this to work!
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Nick Covington @covingtonedu.bsky.social · 30/03/2025
I really need to go to bed but I just keep coming back to the utter and abject failure of imagination that exists in this particular discourse about learning & schooling. My god, people, schooling and learning can look like ten thousand different things and all be good and right and effective!
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Winnipeg Free Press @winnipegfreepress.com · 25/03/2025
A new teacher group is promoting the benefits of “ungrading” and how professionals across the province can tweak their classroom evaluations to better serve students.
winnipegfreepress.com
‘We should not be ranking and sorting children’: educator group gives old-school grading an F
A new teacher group is promoting the benefits of “ungrading” and how professionals across the province can tweak their classroom evaluations to better serve students.
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Nick Covington @covingtonedu.bsky.social · 16/03/2025
Where the construction of school contradicts what we know about healthy human development, psychology, motivation, and learning, we have an obligation to reconstruct schooling rather than attempt to change human beings.
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Chris Sarkonak @csarkonak.bsky.social · 11/03/2025
Amazing Student Power Summit in Ohio! I’ve learned so much the last couple days and was honored to be a presenter! It was great to meet a couple of huge inspirations on my #ungrading journey, @johannabrown.bsky.social and @achiaravalli.bsky.social! I wouldn’t be where I am w/o @growbeyondgrades.org!
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Chris Sarkonak @csarkonak.bsky.social · 09/03/2025
Another great STEM for Girls week wrapped up and I am so proud of our amazing team, the week we put together, and the great turnout! This program is something very special to me since we started it 6 years ago and so much more so now that I have a daughter! #internationalwomensday
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Chris Sarkonak @csarkonak.bsky.social · 09/02/2025
Grades are an extrinsic motivator, they’ve never been good at motivating Ss or getting them to care about learning. They are good for compliance with some, put most into anxiety, and undermine risk-taking. Give Ss agency and put them in the drivers seat of their learning. Trust your Ss #sunchat
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Chris Sarkonak @csarkonak.bsky.social · 25/01/2025
Very excited that it's just 1.5 months until the Student Power Summit in Ohio! I feel very honored to be presenting alongside @achiaravalli.bsky.social, @covingtonedu.bsky.social, @johannabrown.bsky.social, and so many more that I've learned so much from over the years! Can't wait to learn and grow!
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Teacher2Teacher @teacher2teacher.bsky.social · 23/01/2025
What are you up to tonight, teachers? We hope you'll join our first #T2Tchat on Bluesky, all about your mid-year reflections, goals and fresh starts. We're looking forward to a lively conversation moderated by @iheart6ela.bsky.social and @cheycheney.bsky.social #EduSky
Join this week's #T2Tchat tonight at 7 p.m. ET!
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Grow Beyond Grades @growbeyondgrades.org · 18/01/2025
I’m finally doing what I always should have been doing in the classroom: giving students an opportunity to take risks, find success, explore their interests, and learn how to work with those around them. @csarkonak.bsky.social growbeyondgrades.org/blog/the-ungrading-spectrum
growbeyondgrades.org
The (Un)grading Spectrum — Grow Beyond Grades
Ungrading is more of a philosophy than a single model that says “do this and your students will learn.” Chris Sarkonak explores ungrading as a spectrum of possibilities that moves us away from the har...
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Grow Beyond Grades @growbeyondgrades.org · 26/12/2024
I wanted students to master the skills; why shouldn’t it be a question of ‘either they can or not yet’? —Chris Sarkonak growbeyondgrades.org/blog/dont-co...
growbeyondgrades.org
Don’t Count Out the Single Point Rubric — Grow Beyond Grades
Multi-point rubrics fail students because students learn to get the grade they want with minimum effort. They also discourage risk taking and hinder student agency. Chris Sarkonak explains how the sin...
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Joe Cossette @cossettej.bsky.social · 14/12/2024
Sometimes you make something just to prove that you can. Behold, a 3D printed physical model of double slit wave interactions! 😅 #iteachphysics 🎢
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Chris Sarkonak @csarkonak.bsky.social · 11/12/2024
A2. Worries about post-sec readiness. 2 years ago I gave a trad final exam to my #ungrading classes. Despite larger numbers, far wider socioeconomic and academic backgrounds, and a pandemic between last using that exam, Ss did better. We’re also taking on AP Phys and Ss are successful #UngradingChat
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Chris Sarkonak @csarkonak.bsky.social · 10/12/2024
A1. I do this with Ss as part of @btcthinks.bsky.social non-curr tasks to start the course. They learn about scientific thinking and what it means to do science. We then have a couple days of discussions around what they’ve liked/not liked in previous science classes… #UngradingChat
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