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Tom Schimmer @tomschimmer.bsky.social · 15/12/2025

🎄[NEW PODCAST] What if grading had ghosts? In Ep. 25, Natalie & I explore #grading through A Christmas Carol, the past that shaped us, the present we’re stuck in, and the future we’re heading toward. linktr.ee/assessthat Grades don’t tell the story. #Assessment does.

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Tom Schimmer @tomschimmer.bsky.social · 08/12/2025

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

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Tom Schimmer @tomschimmer.bsky.social · 05/09/2025

[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

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Tom Schimmer @tomschimmer.bsky.social · 31/08/2025

🇨🇦 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

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Tom Schimmer @tomschimmer.bsky.social · 08/08/2025

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

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Tom Schimmer @tomschimmer.bsky.social · 30/07/2025

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.

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Tom Schimmer @tomschimmer.bsky.social · 28/07/2025

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.

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Tom Schimmer @tomschimmer.bsky.social · 23/07/2025

[🇨🇦] 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!🙏

tinyurl.com

30 min Meeting with Tom Schimmer - Tom Schimmer

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Tom Schimmer @tomschimmer.bsky.social · 17/07/2025

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! 🙏

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Tom Schimmer @tomschimmer.bsky.social · 15/07/2025

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

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Tom Schimmer @tomschimmer.bsky.social · 03/07/2025

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

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Tom Schimmer @tomschimmer.bsky.social · 18/06/2025

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

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Tom Schimmer @tomschimmer.bsky.social · 17/06/2025

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

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Tom Schimmer @tomschimmer.bsky.social · 16/06/2025

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

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Tom Schimmer @tomschimmer.bsky.social · 13/06/2025

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

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Tom Schimmer @tomschimmer.bsky.social · 11/06/2025

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.

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Tom Schimmer @tomschimmer.bsky.social · 09/06/2025

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

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Tom Schimmer @tomschimmer.bsky.social · 07/06/2025

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.

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Tom Schimmer @tomschimmer.bsky.social · 05/06/2025

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

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Tom Schimmer @tomschimmer.bsky.social · 05/06/2025

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

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Tom Schimmer @tomschimmer.bsky.social · 28/05/2025

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?

unleashyes.org

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...

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Tom Schimmer @tomschimmer.bsky.social · 21/05/2025

[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

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Tom Schimmer @tomschimmer.bsky.social · 24/04/2025

[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

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Tom Schimmer @tomschimmer.bsky.social · 15/04/2025

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.

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Tom Schimmer @tomschimmer.bsky.social · 15/04/2025

🎙️[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

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Tom Schimmer @tomschimmer.bsky.social · 13/03/2025

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

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Tom Schimmer @tomschimmer.bsky.social · 13/03/2025

[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

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Tom Schimmer @tomschimmer.bsky.social · 25/02/2025

[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

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Tom Schimmer @tomschimmer.bsky.social · 24/02/2025

[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

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Tom Schimmer @tomschimmer.bsky.social · 19/02/2025

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

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Tom Schimmer @tomschimmer.bsky.social · 17/02/2025

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

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Tom Schimmer @tomschimmer.bsky.social · 14/02/2025

Thank you, Pat! I’m glad you enjoyed the day! 🙏🏻

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Tom Schimmer @tomschimmer.bsky.social · 12/02/2025

Thanks #EduSkyChat! I will definitely be back. Thanks for an action-packed 30 minutes!

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Tom Schimmer @tomschimmer.bsky.social · 12/02/2025

A3: First, recognize that 'personalized' & 'individualized' are not the same. Then, actively find places for authentic agency. Not everything is negotiable but something almost always is, so the choices we allow for personalization allow a unique pathway to an outcome/standard. #EduSkyChat

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Tom Schimmer @tomschimmer.bsky.social · 12/02/2025

A2: Another is to use AI to generate several different solutions to a dilemma/issue and the students could investigate which one they believe to be the most viable. Again, the ability to think critically (even collaboratively) about the ideas to determine if they could push further #EduSkyChat

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Tom Schimmer @tomschimmer.bsky.social · 12/02/2025

A2: One way might be to use Ai to generate exemplars for students to critique. They could investigate. for example, whether the claims have substance or whether the assertions are plausible. Another might be to take a generic AI generated product & adapt it to their own language/style. #EduSkyChat

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Tom Schimmer @tomschimmer.bsky.social · 12/02/2025

Adaptability is huge since none of us can reeeeally predict what life/the jobs of the future will be. Being adaptable makes you ready for anything! #EduSkyChat

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Tom Schimmer @tomschimmer.bsky.social · 12/02/2025

Late to my first #EduSkyChat haha but ready to dive in!

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Tom Schimmer @tomschimmer.bsky.social · 11/02/2025

[NEW EPISODE] In EP9, we outline a 3-Year Checklist for Implementing Standards-Based Grading! Checklists must be "checked" against the nuances of every context, but this is a general road map. 🟣 Apple apple.co/4aXidXZ 🟢 Spotify tinyurl.com/cef4rv84 #assessment #grading #sbg #EduSky #EduSkyChat

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Tom Schimmer @tomschimmer.bsky.social · 09/02/2025

You'll know you're on to something when those with the opportunities, position, or life you want start deterring you from entering that space. There are exceptions, but you can't unsee it. --> "You'll never get criticized or discouraged by people doing more than you; only by those doing less."

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Tom Schimmer @tomschimmer.bsky.social · 05/02/2025

Absolutely! One of my favorite expressions for assessment reform is "Think Big, Start Small." The formative use of MC questions mid-lesson has been well-documented I also love the mention of learning progressions, but it's important to remember they are not rubrics for grading.

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Tom Schimmer @tomschimmer.bsky.social · 05/02/2025

Ask this of any grading practice: "Would I be okay if that practice were being done TO me by my supervisor rather than BY me to students?" You'll quickly realize that you might not appreciate some of the traditional grading practices we've used in the past. #EduSky #EduSkyChat #assessment #sbg

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Tom Schimmer @tomschimmer.bsky.social · 04/02/2025

[WORKSHOP] The 2-Day "Grading from the Inside Out" workshop will be in San Antonio, TX on March 5-6, 2025! Register here --> tinyurl.com/3nmyyw9k The focus will be on the assessment practices that lead to accurate grades and confident learners. I hope to see you there! #assessment #grading #sbg

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Tom Schimmer @tomschimmer.bsky.social · 04/02/2025

[NEW PODCAST] In Ep. 8, Natalie & I discuss the secrets to self-assessment: -Why Self-Assessment matters -How to overcome the inevitable challenges -Five effective self-assessment strategies 🟣 Apple apple.co/4ghq5… 🟢 Spotify tinyurl.com/cef4r�� #teachers #education #assessment #educators

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Tom Schimmer @tomschimmer.bsky.social · 04/02/2025

Here's a good self-reflection question about your FEEDBACK practices. Is my feedback a set of directions or does my feedback cause thinking? Feedback in the form of a cue, question, prompt, or highlight is often most favorable in the long run. #assessment #feedback #teachers #education #grading

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Tom Schimmer @tomschimmer.bsky.social · 17/11/2024

Ep 5 features Natalie and I discussing "The Anatomy of a Good Rubric," including whether rubrics are more art or science. 🟣 Apple apple.co/3Ajisiu 🟢 Spotify tinyurl.com/cef4rv84 #assessment #atplc #education #teachersofx #teachers #rubrics

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