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Tom Schimmer @tomschimmer.bsky.social · Sep 5

[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 · Aug 31

🇨🇦 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 · Aug 8

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 · Jul 30

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 · Jul 28

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 · Jul 23

[🇨🇦] 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!🙏

30 min Meeting with Tom Schimmer - Tom Schimmer

tinyurl.com

Tom Schimmer @tomschimmer.bsky.social · Jul 16

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! 🙏

Tom Schimmer @tomschimmer.bsky.social · Jul 15

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

Tom Schimmer @tomschimmer.bsky.social · Jul 3

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 · Jun 18

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 · Jun 17

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 · Jun 16

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 · Jun 13

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 · Jun 11

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 · Jun 9

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 · Jun 7

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 · Jun 5

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 · Jun 5

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 · May 28

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?

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...

www.unleashyes.org

Tom Schimmer @tomschimmer.bsky.social · May 21

[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 · Apr 24

[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 · Apr 15

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 · Apr 15

🎙️[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 · Mar 13

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

Megan Rogholt, Ed.D. @meganrogholt.bsky.social · Mar 13

📬✨ Mail days are the best days—especially when they come with BOOKS! 😍 Just opened a package filled with a great read for our staff from one of my favorite edu experts, and I can’t wait to have them dive in! @tomschimmer.bsky.social

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Tom Schimmer @tomschimmer.bsky.social · Mar 13

[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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