Author: Tom Schimmer

Debate of Ideas | Katie White | Rubrics (2)

Tom Schimmer Uncategorized

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-mpz9r-f1cc89

In Don’t @ Me (3:48), Tom wonders aloud about what has happened to the debate of ideas and why all debate seems to get so personal so quickly. Then, Tom is joined by Canadian assessment author, speaker, and consultant Katie White (18:04) where they explore the soft and hard edges of assessment and why assessment is the key to everyday creativity. Finally, in Assessment Corner (1:15:15) Tom revisits last week’s conversation about what the best type of rubric is and asserts that rubrics that describe (not prescribe) quality and are task-neutral are most favorable.

 

Alberta Curriculum | Josh Ogilvie | Rubrics

Tom Schimmer Uncategorized

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-95aw9-f11fba

In Don’t @ Me (3:29), Tom takes aim at the curriculum reform efforts in the province of Alberta. Then, Tom is joined by Josh Ogilvie (12:49), PHE Department Head at Burnaby South Secondary School to discuss PHE during the pandemic as well as the evolution of PHE programs in general. In Assessment Corner (1:07:44), Tom explores the question: What’s the best rubric to use? Finally, in Tweets of the Week (1:19:46), Tom highlights Rik Rowe on Twitter (@RoweRikW).
 

Parents | Tim Stuart | Predictions or Interventions

Tom Schimmer Uncategorized

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-e7ai4-f075d1

In Don’t @ Me (2:41), Tom discusses why parents have the right to be heard. Then, Tom is joined by Tim Stuart (14:40), Head of School at the International Community School in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to discuss Covid-19, International Teaching, and Personalized Learning. In the News (1:06:21) includes a story from Texas about teacher training and support as well as an update on the proposed curriculum changes from the province of Alberta. In Assessment Corner (1:17:09), Tom explores the correlation between high school grades and university success. Finally, in Tweets of the Week (1:24:34), Tom highlights Nadia Lopez on Instagram (@thelopezeffect).
 

Details Matter | Thrive Ed. Students | 3 Big Ideas for SBG

Tom Schimmer Uncategorized

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-mgzfp-efb372

In Don’t @ Me (2:31), Tom discusses why details matter when it comes to proposing new and/or progressive ideas for educational change. Then Tom is joined by Aniya Bailey, Teontay Bryson, and Nathan Genene (15:38), three students from Thrive Ed. to discuss their perspective on reimagining schools for the 21st century. In the News (1:21:24) includes an international story about a 2021 Summit between the UK and Kenya, as well as the story of how the San Diego Unified School District is changing its grading and reporting policies. In Assessment Corner (1:27:42), Tom explores 3 big ideas for standards-based grading. Finally, in Tweets of the Week (1:34:13), Tom highlights Matt Townsley (@mctownsley).
 
 
•Email the Podcast: tomschimmerpod@gmail.com
•Follow the Podcast on Twitter: @TomSchimmerPod
•Follow Tom on Twitter: @TomSchimmer
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Keeping it Real | Nicole Dimich (Thrive Ed.) | Student Accountability

Tom Schimmer Uncategorized

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-rb5bv-ef24f4

In Don’t @ Me (1:49), Tom asserts that now is the time for authentic, grounded optimism rather than toxic positivity; that tending to people’s emotional well-being is what’s needed. Then Tom is joined by Nicole Dimich (14:15), Executive Director of Thrive Ed., for their discussion about the work Thrive Ed. is doing to reimagine schools for the 21st century. In the News (55:52) includes a story out of Utah about a district offering a Covid-Bonus and a story about the inadvertent tension that can arise when students mimic their parents’ attitudes about Covid protocols. Assessment Corner (1:07:35) includes a question about Student Accountability. Finally, in Tweets of the Week (1:19:45), Tom highlights Brian Butler (@bkbutler_brian).
 
•Email the Podcast: tomschimmerpod@gmail.com
•Follow the Podcast on Twitter: @TomSchimmerPod
•Follow Tom on Twitter: @TomSchimmer
•Facebook &. Instagram: Schimmer Education

Assessment Literacy | Anthony Muhammad (Pt. 2) | Final Exams

Tom Schimmer Uncategorized

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-bezxf-ee4c8c

In Don’t @ Me, Tom asserts that building our assessment literacy is the most efficient and effective professional investment any teacher can make. Then Tom is joined by Anthony Muhammad (12:50) for part two of their discussion about racial equity, this time focusing on schools specifically. In the News (52:29) includes a story out of Texas about how new teachers are handling their remote learning model and a story out of England about the inclusion of ‘Black History’ in their History curriculum. Assessment Corner (1:08:17) includes a question on the utility of final exams. Finally, in Tweets of the Week (1:22:09), Tom highlights Dean Simmons (@DenaSimmons) and Lee Ann Jung (@leeannjung).

The Real World | Anthony Muhammad (Pt. 1) | Effective Feedback

Tom Schimmer Uncategorized

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-yewiv-ed63f1

In Don’t @ Me (2:05), Tom talks about why it’s time to retire the expression “Wait until they get into the Real World.” Tom is then joined by best-selling author Dr. Anthony Muhammad (15:32) for part 1 of their discussion about the racial equity work in society. In the News (44:21) includes stories about learning pods and the curriculum reviews taking place in many school districts. Assessment Corner (58:47) includes a question about “leveled questions” and Tom expands on last week’s conversation about feedback. Finally, in Tweets of the Week (1:10:33), Tom highlights the #ATAssessment Twitter chat and the four moderators: Katie White (@KatieWhite426), Mandy Stalets (@MandyStalets), Ken Mattingly (@kenmattingly), and Anisa Baker-Busby (@AnisaBusby). 

 

Back to School Balance | Tom Guskey Interview | Large-Scale Assessment

Tom Schimmer Assessment, Uncategorized

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-5wwiu-ec8479

In Don’t @ Me (1:45), Tom talks about why it’s important to find our back-to-school balance (1:45). Tom is then joined by Dr. Tom Guskey for The Interview (11:45) to discuss the legacy of Benjamin Bloom and the necessary assessment and grading mindsets for a fair and successful 2020-21 school year. In the News (53:51) includes a story about COVID testing in Utah and the recent story from the province of Alberta and their desire to develop a new guiding vision for K-12 education. Assessment Corner (1:00:36) includes a question about using large-scale assessments to improve student learning and another about feedback. Finally, in Tweets of the Week (1:16:14), Tom has two follow suggestions that you won’t want to miss.

 

 

 

BONUS: Twitter | Segment Details | Book Giveaway | First Interview Guest

Tom Schimmer Uncategorized

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-iamck-eb4e26

In this Bonus Episode, Tom has five announcements ahead of Episode 1: The Podcast has a new Twitter account @TomSchimmerPod (1:01); Details and requests for “The Interview” (1:57) and “Assessment Corner”  (3:36); A Book Giveaway contest that will close before episode one (8:11); and the first interview guest for episode 1 (10:33).

 

Follow Tom Schimmer:

Twitter: @TomSchimmer

Facebook: Schimmer Education

Instagram: Schimmer Education 

The Tom Schimmer Podcast

Tom Schimmer Uncategorized

Hey everyone! I’m excited to announce the launch of The Tom Schimmer Podcast! It’s a podcast about learning, leadership, and a little bit about life.

Primarily, it’s a podcast that focuses on current topics in K-12 education. Each week, I will lean on my 30 years of experience to keep listeners informed on the prevailing stories dominating the conversations about teaching and learning.

This podcast will also focus on leadership by exploring how leaders in any field can truly engineer a culture of continued professional growth.

Occasionally, this podcast will explore the pursuit of success and happiness as it relates to any walk of life. Through a mix of segments I hope you will be well-equipped to meet the needs of learners regardless of what role you serve.

Segments each week will be:

1. Don’t @ Me: I will open each podcast with my commentary or perspective on a wide array of educational topics.

2. The Interview: I will invite experts on to discuss what’s current in their areas of expertise. I also hope to interview expert practitioners who might not be educational household names but who, nonetheless, are leaving their mark on education.

3. Assessment Corner: As many of you know my primary area of expertise is in assessment and grading, so while the podcast itself will focus on a range of topics and issues, Assessment Corner will be a main-stay each week. This will be an opportunity for you, the listeners, to send in questions (either by email or voice recording) that could be directly embedded into the podcast) for which I will provide some practical answers and sound advice on how to move forward.

4. In the News: I will highlight a few educational news stories from the previous week that I thought were noteworthy; maybe offer some perspective or opinion on those stories as well.

5. Tweets of the Week: I will bring you the social media posts from Twitter, Facebook, and/or Instagram that caught my attention.

The “Trailer” is now live on Podbean: https://tomschimmerpod.podbean.com/e/introducing-the-tom-schimmer-podcast/

You can also listen/subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, & Google.

You can also listen/subscribe on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DksufjFMhoc

Anyway, I hope you’ll check it out!