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Rethinking Grades: Joe Feldman on Creating Fair and Motivating Learning Environments

On this week’s podcast, we had the pleasure of speaking with Joe Feldman, the founder and CEO of Crescendo Education Group, about equitable grading practices. 🍎 It was an insightful conversation, and here are three key things I’m taking away:

  • Traditional grading often undermines learning: Many teachers receive little to no training on grading. As a result, they often replicate the practices they experienced, which may not be effective. Joe’s work emphasizes that traditional grading can be inconsistent, unfair, and demotivating for students.
  • Multiple opportunities to demonstrate mastery are essential: Just like in professional settings (bar exams, medical boards, etc.), students should be given multiple chances to show their understanding. This approach shifts the focus from “one-shot” high-stakes tests to a growth mindset, where students are motivated to learn from mistakes and improve.
  • System-wide change requires a thoughtful, collaborative approach: Implementing equitable grading isn’t a quick fix. It requires building trust with teachers and using action research in professional learning communities. 

I encourage all leaders to listen to this episode and consider how these principles can be applied in their schools and districts. This approach to grading is about learning and giving every child the best opportunity to succeed! 🚀

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An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by Yondr. 

Schools around the world are seeing the damaging effects of phones on student engagement, social development, and mental health.

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An Imperfect Leader: Leadership in (After) Action is supported by ILAA, LLC, a firm dedicated to supporting aspiring, new, and established leaders. For more information, please find them at www.imperfectleader.com.

Music for An Imperfect Leader was written and arranged by Ian Varley.

Sam Falbo created our artwork, a wood-print inspired daruma doll butterfly.

An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by Yondr.

Schools around the world are seeing the damaging effects of phones on student engagement, social development, and mental health.

Yondr has developed a unique product and program to allow schools to become phone-free, from arrival to dismissal.

Learn why 1 Million Students use Yondr every day. MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS. MAXIMIZE LEARNING POTENTIAL. Go to overyondr.com to learn more.

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An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast is supported by ILAA, LLC, a firm dedicated to supporting aspiring, new, and established leaders. For more information, please find them at www.human-centeredleaders.com.

Music for An Imperfect Leader was written and arranged by Ian Varley.

Sam Falbo created our artwork, a wood-print inspired daruma doll butterfly.

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