How do you bridge the gap between "how we've always done it" and "how students actually learn"?

Welcome to Part 3 of our 4-part mini-series, Modern Grading Reform, airing on The ForwardEd Network Commons. In this installment, Dr. Chad Lang and Dr. Matt Townsley engage in a comprehensive analysis of the psychological and practical hurdles inherent in transitioning to modern, standards-based approaches.

The salient focus of today’s discussion is the critical need for transparency and clarity in communication. When systemic change feels like "pulling the rug out," leaders must cultivate a supportive environment where students and parents feel informed and empowered. Chad and Matt share concrete strategies—from "Parent Universities" to multifaceted communication tools—that mitigate resistance and foster trust between schools and their communities.

In this episode, we explore:

1. The Communication Triad: Why the synergy between Parent, Student, and School is essential for building relational capacity.
2. Replacing Traditions with Clarity: How to integrate existing school traditions with new grading practices to ensure continuity amidst change.
3. Making Learning Visual: Using "attending tools," rubrics, and metaphors like the Jiffy Lube Multi-Point Inspection to explain proficiency to non-educators.
4. Combatting Misconceptions: Strategies to address narratives of "grade inflation" by prioritizing high-quality feedback over numerical averages.

Special Thanks to our Sponsors: We are proud to partner with CLI (Curriculum Leadership Institute) and SpacesEDU. Both organizations empower school leaders to foster systemic clarity and use student-driven portfolios to make learning visible.

1. CLI (Curriculum Leadership Institute): Empowering school leaders to build systemic clarity. https://www.cliweb.org/
2. SpacesEDU: Capturing durable skill development through digital portfolios. https://spacesedu.com/en/

Join the Community: "The Commons" is a platform designed for educational professionals to share passion and insights. It’s a space to cultivate collaborative environments that support student growth.

Watch Part 3: https://youtu.be/0ZLbTjn8hKo

Subscribe to the Series: https://the-commons-forwarded.captivate.fm

1. #EducationLeadership #GradingReform #ParentEngagement #K12 #ForwardEd #Assessment #SpacesEDU #CLI #TheCommons

What’s really going on behind the scenes of public school budgets?

In this episode, host Lisa Hill pulls back the curtain on the often confusing—and sometimes downright absurd—world of school spending. Through a mix of humor and firsthand experience, she shares stories that highlight the gap between what schools need and what budgets actually prioritize.

From overflowing closets of unused supplies to questionable purchases that leave teachers shaking their heads, Lisa explores how small decisions can add up to big financial consequences. Along the way, she unpacks the bureaucratic challenges educators face and the frustrating reality of trying to do more with less.

But this isn’t just about funny stories—it’s about accountability. Because when school spending misses the mark, it’s not just educators who feel it—it’s students, communities, and taxpayers.

If you’ve ever wondered how funding decisions are made in education—or questioned where those dollars actually go—this episode offers a candid, thought-provoking look at a system that deserves a closer examination.

1. School budgeting can often feel chaotic, with purchasing decisions that don’t always align with classroom needs
2. Everyday items like supplies and tech can reveal deeper systemic inefficiencies
3. Teachers frequently navigate a disconnect between limited resources and questionable spending choices
4. Outdated or unnecessary purchases can lead to wasted taxpayer dollars
5. Greater transparency and accountability are essential for responsible school funding

1. Amazon
2. BlackBerry
3. Palm
4. iPhone

This episode blends humor with a serious message: how schools spend money matters. Whether you’re an educator, administrator, or taxpayer, you’ll walk away with a sharper perspective on the realities—and responsibilities—of managing public funds in education.

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