In this special episode of Fires in Grading, Becky Peppler and Don Smith turn the microphones on Garth Larson to explore the experiences that shaped his approach to assessment, grading and school leadership. Unlike Becky and Don, Garth did not implement standards-based grading as a classroom teacher. His journey into the work came through leadership, first at the elementary level and later at the secondary level. Garth shares what caused him to begin questioning traditional grading practices, what he learned while leading schools through change and how his experiences across different grade levels shaped the way he approaches standards-based grading today. The conversation explores leadership, resistance, communication and the lessons Garth now carries into his work with schools and districts across the country.

In this special episode of Fires in Grading, Becky Peppler and Garth Larson turn the microphones on Don Smith to explore the experiences that shaped his approach to assessment, grading and school leadership. Don shares his journey into education and administration, what led him to question traditional grading practices and what he learned while leading a school through standards-based grading reform. The conversation explores the challenges of leading meaningful change, the importance of trust and communication and the role a leader’s own confidence plays when the work gets difficult. Don also connects his experiences with grading reform to ideas from his book, The Confidence to Lead, and shares lessons for school leaders navigating change today. Whether you’re beginning your grading journey or leading the work in your school or district, this episode offers a candid look at what it takes to lead lasting grading reform.

In Episode 35 of the Fires in Grading Podcast, Garth Larson and Don Smith sit down with co-host and author Becky Peppler to explore ideas from her new book, Reassessment That Works: Overcoming Challenges and Building Systems That Improve Learning. The conversation tackles common reassessment challenges—including student responsibility, unlimited retakes, relearning, and teacher workload—and explores how schools can create practical, sustainable systems that keep the focus where it belongs: improving student learning.