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.

In Episode 34 of Fires in Grading, Don, Becky, and Garth tackle one of the most common questions surrounding standards-based grading: “But what about college?” They’re joined by Sharona Krinsky and Robert Bosley, hosts of The Grading Podcast, to explore what is actually happening with grading in higher education. The conversation examines both sides of the college question, from how universities view students coming from standards-based systems to the growing movement among professors who are rethinking traditional grading practices themselves. The group also discusses reassessment, alternative grading, the difference between learning and point chasing, and whether our assumptions about “preparing students for college” are actually helping students become better learners.

In Episode 33 of Fires in Grading, Don, Becky, and Garth reflect on three influential voices who helped shape their thinking about assessment and grading: Ken O’Connor, Tom Guskey, and Rick Wormeli. The team explores how each challenged traditional grading practices, influenced the standards-based grading movement, and continues to shape the work happening in schools today. More than a look back, this episode is a tribute to the ideas and people who continue to push educators to question, refine, and improve grading practices.

The school year has just begun, and principals everywhere are balancing countless priorities while trying to lead meaningful instructional improvement. In this episode of Fires in Grading, Becky Peppler, Don Smith, and Garth Larson explore one of the most important—and often overlooked—questions in grading reform: What is the principal's role in making Standards-Based Grading successful?

Together, they discuss how school leaders create the conditions for sustainable change, common leadership mistakes that unintentionally stall implementation, and practical ways principals can support teachers while keeping learning at the center. Along the way, Don shares insights from his new book, The Confidence to Lead, co-authored with Jenni Donohoo, and explains why leadership efficacy is essential to building a culture where both teachers and students can thrive.

In this special episode of Fires in Grading, the hosts begin a new series that explores the personal journeys behind their passion for assessment and grading reform. Garth Larson and Don Smith sit down with Becky Peppler to discuss her path from classroom teacher to national consultant, the experiences that challenged her thinking about traditional grading, and the students who inspired her to seek a better way. Becky also shares the key lessons she's learned throughout her career, the influences that shaped her philosophy, and an inside look at her new book, Reassessment That Works. Whether you're just beginning your grading journey or leading change in your school, this episode offers an authentic look at the experiences that continue to fuel Becky's commitment to improving learning for every student.

In Episode 30 of Fires in Grading, Don, Becky, and Garth tackle one of the most overlooked challenges in grading reform: onboarding new teachers. While many districts invest significant time and effort into developing standards-based grading systems, far fewer create intentional processes to help new staff understand and sustain that work. The team explores how relying on mentors, assumptions, or “learning as you go” can lead to inconsistency, system drift, and the gradual erosion of a district’s grading philosophy. They discuss what effective onboarding should include, how leaders can preserve their grading culture through staff turnover, and why sustainability requires more than just a well-written handbook. If your district has been “doing the work” for several years, this episode will help you ensure that progress continues rather than slowly slipping away.