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Grading What Matters: Rethinking Student Learning and Assessment | Marc Aronson
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Imagine a school where grades reward collaboration, character, and genuine mastery—not just memorization and speed. In this episode, Dean of Academics Marc Aronson shares how his school, Cheshire Academy, rethought assessment through Grading What Matters, a framework focused on authentic learning, student agency, and mission-aligned outcomes.
We explore Final Demonstrations of Learning instead of exams, a Community of Learners model that grades students on contribution and engagement, and a fully open honors pathway where any student can earn honors inside their regular class.
Drawing from research by Grant Wiggins and Eric Mazur, Marc explains why performance assessments build deeper learning, why narrative feedback matters more than percentages, and how shifting to mission-based grading builds belonging, confidence, and durable skills.
What you’ll learn:
• How to design authentic assessments & FDOLs
• How to grade collaboration and community contribution
• Why narrative feedback drives real motivation
• Practical steps to begin grading what truly matters
If grades shape how students see themselves, let them measure what counts: mastery, growth, and contribution.
💡 This episode is CPD accredited! Educators can now earn Continuing Professional Development (CPD) minutes by listening. To claim your certificate:
- Listen to the full episode
- Visit https://thecpd.group/podcast
- Enter code 800150 to check in and download your certificate
Listen. Learn. Earn.
Great News! The Brighter Side of Education is now CPD Accredited!
Sponsored by Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr., DMD
Trusted dental care for healthy smiles and stronger communities—building brighter futures daily.
Head to the show notes to find if this episode is CPD eligible and details on how to claim your CPD certification!
Sponsored by Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr., DMD
Trusted dental care for healthy smiles and stronger communities—building brighter futures daily.
If you have a story about what's working in your schools that you'd like to share, email me at [email protected] or visit www.drlisahassler.com. Subscribe, tell a friend, and consider becoming a supporter by clicking the link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2048018/support.
The music in this podcast was written and performed by Brandon Picciolini of the Lonesome Family Band. Visit and follow him on Instagram.
Capitole
1. Grading What Matters: Rethinking Student Learning and Assessment | Marc Aronson (00:00:00)
2. Why Traditional Tests Fall Short (00:00:38)
3. Performance Assessment And Research Roots (00:01:53)
4. Meet Mark Aronson And Mission (00:03:14)
5. Defining Grade What Matters (00:04:24)
6. Final Demonstrations Of Learning (00:06:47)
7. Building A Community Of Learners (00:08:14)
8. Feedback That Drives Growth (00:09:36)
9. Agency, Ownership, And Durable Learning (00:10:45)
10. A Global Portraits Project (00:12:26)
11. Honors For All, Not Just A Track (00:13:00)
12. Change Management And Time (00:15:19)
13. Where Teachers Can Start (00:17:28)
14. Rethinking The Percentage Scale (00:20:52)
15. Closing Takeaways And Next Steps (00:21:48)
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