71. Fair Isn’t Always Equal: Featuring Rick Wormeli

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Rick Wormeli, Fair isn't Always Equal

In education, we emphasize the power of differentiated learning, but what about differentiated grading? My guest today is a leading voice in rethinking assessments and grading practices—someone who has deeply influenced my own growth as a leader. Rick Wormeli, author of five bestselling books, joins me for a powerful conversation on why Fair Isn’t Always Equal and how shifting grading practices can better support student learning.

In this episode, we discuss:

  • The concept of differentiated grading
  • Why Fair Isn’t Always Equal
  • The impact of traditional grading scales on learning
  • The role of homework in assessment
  • The consequences of giving a zero
  • Rethinking GPA and the future of grading

This episode challenges traditional grading methods and offers practical strategies to create a more equitable and effective learning environment.

About Rick Wormeli:

One of the first Nationally Board Certified teachers in America, Rick brings innovation, energy, validity and high standards to both his presentations and his instructional practice, which include 39 years teaching math, science, English, physical education, health, and history, as well as coaching teachers and principals. Rick’s work has been reported in numerous media, including ABC’s Good Morning America, Hardball with Chris Matthews, National Geographic and Good Housekeeping magazines, What Matters Most: Teaching for the 21st Century, and the Washington Post. He is a columnist for AMLE Magazine and a frequent contributor to ASCD’s Education Leadership magazine. He is the author of the award-winning book Meet Me in the Middle as well as the best-selling books Day One and Beyond, Fair Isn’t Always Equal: Assessment and Grading in the Differentiated Classroom (Second Edition), Differentiation: From Planning to Practice and Metaphors & Analogies: Power Tools for Teaching any Subject, all five from Stenhouse Publishers, as well as Summarization in any Subject: 60 Innovative and Tech-Infused Strategies for Deeper Student Learning (releasing in fall 2018) published by ASCD. His book, The Collected Writings (So Far) of Rick Wormeli: Crazy Good Stuff I Learned about Teaching Along the Way, is collection of his published articles, guest blogs and more through 2013. His classroom practice is a showcase for ASCD’s best-selling series, At Work in the Differentiated Classroom.

Books by Rick Wormeli:

Follow Rick Wormeli:

Resources Discussed in the Podcast:

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About the author, Joshua

Joshua Stamper is the Training and Development Specialist for the Teach Better Team and manages the Teach Better Podcast Network. Prior to Joshua's current position, he was a middle school Administrator, classroom art educator, and athletic coach.

In addition to being on the Teach Better Team, Joshua is the author of Aspire to Lead, podcaster, leadership coach, and education presenter.

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