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Assess THAT with Tom & Nat is a bi-weekly podcast where co-hosts Tom Schimmer and Natalie Vardabasso unpack what it really means to deepen assessment literacy in schools. Known for their dynamic, insightful, and sometimes provocative conversations, Tom and Nat create a space where educators can rethink grading, feedback, and accountability in ways that put student learning first. Each episode blends practical strategies with big-picture thinking, helping teachers and leaders translate research into action without losing sight of the human side of education.
Listeners can expect honest discussions, fresh perspectives, and plenty of take-home ideas. From reimagining final exams to exploring the role of assessment in equity and Universal Design for Learning, Assess THAT is for any educator ready to challenge the status quo and embrace assessment as a tool for growth—not just measurement.
About the Hosts
Tom Schimmer and Natalie Vardabasso are internationally recognized speakers, authors, and consultants who have spent their careers helping schools modernize assessment and grading practices. Together, they are the co-founders of the Canadian Assessment Centre (CAC), a national professional learning hub created by Canadians, for Canadians to bring clarity, credibility, and care to assessment in classrooms across the country.
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Tom Schimmer is the author and co-author of multiple best-selling books, including Grading from the Inside Out and Standards-Based Learning in Action. With 35 years of experience as a teacher, leader, and consultant, Tom is known for his ability to translate big ideas into practical tools educators can use right away.
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Natalie Vardabasso is a leading voice in assessment and equity, recognized for her innovative approaches to standards-based learning, feedback, and student agency. As a speaker, writer, and coach, she has helped thousands of educators create assessment systems that are not only accurate but also deeply humanizing.
Together, Tom and Natalie bring complementary perspectives, humour, and a deep commitment to making assessment meaningful. Their partnership in Assess THAT and at the Canadian Assessment Centre reflects a shared belief that when educators improve how they assess, they unlock the full potential of every learner.
Tom and Natalie are also the authors of Rehumanizing Assessment: Gathering Evidence of Learning Through Storytelling, a book that challenges traditional grading systems and shows how assessment can honour student voice and identity.
Why Listen?
Whether you’re a classroom teacher, school leader, or policy maker, Assess THAT with Tom & Nat will challenge your assumptions, equip you with actionable strategies, and inspire you to see assessment as the most powerful driver of student success.
Episodes
Monday Oct 21, 2024
Monday Oct 21, 2024
In this episode, Tom and Natalie ask, "Are Common Assessments Worth It?" Spoiler alert: they are, as long as certain fundamentals and conditions are adhered to. In particular, when common assessments are used formatively they can be a powerful process for enhanced learning for students and teachers!
UPCOMING PROFESSIONAL LEARNING
- Nov. 3-5: Aurora Institute Symposium
- New Orleans, LA
RECENT BOOKS:
- "Redefining Student Accountability"
- "Concise Answers to FAQs about Assessment & Grading"
- "Jackpot: Nurturing Student Investment through Assessment"
CONNECT WITH TOM & NATALIE
- Podcast on X
- Tom on X
- Natalie on X
- Podcast on IG
- Tom on IG
- Natalie on IG
- Email: assessthat24@gmail.com
Monday Oct 07, 2024
Monday Oct 07, 2024
In this episode, Tom and Natalie explore the topic of feedback. They discuss it as both simple and complex. It's simple because there is unanimous agreement in academia about the role feedback plays in increasing student learning. It's complex because there are many contributing factors that lead to feedback potentially being ineffective.
In the end, Tom & Nat leave you with six guidelines for effective feedback.
FEEDBACK LESSONS
UPCOMING PROFESSIONAL LEARNING
- Oct. 17-19: NESA Fall Leadership Conference (Tom)
- Dubai, U.A.E.
- Nov. 3-5: Aurora Institute Symposium
- New Orleans, LA
RECENT BOOKS:
- "Redefining Student Accountability"
- "Concise Answers to FAQs about Assessment & Grading"
- "Jackpot: Nurturing Student Investment through Assessment"
CONNECT WITH TOM & NATALIE
- Podcast on X
- Tom on X
- Natalie on X
- Podcast on IG
- Tom on IG
- Natalie on IG
- Email: assessthat24@gmail.com
Monday Sep 23, 2024
Monday Sep 23, 2024
In this episode of Assess THAT, Tom and Nat discuss how educators can quiet the grading noise. Whether it be the traditional graders on one side or the undgraders on the other, many educators can find themselves feeling uncertain about how to respond.
While the extreme positions often take center stage, especially online, it is the balanced positions that are more thoughtful, grounded, and helpful for those trying to navigate grading reform.
UPCOMING PROFESSIONAL LEARNING
- Sep. 23-24: GFIO 2-Day (Tom)
- Madison, WI
- Sep. 25-26: SBLA 2-Day (Tom)
- Madison, WI
- Sep. 30-Oct. 1: GFIO 2-Day (Natalie)
- Sacramento, CA
- Oct. 17-19: NESA Fall Leadership Conference (Tom)
- Dubai, U.A.E.
- Nov. 3-5: Aurora Institute Symposium
- New Orleans, LA
RECENT BOOKS:
- "Redefining Student Accountability"
- "Concise Answers to FAQs about Assessment & Grading"
- "Jackpot: Nurturing Student Investment through Assessment"
CONNECT WITH TOM & NATALIE
- Podcast on X
- Tom on X
- Natalie on X
- Podcast on IG
- Tom on IG
- Natalie on IG
- Email: assessthat24@gmail.com
Monday Sep 09, 2024
Monday Sep 09, 2024
In this first episode of Assess THAT, Tom & Nat discuss the five reasons assessment must still be an essential part of every educator's professional learning plan.
UPCOMING PROFESSIONAL LEARNING
- Sep. 23-24: GFIO 2-Day (Tom)
- Madison, WI
- Sep. 25-26: SBLA 2-Day (Tom)
- Madison, WI
- Sep. 30-Oct. 1: GFIO 2-Day (Natalie)
- Sacramento, CA
- Oct. 17-19: NESA Fall Leadership Conference (Tom)
- Dubai, U.A.E.
- Nov. 3-5: Aurora Institute Symposium
- New Orleans, LA
RECENT BOOKS:
- "Redefining Student Accountability"
- "Concise Answers to FAQs about Assessment & Grading"
- "Jackpot: Nurturing Student Investment through Assessment"
CONNECT WITH TOM & NATALIE
- Podcast on X
- Tom on X
- Natalie on X
- Podcast on IG
- Tom on IG
- Natalie on IG
- Email: assessthat24@gmail.com
Monday Sep 02, 2024
Monday Sep 02, 2024
Introducing Assess THAT with Tom & Nat! Tom Schimmer and Natalie Vardabasso will be your go-to podcast for everything assessment. From formative assessment to feedback to grading, Tom and Natalie will share their expertise and experience to help you grow your assessment literacy to bring about a transformation within your classroom, your school, or even your district.
Beginning on September 9, Tom and Natalie will bring you bi-weekly episodes that drill down to what the research says, what it doesn't say, and how to put theory into practice.
Stay subscribed to the feed, and the episodes will download automatically!
Wednesday Aug 14, 2024
Wednesday Aug 14, 2024
OCTOBER 2022: Tom was joined by Dr. John Hattie for a conversation about his Visible Learning research.
- Visible Learning Website: www.visible-learning.org
- Hattie Foundation Website: www.hattieff.org
UYES PODCAST
NEW BOOKS BY TOM:
CONNECT WITH TOM SCHIMMER
Monday Jul 15, 2024
Monday Jul 15, 2024
MAY 2021: Tom was joined by Dr. Yvette Jackson, author of Pedagogy of Confidence, to discuss the equity issue surrounding Special Education and Gifted programs.
- Yvette Jackson does not have an active social media presence.
- Email Yvette Jackson: DRJNUA@aol.com
- National Urban Alliance: www.nuatc.org
UYES PODCAST
NEW BOOKS BY TOM:
CONNECT WITH TOM SCHIMMER
- Podcast on Twitter
- Tom on Twitter
- Podcast on Instagram
- Podcast on TikTok
- Podcast on Facebook
- www.tomschimmer.com
- Email: tomschimmerpod@gmail.com
Saturday Jul 13, 2024
Saturday Jul 13, 2024
Are you feeling stifled in your job? Have you gone from being celebrated to being the problem? Are you ready to become your boss and finally live the life you were always meant for?
If you answered 'yes' to any of the above questions, then this new podcast from Tom Schimmer and Natalie Vardabasso is for you! In each episode, Tom & Nat want to share their wisdom & experiences of leaving their jobs and building learning-based businesses as authors, speakers, and consultants.
If you are ready to leap but need support, subscribe below and let's get started!
Subscribe to the UYES Podcast
Follow Tom Schimmer on LinkedIn
Follow Natalie Vardabasso on LinkedIn
Monday Jul 08, 2024
Monday Jul 08, 2024
JUNE 2022: Tom was joined by author Zaretta Hammond to discuss her 2015 book, "Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain."
- Zaretta on X: @Ready4rigor
- Zaretta on Instagram: @crtandthebrain
- Zaretta on Facebook: CRTandtheBrain
- Zaretta on LinkedIn: Zaretta Hammond
- Zaretta’s Website: www.crtandthebrain.com
UYES PODCAST
NEW BOOKS BY TOM:
CONNECT WITH TOM SCHIMMER
- Podcast on Twitter
- Tom on Twitter
- Podcast on Instagram
- Podcast on TikTok
- Podcast on Facebook
- www.tomschimmer.com
- Email: tomschimmerpod@gmail.com
Friday Jun 21, 2024
Friday Jun 21, 2024
In this episode, Tom shares where he has been and why it has been six months since his last episode. Then (4:54) Tom is joined by his good friend and colleague Paula Maeker to discuss the most promising practices in LiteracyFinally, Tom shares the trailer (52:55) for a new business/podcast venture called "UYES with Tom & Nat!" It's a podcast that helps stifled employees Unleash their Entrepreneurial Spirit - UYES!
UYES PODCAST
NEW BOOKS BY TOM:
CONNECT WITH TOM SCHIMMER
- Podcast on Twitter
- Tom on Twitter
- Podcast on Instagram
- Podcast on TikTok
- Podcast on Facebook
- www.tomschimmer.com
- Email: tomschimmerpod@gmail.com