{"name":"Assess THAT with Tom & Nat! (Assessment, Feedback, Grading, and Learning)","short_name":"Assess THAT with Tom & Nat! (Assessment, Feedback, Grading, and Learning)","theme_color":"#ffffff","start_url":"/","display":"standalone","background_color":"#fff","description":"<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><em>Assess THAT with Tom &amp; Nat</em> is a bi-weekly podcast where co-hosts <strong>Tom Schimmer</strong> and <strong>Natalie Vardabasso</strong> 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.</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">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, <em>Assess THAT</em> is for any educator ready to challenge the status quo and embrace assessment as a tool for growth—not just measurement.</p>\n<p><strong></strong></p>\n<p><strong>About the Hosts</strong><br />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 <strong>co-founders of the Canadian Assessment Centre (CAC)</strong>, a national professional learning hub created <em>by Canadians, for Canadians</em> to bring clarity, credibility, and care to assessment in classrooms across the country.</p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Tom Schimmer</strong> is the author and co-author of multiple best-selling books, including <em>Grading from the Inside Out</em> and <em>Standards-Based Learning in Action.</em> 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.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Natalie Vardabasso</strong> 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.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Together, Tom and Natalie bring complementary perspectives, humour, and a deep commitment to making assessment meaningful. Their partnership in <em>Assess THAT</em> 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.</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Tom and Natalie are also the authors of <em>Rehumanizing Assessment: Gathering Evidence of Learning Through Storytelling</em>, a book that challenges traditional grading systems and shows how assessment can honour student voice and identity.<strong></strong></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"></p>\n<p><strong>Why Listen?</strong><br />Whether you’re a classroom teacher, school leader, or policy maker, <em>Assess THAT with Tom &amp; Nat</em> will challenge your assumptions, equip you with actionable strategies, and inspire you to see assessment as the most powerful driver of student success.</p>","icons":[{"src":"https://deow9bq0xqvbj.cloudfront.net/image-logo/9247123/ASSESS_THAT_COVERa5krj_300x300.jpg","sizes":"300x300","type":"image/png"}]}