Chris Sarkonak
@csarkonak.bsky.social
Physics teacher (former math teacher). CERN HST2019, E+2022, MAMT Murray McPherson Award 2022, CAP Physics Teacher Award 2022, Perimeter Institute Regional Coordinator for Manitoba, PASCO Champion, #Ungrading. Personal acnt - opinions expressed are my own.
Reposted by Chris Sarkonak
Our second Growth, Not Grades winner is Sharlyn Barrett 🎉
Sharlyn writes how chasing perfection — whether pounds on a scale or letters on a page — left her ready to give up. She imagines an education that values growth and self-acceptance.
Read and share!
growbeyondgrades.org/blog/degradi...
Sharlyn writes how chasing perfection — whether pounds on a scale or letters on a page — left her ready to give up. She imagines an education that values growth and self-acceptance.
Read and share!
growbeyondgrades.org/blog/degradi...
The Degrading Scale — Grow Beyond Grades
In her essay, Sharlyn Barrett recalls how the pursuit of perfection—whether on a scale or on a report card—stripped joy from both learning and life, and how messages about perfection left her exhauste...
growbeyondgrades.org
September 19, 2025 at 7:57 PM
Our second Growth, Not Grades winner is Sharlyn Barrett 🎉
Sharlyn writes how chasing perfection — whether pounds on a scale or letters on a page — left her ready to give up. She imagines an education that values growth and self-acceptance.
Read and share!
growbeyondgrades.org/blog/degradi...
Sharlyn writes how chasing perfection — whether pounds on a scale or letters on a page — left her ready to give up. She imagines an education that values growth and self-acceptance.
Read and share!
growbeyondgrades.org/blog/degradi...
Reposted by Chris Sarkonak
I am too exhausted to care about other standards of perfection, like grades. Insecure in my personal life, I give up trying at school because I can’t bear being judged anymore. @GBGEdu @growbeyondgrades.org growbeyondgrades.org/blog/degradi...
The Degrading Scale — Grow Beyond Grades
In her essay, Sharlyn Barrett recalls how the pursuit of perfection—whether on a scale or on a report card—stripped joy from both learning and life, and how messages about perfection left her exhauste...
growbeyondgrades.org
September 20, 2025 at 9:21 AM
I am too exhausted to care about other standards of perfection, like grades. Insecure in my personal life, I give up trying at school because I can’t bear being judged anymore. @GBGEdu @growbeyondgrades.org growbeyondgrades.org/blog/degradi...
Reposted by Chris Sarkonak
I want my learning to be measured by how much I’ve grown, how deeply I’ve understood, and how boldly I’ve tried, not just by the shape of the letter at the top of the page. @GBGEdu @growbeyondgrades.org growbeyondgrades.org/blog/a-lette...
A Letter to Letters — Grow Beyond Grades
In this letter, Subhiksha Sreeram breaks up with grades, recalling how letters once ruled her worth and turned learning into a numbers game. She shares how chasing A’s left her anxious, perfectionisti...
growbeyondgrades.org
September 14, 2025 at 8:39 AM
I want my learning to be measured by how much I’ve grown, how deeply I’ve understood, and how boldly I’ve tried, not just by the shape of the letter at the top of the page. @GBGEdu @growbeyondgrades.org growbeyondgrades.org/blog/a-lette...
I'm inspired by some amazing teachers doing #teach180 and thought I'd give it a try this year... but I'm already 2 days behind so I'll start by catching up! This semester I have 2 sections of 11 Physics, 1 class of 12 Physics, and 1 class of 9 Science (which will be my 3rd time in 17 years!) 🎢
September 7, 2025 at 2:57 PM
I'm inspired by some amazing teachers doing #teach180 and thought I'd give it a try this year... but I'm already 2 days behind so I'll start by catching up! This semester I have 2 sections of 11 Physics, 1 class of 12 Physics, and 1 class of 9 Science (which will be my 3rd time in 17 years!) 🎢
Reposted by Chris Sarkonak
“Why focus on how to improve when the verdict has already been delivered?” 📫
High school senior, Subhiksha Sreeram, describes the way grades cut off real learning. Her essay A Letter to Letters is the first of three winners in our Growth, Not Grades contest.
growbeyondgrades.org/blog/a-lette...
High school senior, Subhiksha Sreeram, describes the way grades cut off real learning. Her essay A Letter to Letters is the first of three winners in our Growth, Not Grades contest.
growbeyondgrades.org/blog/a-lette...
A Letter to Letters — Grow Beyond Grades
In this letter, Subhiksha Sreeram breaks up with grades, recalling how letters once ruled her worth and turned learning into a numbers game. She shares how chasing A’s left her anxious, perfectionisti...
growbeyondgrades.org
September 3, 2025 at 10:55 PM
“Why focus on how to improve when the verdict has already been delivered?” 📫
High school senior, Subhiksha Sreeram, describes the way grades cut off real learning. Her essay A Letter to Letters is the first of three winners in our Growth, Not Grades contest.
growbeyondgrades.org/blog/a-lette...
High school senior, Subhiksha Sreeram, describes the way grades cut off real learning. Her essay A Letter to Letters is the first of three winners in our Growth, Not Grades contest.
growbeyondgrades.org/blog/a-lette...
Reposted by Chris Sarkonak
I truly believe traditional grades (already problematic) only exacerbates the transactional problem of education when coupled with AI.
August 15, 2025 at 4:06 AM
I truly believe traditional grades (already problematic) only exacerbates the transactional problem of education when coupled with AI.
Reposted by Chris Sarkonak
The Summer Institute has been such an amazing event, with so much more great learning ahead. #assessment
August 13, 2025 at 12:41 PM
The Summer Institute has been such an amazing event, with so much more great learning ahead. #assessment
Reposted by Chris Sarkonak
Today we gather on Treaty 1 territory to begin our @caflnetwork.bsky.social Summer Institute. We look forward to rich, engaging conversations. #assessment #teacherpd
August 11, 2025 at 1:30 PM
Today we gather on Treaty 1 territory to begin our @caflnetwork.bsky.social Summer Institute. We look forward to rich, engaging conversations. #assessment #teacherpd
Reposted by Chris Sarkonak
Mistakes are where the learning happens!
Here's how T @csarkonak.bsky.social encourages learners to embrace them:
Here's how T @csarkonak.bsky.social encourages learners to embrace them:
July 27, 2025 at 4:43 PM
Mistakes are where the learning happens!
Here's how T @csarkonak.bsky.social encourages learners to embrace them:
Here's how T @csarkonak.bsky.social encourages learners to embrace them:
Reposted by Chris Sarkonak
Looking to build a more S-centered classroom practice?
T @csarkonak.bsky.social offers these three strategies that have transformed his classroom:
buff.ly/dSWMFnd
#EduSky
T @csarkonak.bsky.social offers these three strategies that have transformed his classroom:
buff.ly/dSWMFnd
#EduSky
This Is How Learning Should Feel
Watching students grow into confident, curious thinkers is the ultimate reminder of my “why.”
buff.ly
March 6, 2025 at 1:36 PM
Looking to build a more S-centered classroom practice?
T @csarkonak.bsky.social offers these three strategies that have transformed his classroom:
buff.ly/dSWMFnd
#EduSky
T @csarkonak.bsky.social offers these three strategies that have transformed his classroom:
buff.ly/dSWMFnd
#EduSky
This was such an influential book in my #ungrading journey! It was some of the best PD and at just the right time! Now, inspired by those that contributed to this book, I try to share what I can about my journey and where I’m at so others may find something helpful from my story.
I wrote about #ungrading and my experience in the 5 years since the book appeared. You can read the e-book on my substack.
open.substack.com/pub/susandbl...
open.substack.com/pub/susandbl...
Ungrading Five Years On
A Movement, A Backlash, A Rebranding, A Story
open.substack.com
July 26, 2025 at 1:22 AM
This was such an influential book in my #ungrading journey! It was some of the best PD and at just the right time! Now, inspired by those that contributed to this book, I try to share what I can about my journey and where I’m at so others may find something helpful from my story.
A4: assessment:
@achiaravalli.bsky.social
@humanrestorationproject.org
@covingtonedu.bsky.social
@leeannjung.bsky.social
@mssackstein.bsky.social
@davefrangiosa.bsky.social
@stacieoliver.bsky.social
@jessifer.bsky.social
🎢:
@cossettej.bsky.social
@joemilliano.bsky.social
#T2Tchat #EduSky
@achiaravalli.bsky.social
@humanrestorationproject.org
@covingtonedu.bsky.social
@leeannjung.bsky.social
@mssackstein.bsky.social
@davefrangiosa.bsky.social
@stacieoliver.bsky.social
@jessifer.bsky.social
🎢:
@cossettej.bsky.social
@joemilliano.bsky.social
#T2Tchat #EduSky
July 10, 2025 at 10:23 PM
A3: For me, #ungrading has been transformative! All that I’ve learned has been huge in helping me be successful in creating a far more equitable classroom that is focused on students! #T2Tchat #EduSky
July 10, 2025 at 10:12 PM
A3: For me, #ungrading has been transformative! All that I’ve learned has been huge in helping me be successful in creating a far more equitable classroom that is focused on students! #T2Tchat #EduSky
A1: I’m Chris, a high school Physics teacher in Manitoba, Canada! This summer I’m going back to being a student again! 🌻📕 #T2Tchat #EduSky
July 10, 2025 at 5:09 PM
Reposted by Chris Sarkonak
How T @csarkonak.bsky.social is building a #GrowthMindset classroom culture:
🍎 Talk about mistakes together
🍏 Create a collaborative culture
🍎 Keep the focus on real learning
🍎 Talk about mistakes together
🍏 Create a collaborative culture
🍎 Keep the focus on real learning
July 9, 2025 at 10:59 PM
How T @csarkonak.bsky.social is building a #GrowthMindset classroom culture:
🍎 Talk about mistakes together
🍏 Create a collaborative culture
🍎 Keep the focus on real learning
🍎 Talk about mistakes together
🍏 Create a collaborative culture
🍎 Keep the focus on real learning
Reposted by Chris Sarkonak
If the only feedback is a grade, why bother putting effort into the process? Students learn the game fast. Grades need to go.
June 7, 2025 at 8:32 PM
If the only feedback is a grade, why bother putting effort into the process? Students learn the game fast. Grades need to go.
Reposted by Chris Sarkonak
Facilitated a gr8 session with admin about assessment practices and how they shape the culture of a school.
Blue = assessment of
Yellow=assessment for
Pink=assessment as
Y-axis=Student identity
X-axis=school culture
What do you notice?
#EduSky
#EduSkyChat
#educoach
#edchat
#mtbos
Blue = assessment of
Yellow=assessment for
Pink=assessment as
Y-axis=Student identity
X-axis=school culture
What do you notice?
#EduSky
#EduSkyChat
#educoach
#edchat
#mtbos
June 1, 2025 at 8:46 PM
Facilitated a gr8 session with admin about assessment practices and how they shape the culture of a school.
Blue = assessment of
Yellow=assessment for
Pink=assessment as
Y-axis=Student identity
X-axis=school culture
What do you notice?
#EduSky
#EduSkyChat
#educoach
#edchat
#mtbos
Blue = assessment of
Yellow=assessment for
Pink=assessment as
Y-axis=Student identity
X-axis=school culture
What do you notice?
#EduSky
#EduSkyChat
#educoach
#edchat
#mtbos
Such a great opportunity for students to share their voice and have their experiences impact education in the future!! #ungrading
🕐 ONE WEEK LEFT!
Students: How have grades—or the lack of them—shaped your learning or growth?
All genres & formats welcome ✍️
Cash prizes 💸
Chance to be published 📚
growbeyondgrades.org/contest
#gradeless #ungrading #growbeyondgrades
@humanrestorationproject.org @gotlearning.bsky.social
Students: How have grades—or the lack of them—shaped your learning or growth?
All genres & formats welcome ✍️
Cash prizes 💸
Chance to be published 📚
growbeyondgrades.org/contest
#gradeless #ungrading #growbeyondgrades
@humanrestorationproject.org @gotlearning.bsky.social
Contest — Grow Beyond Grades
growbeyondgrades.org
May 24, 2025 at 7:31 PM
Such a great opportunity for students to share their voice and have their experiences impact education in the future!! #ungrading
Reposted by Chris Sarkonak
🕐 ONE WEEK LEFT!
Students: How have grades—or the lack of them—shaped your learning or growth?
All genres & formats welcome ✍️
Cash prizes 💸
Chance to be published 📚
growbeyondgrades.org/contest
#gradeless #ungrading #growbeyondgrades
@humanrestorationproject.org @gotlearning.bsky.social
Students: How have grades—or the lack of them—shaped your learning or growth?
All genres & formats welcome ✍️
Cash prizes 💸
Chance to be published 📚
growbeyondgrades.org/contest
#gradeless #ungrading #growbeyondgrades
@humanrestorationproject.org @gotlearning.bsky.social
Contest — Grow Beyond Grades
growbeyondgrades.org
May 23, 2025 at 2:08 PM
🕐 ONE WEEK LEFT!
Students: How have grades—or the lack of them—shaped your learning or growth?
All genres & formats welcome ✍️
Cash prizes 💸
Chance to be published 📚
growbeyondgrades.org/contest
#gradeless #ungrading #growbeyondgrades
@humanrestorationproject.org @gotlearning.bsky.social
Students: How have grades—or the lack of them—shaped your learning or growth?
All genres & formats welcome ✍️
Cash prizes 💸
Chance to be published 📚
growbeyondgrades.org/contest
#gradeless #ungrading #growbeyondgrades
@humanrestorationproject.org @gotlearning.bsky.social
Reposted by Chris Sarkonak
Traditional grading systems do a terrible job of measuring learning and discourage students from reaching their full potential. This week, we're exploring a different model that is gaining traction in hundreds of schools: competency-based learning.
www.cultofpedagogy.com/competency-b...
www.cultofpedagogy.com/competency-b...
A Close Look at Competency-Based Learning | Cult of Pedagogy
Learn about this teaching model that prioritizes growth and mastery over grades.
www.cultofpedagogy.com
April 13, 2025 at 5:39 PM
Traditional grading systems do a terrible job of measuring learning and discourage students from reaching their full potential. This week, we're exploring a different model that is gaining traction in hundreds of schools: competency-based learning.
www.cultofpedagogy.com/competency-b...
www.cultofpedagogy.com/competency-b...
Reposted by Chris Sarkonak
✍️ PLEASE SHARE WITH HS & COLLEGE-AGE STUDENTS!
How have grades—or the experience of learning without them—influenced your learning, growth, or personal journey? All genres and formats welcome! @humrespro.bsky.social @gotlearning.bsky.social
#gradeless #growbeyondgrades
growbeyondgrades.org/contest
How have grades—or the experience of learning without them—influenced your learning, growth, or personal journey? All genres and formats welcome! @humrespro.bsky.social @gotlearning.bsky.social
#gradeless #growbeyondgrades
growbeyondgrades.org/contest
Contest — Grow Beyond Grades
growbeyondgrades.org
April 5, 2025 at 11:06 PM
✍️ PLEASE SHARE WITH HS & COLLEGE-AGE STUDENTS!
How have grades—or the experience of learning without them—influenced your learning, growth, or personal journey? All genres and formats welcome! @humrespro.bsky.social @gotlearning.bsky.social
#gradeless #growbeyondgrades
growbeyondgrades.org/contest
How have grades—or the experience of learning without them—influenced your learning, growth, or personal journey? All genres and formats welcome! @humrespro.bsky.social @gotlearning.bsky.social
#gradeless #growbeyondgrades
growbeyondgrades.org/contest
I hear Ss say this almost every semester! Developing a system WITH them and honoring their voice builds a culture of learning. This is a human connection that AI can never replace and it’s only through this connection that Ss truly learn best. Eliminating grades clears the path for this to work!
"It's to the point where I care too much about my grades. I feel like I have to be motivated, but the only thing that motivates me is getting a good grade. I don't think I actually care about, learning."
April 3, 2025 at 1:22 AM
I hear Ss say this almost every semester! Developing a system WITH them and honoring their voice builds a culture of learning. This is a human connection that AI can never replace and it’s only through this connection that Ss truly learn best. Eliminating grades clears the path for this to work!
Reposted by Chris Sarkonak
I really need to go to bed but I just keep coming back to the utter and abject failure of imagination that exists in this particular discourse about learning & schooling. My god, people, schooling and learning can look like ten thousand different things and all be good and right and effective!
🙄
March 30, 2025 at 2:55 AM
I really need to go to bed but I just keep coming back to the utter and abject failure of imagination that exists in this particular discourse about learning & schooling. My god, people, schooling and learning can look like ten thousand different things and all be good and right and effective!
Reposted by Chris Sarkonak
A new teacher group is promoting the benefits of “ungrading” and how professionals across the province can tweak their classroom evaluations to better serve students.
‘We should not be ranking and sorting children’: educator group gives old-school grading an F
A new teacher group is promoting the benefits of “ungrading” and how professionals across the province can tweak their classroom evaluations to better serve students.
www.winnipegfreepress.com
March 25, 2025 at 10:20 PM
A new teacher group is promoting the benefits of “ungrading” and how professionals across the province can tweak their classroom evaluations to better serve students.