Tom Schimmer
@tomschimmer.bsky.social
Education author, keynote speaker, & consultant | @SolutionTree | 🎧 Co-host of the Assess THAT podcast 🎧
[WORKSHOP] There is still time to join me in Atlanta, GA (Sept. 22-23) for the 2-Day, Grading from the Inside Out training.
Register --> tinyurl.com/5f8p2wkt
We focus on developing a standards-based mindset that leads to accurate grades & confident learners!
#assessment #grading #education
Register --> tinyurl.com/5f8p2wkt
We focus on developing a standards-based mindset that leads to accurate grades & confident learners!
#assessment #grading #education
September 5, 2025 at 6:04 PM
[WORKSHOP] There is still time to join me in Atlanta, GA (Sept. 22-23) for the 2-Day, Grading from the Inside Out training.
Register --> tinyurl.com/5f8p2wkt
We focus on developing a standards-based mindset that leads to accurate grades & confident learners!
#assessment #grading #education
Register --> tinyurl.com/5f8p2wkt
We focus on developing a standards-based mindset that leads to accurate grades & confident learners!
#assessment #grading #education
🇨🇦 Educators, I am pleased to announce the launch of The Canadian Assessment Centre!
Co-founded by me and Natalie Vardabasso, this is your new
hub for modern assessment practices in Canada.
Listen: linktr.ee/tschimmer
Follow: @cacpd.bsky.social
Email list: tinyurl.com/2ebe8sw9
Co-founded by me and Natalie Vardabasso, this is your new
hub for modern assessment practices in Canada.
Listen: linktr.ee/tschimmer
Follow: @cacpd.bsky.social
Email list: tinyurl.com/2ebe8sw9
August 31, 2025 at 2:14 PM
🇨🇦 Educators, I am pleased to announce the launch of The Canadian Assessment Centre!
Co-founded by me and Natalie Vardabasso, this is your new
hub for modern assessment practices in Canada.
Listen: linktr.ee/tschimmer
Follow: @cacpd.bsky.social
Email list: tinyurl.com/2ebe8sw9
Co-founded by me and Natalie Vardabasso, this is your new
hub for modern assessment practices in Canada.
Listen: linktr.ee/tschimmer
Follow: @cacpd.bsky.social
Email list: tinyurl.com/2ebe8sw9
Standardized tests reward correctness over creativity
But many real-world challenges demand innovative thinking, not just accurate answers
So, let's use performance tasks that encourage creative solutions & novel approaches, even if they look different from student to student
#EduSky #EduSkyChat
But many real-world challenges demand innovative thinking, not just accurate answers
So, let's use performance tasks that encourage creative solutions & novel approaches, even if they look different from student to student
#EduSky #EduSkyChat
August 8, 2025 at 5:10 PM
Standardized tests reward correctness over creativity
But many real-world challenges demand innovative thinking, not just accurate answers
So, let's use performance tasks that encourage creative solutions & novel approaches, even if they look different from student to student
#EduSky #EduSkyChat
But many real-world challenges demand innovative thinking, not just accurate answers
So, let's use performance tasks that encourage creative solutions & novel approaches, even if they look different from student to student
#EduSky #EduSkyChat
Assessment often happens behind closed doors.
But authentic performance tasks thrive with an audience beyond the teacher.
So, let's consider having students present some of their learning publicly (to peers, families, or community members) to strengthen the authenticity of their learning.
But authentic performance tasks thrive with an audience beyond the teacher.
So, let's consider having students present some of their learning publicly (to peers, families, or community members) to strengthen the authenticity of their learning.
July 30, 2025 at 3:36 PM
Assessment often happens behind closed doors.
But authentic performance tasks thrive with an audience beyond the teacher.
So, let's consider having students present some of their learning publicly (to peers, families, or community members) to strengthen the authenticity of their learning.
But authentic performance tasks thrive with an audience beyond the teacher.
So, let's consider having students present some of their learning publicly (to peers, families, or community members) to strengthen the authenticity of their learning.
Grades are often seen as the final word on a student's ability.
But students grow over time, and #assessment results should reflect that.
So, let's consider using portfolios or multi-step tasks where students can show growth across multiple checkpoints, not just once.
But students grow over time, and #assessment results should reflect that.
So, let's consider using portfolios or multi-step tasks where students can show growth across multiple checkpoints, not just once.
July 28, 2025 at 5:11 PM
Grades are often seen as the final word on a student's ability.
But students grow over time, and #assessment results should reflect that.
So, let's consider using portfolios or multi-step tasks where students can show growth across multiple checkpoints, not just once.
But students grow over time, and #assessment results should reflect that.
So, let's consider using portfolios or multi-step tasks where students can show growth across multiple checkpoints, not just once.
[🇨🇦] CAN educators, I could use your help!
Are you leading change in #assessment & #grading?
If so, I'm hoping to have a 30-min chat with you about a new project I'm working on.
So, if you have time b/t now & Sep 2, please follow the link below to book a Zoom.
tinyurl.com/mdpjz7k3 Thank you!🙏
Are you leading change in #assessment & #grading?
If so, I'm hoping to have a 30-min chat with you about a new project I'm working on.
So, if you have time b/t now & Sep 2, please follow the link below to book a Zoom.
tinyurl.com/mdpjz7k3 Thank you!🙏
30 min Meeting with Tom Schimmer - Tom Schimmer
tinyurl.com
July 23, 2025 at 3:11 PM
[🇨🇦] CAN educators, I could use your help!
Are you leading change in #assessment & #grading?
If so, I'm hoping to have a 30-min chat with you about a new project I'm working on.
So, if you have time b/t now & Sep 2, please follow the link below to book a Zoom.
tinyurl.com/mdpjz7k3 Thank you!🙏
Are you leading change in #assessment & #grading?
If so, I'm hoping to have a 30-min chat with you about a new project I'm working on.
So, if you have time b/t now & Sep 2, please follow the link below to book a Zoom.
tinyurl.com/mdpjz7k3 Thank you!🙏
Hey, 🇨🇦 educators, are you leading change in #assessment & #grading?
If so, I'm conducting some empathy interviews for a new project I'm working on & I'd love to chat!
If you can spare just 30 min b/t now & Sep. 2, please click the link below to book a Zoom call
tinyurl.com/mdpjz7k3 Thank you! 🙏
If so, I'm conducting some empathy interviews for a new project I'm working on & I'd love to chat!
If you can spare just 30 min b/t now & Sep. 2, please click the link below to book a Zoom call
tinyurl.com/mdpjz7k3 Thank you! 🙏
July 16, 2025 at 11:24 PM
Hey, 🇨🇦 educators, are you leading change in #assessment & #grading?
If so, I'm conducting some empathy interviews for a new project I'm working on & I'd love to chat!
If you can spare just 30 min b/t now & Sep. 2, please click the link below to book a Zoom call
tinyurl.com/mdpjz7k3 Thank you! 🙏
If so, I'm conducting some empathy interviews for a new project I'm working on & I'd love to chat!
If you can spare just 30 min b/t now & Sep. 2, please click the link below to book a Zoom call
tinyurl.com/mdpjz7k3 Thank you! 🙏
Are you a 🇨🇦 Educator leading change in #assessment & #grading?
If so, I'd love to chat with you about a new project I'm working on. If you can spare 30 minutes, please follow the link below to book a Zoom call. Thank you!
Book a call --> tinyurl.com/3srs3f5t
If so, I'd love to chat with you about a new project I'm working on. If you can spare 30 minutes, please follow the link below to book a Zoom call. Thank you!
Book a call --> tinyurl.com/3srs3f5t
July 15, 2025 at 4:34 PM
Are you a 🇨🇦 Educator leading change in #assessment & #grading?
If so, I'd love to chat with you about a new project I'm working on. If you can spare 30 minutes, please follow the link below to book a Zoom call. Thank you!
Book a call --> tinyurl.com/3srs3f5t
If so, I'd love to chat with you about a new project I'm working on. If you can spare 30 minutes, please follow the link below to book a Zoom call. Thank you!
Book a call --> tinyurl.com/3srs3f5t
Traditional tests often focus on speed, not depth.
But rushing through content only rewards surface learning and sidelines reflection.
So, let's design assessments that allow students to take their time, think deeply, and develop thoughtful, nuanced responses.
#assessment #education #teaching
But rushing through content only rewards surface learning and sidelines reflection.
So, let's design assessments that allow students to take their time, think deeply, and develop thoughtful, nuanced responses.
#assessment #education #teaching
July 3, 2025 at 3:33 PM
Traditional tests often focus on speed, not depth.
But rushing through content only rewards surface learning and sidelines reflection.
So, let's design assessments that allow students to take their time, think deeply, and develop thoughtful, nuanced responses.
#assessment #education #teaching
But rushing through content only rewards surface learning and sidelines reflection.
So, let's design assessments that allow students to take their time, think deeply, and develop thoughtful, nuanced responses.
#assessment #education #teaching
Some fear that giving students choice will reduce academic rigor.
However, when grounded in clear outcomes, choice increases ownership, meaning, and motivation.
So, let's make student choice the default by allowing personalization in product, process, or topic.
#EduSky #EduSkyChat #assessment
However, when grounded in clear outcomes, choice increases ownership, meaning, and motivation.
So, let's make student choice the default by allowing personalization in product, process, or topic.
#EduSky #EduSkyChat #assessment
June 18, 2025 at 8:09 PM
Some fear that giving students choice will reduce academic rigor.
However, when grounded in clear outcomes, choice increases ownership, meaning, and motivation.
So, let's make student choice the default by allowing personalization in product, process, or topic.
#EduSky #EduSkyChat #assessment
However, when grounded in clear outcomes, choice increases ownership, meaning, and motivation.
So, let's make student choice the default by allowing personalization in product, process, or topic.
#EduSky #EduSkyChat #assessment
Rich, complex #assessments are often reserved for “gifted” students.
But critical competencies (like collaboration, critical thinking, & communication) are essential for all learners.
So, let's make next-generation assessments the norm; all students deserve access to them!
#EduSky #EduSkyChat
But critical competencies (like collaboration, critical thinking, & communication) are essential for all learners.
So, let's make next-generation assessments the norm; all students deserve access to them!
#EduSky #EduSkyChat
June 17, 2025 at 9:59 PM
Rich, complex #assessments are often reserved for “gifted” students.
But critical competencies (like collaboration, critical thinking, & communication) are essential for all learners.
So, let's make next-generation assessments the norm; all students deserve access to them!
#EduSky #EduSkyChat
But critical competencies (like collaboration, critical thinking, & communication) are essential for all learners.
So, let's make next-generation assessments the norm; all students deserve access to them!
#EduSky #EduSkyChat
Most teachers finish the year thinking, “Next year will be better," but without reflection, we recreate the same chaos.
In Ep. 15 of Assess THAT, we discuss a 5-question #assessment audit to end the year with clarity.
🟣 Apple apple.co/3TqfLRX
🟢 Spotify tinyurl.com/cef4rv84
#EduSky #EduSkyChat
In Ep. 15 of Assess THAT, we discuss a 5-question #assessment audit to end the year with clarity.
🟣 Apple apple.co/3TqfLRX
🟢 Spotify tinyurl.com/cef4rv84
#EduSky #EduSkyChat
June 16, 2025 at 8:01 PM
Most teachers finish the year thinking, “Next year will be better," but without reflection, we recreate the same chaos.
In Ep. 15 of Assess THAT, we discuss a 5-question #assessment audit to end the year with clarity.
🟣 Apple apple.co/3TqfLRX
🟢 Spotify tinyurl.com/cef4rv84
#EduSky #EduSkyChat
In Ep. 15 of Assess THAT, we discuss a 5-question #assessment audit to end the year with clarity.
🟣 Apple apple.co/3TqfLRX
🟢 Spotify tinyurl.com/cef4rv84
#EduSky #EduSkyChat
Traditional #assessments often prioritize recall & isolated skills.
But today’s learners need to reason, synthesize, & respond to real situations.
So, let's design assessments that are modern, student-centred, & iterative. Let students show how their thinking evolves, not just what they memorized
But today’s learners need to reason, synthesize, & respond to real situations.
So, let's design assessments that are modern, student-centred, & iterative. Let students show how their thinking evolves, not just what they memorized
June 13, 2025 at 8:55 PM
Traditional #assessments often prioritize recall & isolated skills.
But today’s learners need to reason, synthesize, & respond to real situations.
So, let's design assessments that are modern, student-centred, & iterative. Let students show how their thinking evolves, not just what they memorized
But today’s learners need to reason, synthesize, & respond to real situations.
So, let's design assessments that are modern, student-centred, & iterative. Let students show how their thinking evolves, not just what they memorized
Two students can do the same work and receive different grades depending on the teacher.
That’s not autonomy, it’s inequity.
So let's work on grading consistently by engaging in collaborative scoring and co-creating clear criteria. Equity begins with consistency in how we assess.
That’s not autonomy, it’s inequity.
So let's work on grading consistently by engaging in collaborative scoring and co-creating clear criteria. Equity begins with consistency in how we assess.
June 11, 2025 at 9:18 PM
Two students can do the same work and receive different grades depending on the teacher.
That’s not autonomy, it’s inequity.
So let's work on grading consistently by engaging in collaborative scoring and co-creating clear criteria. Equity begins with consistency in how we assess.
That’s not autonomy, it’s inequity.
So let's work on grading consistently by engaging in collaborative scoring and co-creating clear criteria. Equity begins with consistency in how we assess.
Traditional tests often focus on what’s easy to score, not always what matters
Memorized facts don’t reveal whether students can apply, synthesize, or create.
So, let's start using performance tasks that challenge students to think & transfer learning.
#assessment #education #teacher #EduSky
Memorized facts don’t reveal whether students can apply, synthesize, or create.
So, let's start using performance tasks that challenge students to think & transfer learning.
#assessment #education #teacher #EduSky
June 9, 2025 at 7:28 PM
Traditional tests often focus on what’s easy to score, not always what matters
Memorized facts don’t reveal whether students can apply, synthesize, or create.
So, let's start using performance tasks that challenge students to think & transfer learning.
#assessment #education #teacher #EduSky
Memorized facts don’t reveal whether students can apply, synthesize, or create.
So, let's start using performance tasks that challenge students to think & transfer learning.
#assessment #education #teacher #EduSky
Self-assessment is often underutilized or improperly implemented.
When taught effectively, it empowers students to invest in their learning journey from beginning to end.
So, let's integrate structured self-assessment practices to develop metacognitive skills essential for lifelong learning.
When taught effectively, it empowers students to invest in their learning journey from beginning to end.
So, let's integrate structured self-assessment practices to develop metacognitive skills essential for lifelong learning.
June 7, 2025 at 2:38 PM
Self-assessment is often underutilized or improperly implemented.
When taught effectively, it empowers students to invest in their learning journey from beginning to end.
So, let's integrate structured self-assessment practices to develop metacognitive skills essential for lifelong learning.
When taught effectively, it empowers students to invest in their learning journey from beginning to end.
So, let's integrate structured self-assessment practices to develop metacognitive skills essential for lifelong learning.
Traditional grading practices often fail today's learners.
Real change starts in the middle not at the extremes.
It's time to reform assessment practices to be equitable and reflective of all students, not just those born on 3rd base.
#assessment #atplc #grading #education #EduSky #EduSkyChat
Real change starts in the middle not at the extremes.
It's time to reform assessment practices to be equitable and reflective of all students, not just those born on 3rd base.
#assessment #atplc #grading #education #EduSky #EduSkyChat
June 5, 2025 at 10:37 PM
Traditional grading practices often fail today's learners.
Real change starts in the middle not at the extremes.
It's time to reform assessment practices to be equitable and reflective of all students, not just those born on 3rd base.
#assessment #atplc #grading #education #EduSky #EduSkyChat
Real change starts in the middle not at the extremes.
It's time to reform assessment practices to be equitable and reflective of all students, not just those born on 3rd base.
#assessment #atplc #grading #education #EduSky #EduSkyChat
Many believe Standards-Based Grading (SBG) is meant to boost achievement.
SBG isn't about raising achievement—it's about accurately verifying it.
Use grades to reflect true proficiency, not as motivational tools or rewards for obedience.
#EduSky #EduSkyChat #assessment #education
SBG isn't about raising achievement—it's about accurately verifying it.
Use grades to reflect true proficiency, not as motivational tools or rewards for obedience.
#EduSky #EduSkyChat #assessment #education
June 5, 2025 at 5:21 PM
Many believe Standards-Based Grading (SBG) is meant to boost achievement.
SBG isn't about raising achievement—it's about accurately verifying it.
Use grades to reflect true proficiency, not as motivational tools or rewards for obedience.
#EduSky #EduSkyChat #assessment #education
SBG isn't about raising achievement—it's about accurately verifying it.
Use grades to reflect true proficiency, not as motivational tools or rewards for obedience.
#EduSky #EduSkyChat #assessment #education
Two stories:
1️⃣ You play it safe, stay stuck, & keep waiting.
2️⃣ You bet on yourself, reinvigorate, & expand your impact.
If #2 lights you up…
✨ Join our FREE webinar:
🆓The Freedom Formula:
🗓 June 4 | 7pm ET (4pm PT)
www.unleashyes.org/webinar
Is it time to reimagine your role within education?
1️⃣ You play it safe, stay stuck, & keep waiting.
2️⃣ You bet on yourself, reinvigorate, & expand your impact.
If #2 lights you up…
✨ Join our FREE webinar:
🆓The Freedom Formula:
🗓 June 4 | 7pm ET (4pm PT)
www.unleashyes.org/webinar
Is it time to reimagine your role within education?
The Freedom Formula: A 3-Step Process to Launch an Education Business
Join Tom Schimmer and Natalie Vardabasso—former educators turned global education thought leaders—for a powerful 60-minute session to kickstart your journey into speaking, coaching and educational con...
www.unleashyes.org
May 28, 2025 at 4:37 PM
Two stories:
1️⃣ You play it safe, stay stuck, & keep waiting.
2️⃣ You bet on yourself, reinvigorate, & expand your impact.
If #2 lights you up…
✨ Join our FREE webinar:
🆓The Freedom Formula:
🗓 June 4 | 7pm ET (4pm PT)
www.unleashyes.org/webinar
Is it time to reimagine your role within education?
1️⃣ You play it safe, stay stuck, & keep waiting.
2️⃣ You bet on yourself, reinvigorate, & expand your impact.
If #2 lights you up…
✨ Join our FREE webinar:
🆓The Freedom Formula:
🗓 June 4 | 7pm ET (4pm PT)
www.unleashyes.org/webinar
Is it time to reimagine your role within education?
[NEW POD] In Ep. 14, Natalie and I continue the discussion of our new book, "Rehumanzing #Assessment."
Storytelling is not fluffy. It's at the heart of humanity, whether telling the story of WHAT or HOW I'm learning.
🟣 Apple apple.co/3YY7qIy
🟢 Spotify tinyurl.com/cef4rv84
#EduSkyChat #EduSky
Storytelling is not fluffy. It's at the heart of humanity, whether telling the story of WHAT or HOW I'm learning.
🟣 Apple apple.co/3YY7qIy
🟢 Spotify tinyurl.com/cef4rv84
#EduSkyChat #EduSky
May 21, 2025 at 5:43 PM
[NEW POD] In Ep. 14, Natalie and I continue the discussion of our new book, "Rehumanzing #Assessment."
Storytelling is not fluffy. It's at the heart of humanity, whether telling the story of WHAT or HOW I'm learning.
🟣 Apple apple.co/3YY7qIy
🟢 Spotify tinyurl.com/cef4rv84
#EduSkyChat #EduSky
Storytelling is not fluffy. It's at the heart of humanity, whether telling the story of WHAT or HOW I'm learning.
🟣 Apple apple.co/3YY7qIy
🟢 Spotify tinyurl.com/cef4rv84
#EduSkyChat #EduSky
[NEW EPISODE] In Ep. 12, Natalie & I discuss the important intersection between #assessment & #UDL.
🟣 Apple apple.co/4isc0FT
🟢 Spotify tinyurl.com/cef4rv84
Still hoping @bryoncar.bsky.social gets us back in the rotation haha!
#teachers #education #education #atplc
🟣 Apple apple.co/4isc0FT
🟢 Spotify tinyurl.com/cef4rv84
Still hoping @bryoncar.bsky.social gets us back in the rotation haha!
#teachers #education #education #atplc
April 24, 2025 at 2:15 PM
[NEW EPISODE] In Ep. 12, Natalie & I discuss the important intersection between #assessment & #UDL.
🟣 Apple apple.co/4isc0FT
🟢 Spotify tinyurl.com/cef4rv84
Still hoping @bryoncar.bsky.social gets us back in the rotation haha!
#teachers #education #education #atplc
🟣 Apple apple.co/4isc0FT
🟢 Spotify tinyurl.com/cef4rv84
Still hoping @bryoncar.bsky.social gets us back in the rotation haha!
#teachers #education #education #atplc
The “Skills vs Content” debate is a mirage and a false dichotomy.
“Skills” (or competencies) need content for substance; you always have to think about something.
“Content” needs cognitive complexity & needs to be used or it’s just trivia.
“Skills” (or competencies) need content for substance; you always have to think about something.
“Content” needs cognitive complexity & needs to be used or it’s just trivia.
April 15, 2025 at 6:38 PM
The “Skills vs Content” debate is a mirage and a false dichotomy.
“Skills” (or competencies) need content for substance; you always have to think about something.
“Content” needs cognitive complexity & needs to be used or it’s just trivia.
“Skills” (or competencies) need content for substance; you always have to think about something.
“Content” needs cognitive complexity & needs to be used or it’s just trivia.
🎙️[NEW] In Ep 11 of “Assess THAT, Natalie and I play the game, "Would You Rather?" (Assessment Edition)
🟣 Apple apple.co/3G5vjY8
🟢 Spotify tinyurl.com/cef4rv84
#EduSky
🟣 Apple apple.co/3G5vjY8
🟢 Spotify tinyurl.com/cef4rv84
#EduSky
April 15, 2025 at 6:35 PM
🎙️[NEW] In Ep 11 of “Assess THAT, Natalie and I play the game, "Would You Rather?" (Assessment Edition)
🟣 Apple apple.co/3G5vjY8
🟢 Spotify tinyurl.com/cef4rv84
#EduSky
🟣 Apple apple.co/3G5vjY8
🟢 Spotify tinyurl.com/cef4rv84
#EduSky
Thank you, @meganrogholt.bsky.social! You are too kind! Please reach out as questions emerge!
📬✨ Mail days are the best days—especially when they come with BOOKS! 😍 Just opened a package filled with a great read for our staff from one of my favorite edu experts, and I can’t wait to have them dive in! @tomschimmer.bsky.social
March 13, 2025 at 9:51 PM
Thank you, @meganrogholt.bsky.social! You are too kind! Please reach out as questions emerge!
[NEW EPISODE] Ep. 10 of Assess THAT features our conversation about "Assessing PBL & Inquiry-Based Learning."
PBL & inquiry can be deep & sophisticated, or it can be fluff.
🟣 Apple apple.co/41ZDjlL
🟢 Spotify tinyurl.com/cef4rv84
#PBL #inquiry #education #teachers #assessment #EduSky #EduSkyChat
PBL & inquiry can be deep & sophisticated, or it can be fluff.
🟣 Apple apple.co/41ZDjlL
🟢 Spotify tinyurl.com/cef4rv84
#PBL #inquiry #education #teachers #assessment #EduSky #EduSkyChat
March 13, 2025 at 8:09 PM
[NEW EPISODE] Ep. 10 of Assess THAT features our conversation about "Assessing PBL & Inquiry-Based Learning."
PBL & inquiry can be deep & sophisticated, or it can be fluff.
🟣 Apple apple.co/41ZDjlL
🟢 Spotify tinyurl.com/cef4rv84
#PBL #inquiry #education #teachers #assessment #EduSky #EduSkyChat
PBL & inquiry can be deep & sophisticated, or it can be fluff.
🟣 Apple apple.co/41ZDjlL
🟢 Spotify tinyurl.com/cef4rv84
#PBL #inquiry #education #teachers #assessment #EduSky #EduSkyChat