Program: Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment
Audience: School and district leaders, teacher leaders
Dates: 7/28/2025 to 7/29/2025
Meeting Times: 8:30 - 3:30
Location: Seneca Smart and A14
Reforming traditional grading and reporting practices can be one of the most challenging initiatives a school system can undertake. Grades form the basis of a wide range of school policies, as well as decisions made about individual students on a daily basis. Grading practices can also be highly personal and even emotional for educators. It's not just about assigning a score -- what and how we grade shows what we value most as educators. However, adopting a new, performance-based mindset for assessment can also be a powerful lever for shifting instructional practices and school culture. Emily Wemmer, Director of Regional School Success, has had the privilege of working with districts across New York State, with an emphasis on shifting mindsets as well as adopting new practices.
In this two-day workshop, administrators and teacher leaders will explore strategies for leading grading reform efforts, from starting the conversation with stakeholders to establishing a timeline for change to considering the logistics of calculating and reporting grades. We will learn how to anticipate and address common pitfalls in leading change initiatives with Michelle Brantner, former Superintendent and Leadership Coach. Madeline Manheim, Coordinator of DEI, will explore considerations for implementing equitable and standards-based grading practices with students with IEPs. Participants will leave the workshop with practical turn-key activities to be implemented in faculty meetings and PD sessions. It is recommended that district teams attend together to make full use of planning time embedded throughout the sessions.
The registration fee for employees of TST Region districts (Candor, Dryden, George Jr. Republic, Groton, Ithaca, Lansing, Newfield, Trumansburg, and South Seneca) is $200.
The registration fee for all other participants is $300.