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Welcome back everyone to the deep dive.

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Today we're gonna be looking at how one school decided

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to kind of like totally change their assessment system.

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And they really wanted to get a complete picture

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of what student learning looks like.

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You know, and you'll never guess what they found

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when they decided to combine traditional grades

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and standardized tests

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with something called performance assessments.

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All this is powered by some really interesting tech solutions.

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Interesting.

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So let's dive right in with our expert

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who just lives and breathes all things education

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and assessment.

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Thanks for having me.

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Yeah, of course.

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It's always cool to see schools sort of pushing

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the boundaries of like how we think about

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and measure learning.

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Absolutely.

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And we're focusing on a small public school

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in the Northeast US.

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And they wanted to go beyond, you know, just checking boxes.

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They really wanted to see their students kind of like shine,

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you know, especially in areas like creative problem solving

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and collaboration, which we all know

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are really valuable skills today.

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Yeah, I think it's a challenge a lot of educators face.

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Right.

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Where they feel that standardized tests,

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while, you know, useful, don't really tell the whole story

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of what a student can do.

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Exactly.

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And so this school came up with a really interesting solution

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that created like a three pronged assessment system.

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Interesting.

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Okay, so it still includes those traditional course grades.

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Because let's be honest,

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who doesn't need good time management skills?

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Yeah, you really need that like foundational stuff.

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Right, no matter what you do after graduation.

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Exactly.

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And then of course standardized tests

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are still part of the picture.

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College admissions and measuring progress

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against, you know, national standards.

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That's not going anywhere.

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No, not anytime soon.

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But the exciting part is that third element.

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The performance assessment.

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The performance assessment.

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Yeah, and these capture student learning

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in like a more hands-on real world way.

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Yeah.

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Like think of it this way.

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It's one thing to know all the theory from a textbook.

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But it's another thing entirely to like actually

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build something or design something

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or create something.

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Like apply those concepts.

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Right, yeah.

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To show that you understand it.

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Exactly, like putting that knowledge into action.

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Yeah.

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So one example is there was a student

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who created like a documentary

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about local environmental challenges.

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Wow.

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And you know, not only did they learn how to film and edit,

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but they really had to dive deep

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into the science behind it.

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Yeah.

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They interviewed experts

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and they like created this really compelling argument

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for change.

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That's really impressive.

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Yeah.

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And it's something that like a traditional test

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just could never fully capture.

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Right, you're not going to get that depth.

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Exactly.

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So we've got like the what of their assessment,

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but how does it actually work?

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Like how do they manage all this data

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and actually make it meaningful?

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Well, that's where technology comes in.

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Okay.

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They have a pretty ingenious system

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that blends their existing student information system.

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Yeah.

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Or what they call the SIS.

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With some custom tools.

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I'm always fascinated by how schools are using technology.

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Yeah.

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To make things more efficient and get better insights.

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Well, yeah, it's amazing what you can do now.

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Right.

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Like for example, this school created a dashboard.

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Okay.

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That pulls in data, not just from grades and test scores,

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but also things like extracurricular activities.

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Okay.

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And even the courses that students choose to take.

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Wow.

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And so they discovered for example,

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that students who are in the robotics club.

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Okay.

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Consistently outperformed their peers in math.

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Oh, wow.

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Like there was a clear link between that hands-on learning.

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Yeah.

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And you know, their ability to grasp abstract concepts.

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That's amazing.

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Yeah.

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Now that is what I call data-driven decision-making.

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It's like they're unlocking hidden patterns.

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Yeah.

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And they're able to get a little bit of data

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within their students.

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Exactly.

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Wow.

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And then there's the platform they use

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for those performance assessments.

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Right.

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Mahara.

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Mahara, yeah.

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And students can create these incredible electronic

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portfolios.

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Yeah.

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And they can showcase their work.

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Like that documentary we talked about.

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Right.

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Using videos, images, presentations,

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even written reflections.

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All in one place.

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Wow.

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And it's connected to their learning management system.

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Okay.

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So teachers can give feedback right within the platform.

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So, it's like, you know, they're

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creating student work.

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Right.

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It's like creating this dynamic record

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of their learning journey.

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Exactly.

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Wow.

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Like imagine you're able to see a student's growth over time.

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Mm-hmm.

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Not just through their grades.

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Right.

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But through, you know, tangible evidence

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of their skills and accomplishments.

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Wow.

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It just paints such a richer picture of their development.

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I can see how this would be incredibly

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motivating for students, too.

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Oh, yeah.

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It's like having this living, breathing,

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Wow.

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They're not just working for a grade.

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Right.

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They're building a portfolio that represents, you know,

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their unique talents and abilities.

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That's amazing.

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Yeah.

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I love that.

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So, it sounds like this school has really thought through

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how to like make assessment a more meaningful experience

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for everyone involved.

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Yeah.

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You mentioned that the system is connected

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to their learning management system.

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So, how did they leverage that existing infrastructure?

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Well, they were smart to build on what they already had,

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you know?

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Their learning management system wasn't just a place

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to post assignments anymore.

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Right.

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It really became like a central hub

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for communication and collaboration and feedback.

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So, they're using the tools they already have

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in like a more holistic way.

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Exactly.

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I like that.

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Yeah, it's about working smarter, not harder, right?

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Right.

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And that integration with Mahara is really key.

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Okay.

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You know, students can submit their portfolios

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directly through the learning management system

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and teachers can give feedback all in one place.

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That seamless integration is a game changer.

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Yeah.

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No more juggling multiple platforms

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or like hunting for lost files.

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Exactly.

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But what about evaluating those portfolios?

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We're talking about skills like creativity

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and critical thinking.

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Right.

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How do you even begin to assess those?

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That's where rubrics come in.

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Okay.

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They're essential for evaluating

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those more complex skills.

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Yeah.

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So, the school created these digital rubrics

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that outline the specific criteria for each project

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and define different levels of proficiency.

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So, it's like a shared understanding

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of what success looks like.

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Yeah, exactly.

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No more guessing games or subjective interpretations.

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Exactly.

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And then guess what?

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They embedded those rubrics directly

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into the learning management system.

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Wow, that's smart.

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So, teachers can easily provide targeted feedback.

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Right.

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Students can see exactly where they stand.

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Yeah, it's all about transparency and clarity.

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Right.

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It sounds like this system really empowers students

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to take ownership of their learning.

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Absolutely.

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Yeah.

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It's a shift from just grading students

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to actually guiding their growth.

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I see.

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You know, they're encouraged to focus on their own progress

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and really develop a deeper understanding of their strengths

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and areas for improvement.

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I'm sensing a theme here.

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Yeah.

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This school is all about creating a culture

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of continuous learning and improvement.

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They're spot on.

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But let's be real, change is never easy.

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Right.

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Did they face any pushback

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when they rolled out this new system?

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I'd imagine there were some growing pains.

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Yeah.

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Not everyone embraces new technology with open arms.

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You're right, there was some initial hesitation

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from teachers.

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Okay.

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You know, new tools always come with a learning curve.

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Yeah.

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But the school leadership was really proactive.

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They provided professional development.

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They offered ongoing tech support.

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Okay.

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And most importantly, they listened to teachers' concerns.

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It sounds like they fostered a really collaborative environment

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where everyone felt heard and supported.

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Yeah.

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That's crucial for successful implementation.

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Absolutely.

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It wasn't about forcing anyone to change.

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Right.

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It was about working together

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to create a better system for everyone.

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I like that.

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And they didn't stop there.

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Okay.

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They've continued to evaluate and refine the system

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based on feedback from teachers, students, and parents.

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So it's not a static system.

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Right.

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It's constantly evolving and improving.

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They've embraced this as a journey, not a destination.

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They're committed to innovation and continuous improvement.

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And it's clearly paying off.

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Yeah.

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They've seen a significant increase

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in student engagement.

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Right.

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A deeper understanding of the learning process.

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And even improvements in standardized test scores.

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It's amazing what can happen

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when you rethink assessment.

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Right.

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And embrace a more holistic approach.

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This school is a shining example of what's possible.

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Yeah.

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But let's bring this back to our listeners for a second.

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Okay.

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What are the key takeaways here?

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How can we apply these principles in our own lives?

292
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Even if we're not in a traditional classroom setting?

293
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That's a great question.

294
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Yeah.

295
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The beauty of this approach is that it's really adaptable.

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So think about your own professional development,

297
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for example.

298
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Okay.

299
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Instead of relying solely on a traditional resume,

300
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why not create a digital portfolio?

301
00:09:12,280 --> 00:09:13,280
Okay.

302
00:09:13,280 --> 00:09:14,280
I'm intrigued.

303
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Tell me more about this professional portfolio concept.

304
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Okay.

305
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So imagine showcasing your skills and accomplishments

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in a more engaging and dynamic way.

307
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Okay.

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You could include examples of projects you've worked on,

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testimonials from colleagues,

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or even videos demonstrating your expertise.

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It's like bringing your resume to life.

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Yeah.

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It allows you to tell your unique story

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and highlight your transferable skills

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in a way that a list of job titles just can't capture.

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It's like a really brilliant way

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to take control of your narrative,

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and present yourself in the best possible light.

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And it's not just about what you've done.

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It's about how you think, how you learn,

321
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and how you can actually contribute.

322
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Exactly.

323
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And it's not just for impressing potential employers

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or creating a portfolio can be a really powerful tool

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for self-reflection and growth.

326
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Okay.

327
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Even if you're not actively job hunting.

328
00:10:14,840 --> 00:10:15,880
Yeah.

329
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That's a really interesting perspective.

330
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I hadn't thought about it that way.

331
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How?

332
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Well, the process of curating a portfolio,

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it really forces you to step back.

334
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Right.

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And examine your skills, your accomplishments,

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and the areas where you'd like to grow.

337
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Okay.

338
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And you start to notice patterns,

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strengths that you may have taken for granted.

340
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Yeah.

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And even weaknesses you might not have been aware of.

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It's like a guided self-assessment.

343
00:10:41,480 --> 00:10:42,320
Exactly.

344
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Yeah.

345
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And that self-awareness can be so valuable

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for setting goals.

347
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Right.

348
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You know, identifying new learning opportunities

349
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and figuring out your next steps.

350
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It's about taking control of your own development.

351
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Right.

352
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And embracing lifelong learning.

353
00:10:55,960 --> 00:10:56,800
Exactly.

354
00:10:56,800 --> 00:10:58,400
This reminds me of all the talk about

355
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like 21st century skills.

356
00:11:00,840 --> 00:11:01,680
Yes.

357
00:11:01,680 --> 00:11:03,440
What are your thoughts on how this type

358
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of portfolio approach kind of fits into that?

359
00:11:06,560 --> 00:11:07,840
Well, it's a perfect fit.

360
00:11:07,840 --> 00:11:08,680
All right.

361
00:11:08,680 --> 00:11:12,120
So you think about those essential 21st century skills.

362
00:11:12,120 --> 00:11:12,960
Right.

363
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Things like critical thinking, problem solving,

364
00:11:15,480 --> 00:11:19,840
communication collaboration, creativity, adaptability.

365
00:11:19,840 --> 00:11:22,440
These are all about applying knowledge

366
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in real world situations.

367
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Not just memorizing facts.

368
00:11:25,960 --> 00:11:26,800
Exactly.

369
00:11:26,800 --> 00:11:29,760
And those are the skills that traditional assessments

370
00:11:29,760 --> 00:11:30,880
often struggle to measure.

371
00:11:30,880 --> 00:11:31,720
Yeah, they do.

372
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But a portfolio allows you to actually showcase

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those skills in action.

374
00:11:36,960 --> 00:11:37,800
I see.

375
00:11:37,800 --> 00:11:40,160
And to concrete examples of how you've

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tackled complex problems, collaborated with others,

377
00:11:42,680 --> 00:11:44,400
or come up with innovative solutions.

378
00:11:44,400 --> 00:11:46,480
It's like showing, not just telling.

379
00:11:46,480 --> 00:11:47,440
Exactly.

380
00:11:47,440 --> 00:11:48,280
Yeah.

381
00:11:48,280 --> 00:11:49,320
And that's what makes it so powerful.

382
00:11:49,320 --> 00:11:50,160
It really is.

383
00:11:50,160 --> 00:11:51,600
You're painting a more complete picture

384
00:11:51,600 --> 00:11:53,600
of who you are as a learner and a contributor.

385
00:11:53,600 --> 00:11:55,800
This whole conversation has really shifted

386
00:11:55,800 --> 00:11:57,840
my perspective on assessment.

387
00:11:57,840 --> 00:11:58,680
Okay.

388
00:11:58,680 --> 00:12:01,440
It's not just about proving what you know.

389
00:12:01,440 --> 00:12:03,840
It's about understanding how you learn.

390
00:12:03,840 --> 00:12:04,680
Yeah.

391
00:12:04,680 --> 00:12:06,000
How you apply your knowledge.

392
00:12:06,000 --> 00:12:08,720
And how you continue to grow and evolve.

393
00:12:08,720 --> 00:12:09,920
I couldn't have said it better myself.

394
00:12:09,920 --> 00:12:10,760
Wow.

395
00:12:10,760 --> 00:12:14,000
It's about recognizing that learning is a lifelong journey.

396
00:12:14,000 --> 00:12:14,840
Yeah.

397
00:12:14,840 --> 00:12:19,160
And assessment should be a tool that supports

398
00:12:19,160 --> 00:12:21,280
and enhances that journey.

399
00:12:21,280 --> 00:12:22,120
Right.

400
00:12:22,120 --> 00:12:22,960
Not just a way to measure it.

401
00:12:22,960 --> 00:12:25,400
This deep dive has been so insightful.

402
00:12:25,400 --> 00:12:26,240
Oh, glad.

403
00:12:26,240 --> 00:12:27,880
What are some final thoughts you'd like to leave

404
00:12:27,880 --> 00:12:29,400
our listeners with today?

405
00:12:29,400 --> 00:12:32,040
Well, whether you're an educator looking to create

406
00:12:32,040 --> 00:12:35,280
a more engaging learning experience for your students,

407
00:12:35,280 --> 00:12:37,760
a professional aiming to showcase your skills

408
00:12:37,760 --> 00:12:39,480
in a compelling way,

409
00:12:39,480 --> 00:12:43,040
or just someone who's passionate about lifelong learning.

410
00:12:43,040 --> 00:12:46,680
Remember, that assessment can be a powerful tool

411
00:12:46,680 --> 00:12:48,560
for growth and development

412
00:12:48,560 --> 00:12:50,760
if we approach it with the right mindset.

413
00:12:50,760 --> 00:12:51,920
Beautifully put.

414
00:12:51,920 --> 00:12:54,520
So to our listeners, as we wrap up this episode,

415
00:12:54,520 --> 00:12:57,080
we encourage you to embrace the power

416
00:12:57,080 --> 00:12:58,880
of continuous learning.

417
00:12:58,880 --> 00:13:01,360
Keep exploring new ways to demonstrate

418
00:13:01,360 --> 00:13:03,400
your skills and knowledge.

419
00:13:03,400 --> 00:13:06,720
And never be afraid to dive deep into those areas

420
00:13:06,720 --> 00:13:08,600
that spark your curiosity.

421
00:13:08,600 --> 00:13:11,760
And remember, your journey is uniquely yours.

422
00:13:11,760 --> 00:13:12,680
Mm-hmm.

423
00:13:12,680 --> 00:13:13,840
Embrace it.

424
00:13:13,840 --> 00:13:15,760
Thank you for joining us on the deep dive.

425
00:13:15,760 --> 00:13:17,040
Thanks for having me.

426
00:13:17,040 --> 00:13:35,800
Until next time.