Powerful New Book Advocates Rethinking Grading Practices

BLOOMINGTON, IN--(Marketwired - March 10, 2016) - Solution Tree, a premier educational publisher and professional development provider, has announced the release of Grading From the Inside Out: Bringing Accuracy to Student Assessment Through a Standards-Based Mindset. This new book by Tom Schimmer provides educators with active steps to positively change grading and reporting in their classrooms.

In Grading From the Inside Out, Schimmer argues that while the transition to standards-based practices may present many challenges for educators, it is essential for effective instruction and assessment. This practical guide outlines the steps educators can take to restructure grading and reporting practices schoolwide.

Addressing the book's central theme, Schimmer writes, "Developing a standards-based mindset allows teachers to begin reshaping the grading experience in their classrooms without the premature pressure of a new grading program, a new grading policy, or a new report card template. Once we shift how we think about grading, we are poised to move toward more overt changes to the processes and practices of sound grading and reporting."

Author and Creative Leadership Solutions founder Douglas Reeves highlights Schimmer's ability to allay misgivings teachers may have about grading reform: "Tom Schimmer gives hope to educators who might fear that grading reform is great in theory but impossible in practice. By countering many of the myths of grading reform, Schimmer provides a thoughtful way to reconcile conflicting points of view on this emotionally volatile subject. This is not a book merely to be read; it deserves to be studied and applied by teachers, parents, and administrators."

Each chapter of the book includes examples of grading challenges, personal reflections from teachers and administrators, and ideas for enlisting parental support for grading reform.

Grading From the Inside Out is now available at solution-tree.com. 

About the Author

Tom Schimmer is an author and a speaker with expertise in assessment, grading, leadership, and behavioral support. An educator for more than 20 years, he is a former district-level leader, high school principal, school administrator, and teacher. He is also a much sought-after speaker who presents internationally for schools and districts.

About Solution Tree

Solution Tree delivers comprehensive professional development to schools and districts around the world. Solution Tree has empowered K-12 educators to raise student achievement through a wide range of services and products including educator conferences, customized district solutions for long-term professional development, books, videos, online courses, and more.