FIRST Ed Resources

Grading reform doesn’t happen through policy alone. It happens through leadership. In Episode 20, @beckypeppler @donsmithedu and @larsongarth talk with middle school principal Ben Wopat about the leadership decisions that make grading reform sustainable in a school building. 🎧 Catch the full conversation 👉 bit.ly/4ukHyo3 #FiresInGrading #SchoolLeadership #GradingChange

The question isn’t Can I help students succeed? It’s Do we believe we can help them succeed together? That belief shapes the work, the persistence, and the results. #CollectiveTeacherEfficacy #ObservableImpact

Instructional coaching works when teachers are fully engaged. Join us at the Spring 2026 Instructional Coaching Summit featuring keynote Jim Knight as we tackle teacher engagement head on and build real plans for impact. 🔗 bit.ly/4bhoUoD #InstructionalCoaching #CoachingImpact

The answer matters. But the thinking that leads to it matters even more. Great math classrooms make space for reasoning, discussion, and curiosity so students learn to make sense of ideas, not just solve problems. #MathThinking #MathEducation #StudentReasoning

Two teachers in the room does not automatically mean effective co-teaching. The difference comes down to intentional design, shared ownership, and purposeful planning. Which version do you see most often in your school? #CoTeaching #InstructionalPractice

🔥 Episode 20 is LIVE Implementation Through a Principal’s Eyes @beckypeppler @donsmithedu and @larsongarth are joined by middle school principal Ben Wopat to talk about the real leadership moves behind grading reform. What does it take to support staff, navigate resistance and keep the work moving forward? 🎧 Listen now 👉 bit.ly/4rUhIpr #FiresInGrading #Leadership #AssessmentReform

📖 FREE Sample Chapter: Navigating Leadership Drift Dive into the challenges of educational leadership and discover actionable steps to focus on what truly matters—impacting students. Avoid the drift and lead with purpose. 📥 Download your free chapter now: bit.ly/3PdzcP3 #Leadership #EducationLeadership #FreeResource

THE Spring SBG Conference is here. One day. One place. The conversations schools actually need. Join educators and leaders from across the country for a virtual conference focused on real implementation - not theory. Featuring a keynote from Dr. Thomas Guskey, teacher and administrator panels, and breakout sessions designed for schools at every stage of standards-based grading. 📅 May 5, 2026 🎓 Virtual | Recorded access included 👉 Save your spot: bit.ly/4szUFQy

What does grading reform actually look like from a principal’s perspective? In Episode 20, @beckypeppler @donsmithedu and @larsongarth sit down with middle school principal Ben Wopat to talk about leading grading change inside a real school building. From navigating resistance to supporting teachers through the work, this conversation highlights what implementation looks like in practice. 🎧 New episode drops March 20 👉 bit.ly/4srwILo #FiresInGrading #SchoolLeadership #GradingReform

Most grading reform efforts stall because schools jump to reporting before building clarity. The STAGR Roadmap outlines the step by step process for meaningful grading reform. Download the free guide and explore the path forward. 🔗 bit.ly/47blToH #GradingReform #Assessment #STAGR

Instructional coaching doesn’t always need long cycles to make an impact. Try a Speed Cycle: a short, focused coaching cycle built around one goal and clear look-fors so teachers can see progress quickly. Sometimes the fastest learning happens with the clearest focus. #InstructionalCoaching #CoachingTip

Want grading to better reflect what students know and can do? Join our virtual Unpacking SBG workshop to deepen your understanding of SBG and learn practical moves for system-wide implementation. 🔗 bit.ly/40Gkm6p

If your PLC meetings feel busy but not always impactful, this FREE webinar is for you. Join Gabe Hackett and Ashley Farrington for From Meetings to Momentum and learn practical tools to sharpen focus, deepen data conversations, and turn collaboration into measurable results. Walk away with strategies you can use immediately. 🔗 Register free: bit.ly/4dc4kIG #PLCcenter #CollectiveEfficacy #ObservableImpact

Reflection question for school leaders: If you could pilot one bold scheduling idea next year, what would it be? Sometimes the biggest improvements in collaboration, intervention, and learning start with a small scheduling experiment. What’s worth trying? #InstructionalLeadership #SchoolLeadership #InnovationInEducation

Our AI Center for Effective Teaching and Learning Director, Tony Frontier, had the pleasure of presenting to the Wisconsin I90/94 Directors group this morning on AI With Intention. If you are looking for support on how to use AI to support teaching and learning, we can help!

When students truly understand mathematics, they can explain their thinking, make connections, and apply ideas in new situations. Procedures matter. But understanding is what makes math powerful. #MathEducation #MathThinking #ConceptualUnderstanding

The most effective coaching cultures share one thing in common: everyone participates. When coaching becomes a normal part of professional learning, teachers gain a thinking partner, new ideas, and support to refine their practice. Growth happens faster when we learn together. #InstructionalCoaching #ProfessionalLearning #TeacherCollaboration

Strong PLCs don’t happen by accident—they’re intentionally built. In Building PLCs from the Ground Up, led by @larsongarth educators explore the foundations of meaningful collaboration, shared purpose, and team impact planning that leads to real gains in student learning. 🔗 bit.ly/4szM4h0 #PLCcenter #CollaborativeCulture #ObservableImpact

Coach. Manage. Communicate. Lead. Grow your confidence and impact in The Hats We Wear as School Leaders—a 4-session virtual series for principals and aspiring leaders. 🔗 bit.ly/4szM0hg

PLCs are most powerful when conversations focus on learning, not just logistics. When teams engage with purpose, focus on results, and track classroom impact, collaboration becomes meaningful. Explore free PLC tools to support your team: bit.ly/4aXPuUO #PLCCenter #ObservableImpact #PLC