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This workshop is focused on the practices and processes that will modernize grading and reporting systems to be more aligned to our standards-based instructional paradigm. By developing a standards-based mindset, participants will come to see how a seamless relationship between the formative and summative purposes of assessment will maximize the potential success of each and every learner. Rather than being forced through a new policy, grading program, or report card template, long-term grading reform begins on the inside—how we rethink grading practices and processes—and works its way out.

Participants are encouraged to attend as a team. Whether your purpose is to utilize sound grading practices in your own classroom, modernize grading practices across a grade level or within a department, or move to a standards-based grading model at the school or district level, this two-day training is for you. Over the course of the two days, the widely held traditional beliefs about grading will be challenged as participants come to know what it takes to ensure that teachers produce accurate grades and confident learners.

Team time will be made available to support collaborative action planning.

Participants will:

  • Recognize why traditional grading practices are no longer relevant and how grading practices can be modernized in a standards-based instructional classroom
  • Develop grading true north (accuracy and confidence), the essential overarching vision for sound assessment and grading practices
  • Acquire a standards-based mindset and the specific strategies that begin to shape a rethinking of how grades are determined
  • Gain protocols and practices to hold students more accountable for learning without compromising the accuracy of their proficiency grades
  • Learn how to teach, assess, and report on student attributes, student growth, and cross-curricular competencies
  • Understand why homework should be repurposed to be a formative assessment strategy, and obtain ways in which homework can become a more productive, learning-centered exercise
  • Explore specific topics and practices, including reassessment, grade determination, the five myths of standards-based grading, and the differences between levels of proficiency and the traditional grading scale

Venue

Talbott Event Center

4202 S Regal St

Spokane, Washington

Learn from leading experts

Natalie Vardabasso

Natalie Vardabasso

Natalie Vardabasso

Natalie is an educator, coach, speaker, and passionate learner. Driven to make education empowering for all, she has developed expertise in equitable assessment and grading practices and can break down complex topics into practical strategies to drive school improvement.

Schedule

Agenda and speakers are subject to change.

Download the detailed agenda

Thursday, October 23rd

7:00–8:00 a.m.

Registration and Continental Breakfast

8:00–11:30 a.m.

Presentation

11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.

Lunch (on your own)

1:00–4:00 p.m. Presentation

Friday, October 24th

7:00–8:00 a.m.

Registration and Continental Breakfast

8:00–11:30 a.m.

Presentation

11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.

Lunch (on your own)

1:00–4:00 p.m. Presentation

Accommodations

Events reach capacity quickly. Please confirm your registration before making travel plans.

While discounted rooms in our hotel room block may be sold out, the primary hotel may still have rooms available at their standard rates. Please inquire directly with the hotel.

Hotels

Primary Hotel

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Spokane Downtown

211 S Division Street
Spokane, Washington 99223
844.209.2076

Discounted Rate: $175 (single/double) plus $4 TPA tax per night PLUS applicable taxes
Deadline: September 29, 2025, or until group rate is sold out

Call 509.838.6630 and provide them with your check-in date and the code 102025SOL for La Quinta Inn & Suites Spokane Downtown

Online reservations

Events reach capacity quickly. Please confirm your registration before making travel plans.

Parking information:
Complimentary parking at Talbott Event Center

In order to receive the discounted hotel room rate, please mention Solution Tree. After the deadline listed below, rates will be determined by the hotel.

Venue

Talbott Event Center

4202 S Regal St

Spokane, Washington

Hear from our attendees

More details

Additional Information

Product code: WSG334


Five Reasons to Attend a Solution Tree Event (PDF)
A Letter to Your Boss (DOC)

You will receive a certificate of participation 6 weeks after the event concludes. Please check with your state department of education for CEU availability.


Included with your registration

Grading From the Inside Out

Grading From the Inside Out

The time for grading reform is now. Discover the steps your team can take to implement standards-based practices that transform grading and reporting schoolwide.

Event Journal

Event Journal

We’re enhancing your event experience. In addition to providing presentations in digital format, Solution Tree is publishing retail-quality, perfect-bound notebooks expertly designed to support your learning. Any printed handouts or worksheets integrated into your sessions will continue to be provided.

Contact Us.