It’s not as hard as you think. This powerful statement from coach Elena Aguilar resonates deeply with the challenging, yet rewarding, journey of grading reform in education. For many, changing grading feels overwhelming—a tangled mess of tradition and risk. But what if we told you it's a process of small, manageable steps? By focusing on psychological safety, breaking down complex changes into "chunks," and recognizing that educators are lifelong learners, we can move from overwhelming to achievable.

Explore how restorative practices transform classroom messes into powerful lessons in responsibility and respect, fostering a stronger, more accountable school community.

Discover how restorative practices can transform incidents of AI misuse and academic dishonesty into powerful learning opportunities, fostering genuine integrity and critical thinking in your school community.

Discover how restorative practices can transform playground conflicts into powerful learning opportunities, fostering understanding, accountability, and positive conflict resolution skills within your school community.

Discover how restorative practices can transform vaping incidents into powerful learning opportunities, fostering understanding, accountability, and positive change within your school community.

Are outdated grading practices holding your students back? O'Connor and Townsley's (2025) timely article shines a light on the common myths that often dictate how we assess learning. This isn't just another academic paper; it's a practical guide for school leaders ready to lead the charge toward more meaningful and equitable grading. Here's how you can use their insights to ignite change in your school.

School leaders are rarely off the job. A Saturday night alarm call. A Sunday staff member asking for time to talk about family leave. The expectation to respond to texts, emails, or community concerns nearly 24/7. I’ve seen it in the puffy, coffee-fueled eyes of my colleagues—across the table or across the country—who are trying to hold it all together while living in five Google calendars and praying they can make it to their child’s track meet. Even then, they know they might be answering calls, unlocking doors, or crawling under bleachers for a dropped phone.

In this follow-up to his previous piece, Scott takes us on a compelling journey through the current landscape of school sports and offers a glimpse into what the future might hold. What struck me most was his ability to cut through the noise and focus on the fundamental principles that should guide athletic programs. He emphasizes that at the core, it's about education and developing well-rounded individuals, not just winning games.