Best Mastery Based Grading Podcasts (2025)

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387 AI Won’t Save Education—But Student Voice Might. 46:02

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1d ago46:02

46:02

In this reflective episode of the Disrupt Education podcast, Peter and Alli wrap up their recent series on gamification and agile learning in education. They dive into insights from guests like Dan, Kathleen, Simon, and Jeff, who challenge traditional methods by promoting hands-on, student-centered learning—often without relying on tech. The duo em…

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Episode 242: Shortcast 204: Reflections from a Four-Year Implementer 15:17

4d ago15:17

15:17

Listen to the full episode here Toni Rose is joined by Sam Ortiz to talk about her experience implementing the model over four school years, addressing concerns from stakeholders, and engaging with the MCP community Show Notes Screencastify and Screencastify Submit Quizziz MCP Self-Paced Structures resources (including the tracker templates Sam men…

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Curious Now #8: The Core Feedback Dilemma 10:09

7d ago10:09

10:09

This week on Curious Now we dig into the central dilemma in all feedback conversations--how do I criticize your performance without hurting your feelings? On the podcast we've delved deeply into our own processing and understanding of our judgment and reactions to situations where someone else didn't meet our standard. Ultimately, though, for healt…

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FEED DROP: Boundaries and Balance: Practical Solutions for Teacher Burnout 1:09:07

8d ago1:09:07

1:09:07

For our first feed drop of the summer, we'd love to share this episode of Teachers Talkin' with you! Teachers Talkin’ is a discussion-based podcast hosted by Dustin Tatroe and Ghazali Abdul-Wahab, focused on elevating conversations in education. Each episode features honest, reflective dialogue with educators from around the world on topics ranging…

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386 The LEAF Lab Approach: Agility, Agency, and Authentic Learning 1:09:35

8d ago1:09:35

1:09:35

In this episode of Disrupt Education, we continue our deep dive into the heart of educational transformation with Simon Holtzapfel and Jeff Burstein. Together, we explore how schools can break free from outdated systems and embrace agility, adaptability, and authentic learning. Simon shares insights from the LEAF Lab’s work in Denmark and around th…

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Episode 241: Shortcast 201 - Increasing Student and Teacher Confidence 18:10

11d ago18:10

18:10

TR is joined by Megan Meachum to talk about how the MCP model benefited both herself and her students, and her plans for the coming school year. Read a summary of the original episode on the Modern Classrooms Project blog. Show Notes Listen to the full version of this episode here Remember, you can now listen to this episode (and all episodes) on Y…

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Curious Now Listeners #7: How Could They Turn Down My Slam Dunk Proposal? 14:32

14d ago14:32

14:32

This week on Curious Now, B.J. So and Mel Barlow return to share their experience with last week’s exercise on the generous inference. Get coaching from Jenny Rudolph at www.harvardmedsim.orgSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/72gzzWGegiXd9i2G6UJ0kPApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-center-for-medical-simulation/id12792668…

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385 Rethinking Education with Agile Mindsets with Simon Holzapfel and Jeff Burstein 51:03

15d ago51:03

51:03

In this episode of the Disrupt Education Podcast, Peter Hostrawser and Alli Dahl dive into a bold conversation with Simon and Jeff, the minds behind the Learning Educational Agile Framework (LEAF). From Jeff’s dramatic exit from a traditional master’s program to Simon’s deep roots as a teacher and head of school, this episode explores how Agile thi…

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From the Archives: Let's Talk About Grading Practices - E130 26:13

18d ago26:13

26:13

This week, we are starting our book study with chapter 1 of Grading for Equity: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How It Can Transform Schools and Classrooms by Joe Feldman. Specifically, we will dive into what makes grading so difficult to talk about and even harder to change. If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this episo…

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Episode 240: Hacking Assessments 44:27

18d ago44:27

44:27

TR is joined by Starr Sackstein to talk about how teachers can authentically innovate and disrupt in the realm of assessment. Read a summary of this episode on the Modern Classrooms Project blog. Show Notes Starr Sackstein Starr's book, Hacking Assessment Starr and Alexandra Laing's new book, Solving School Challenges: The Everything Guide to Trans…

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Curious Now #7: "I Wouldn't Run Them Over in the Parking Lot." 12:35

21d ago12:35

12:35

In this week’s Curious Now, Jenny explains how the “Generous Inference” was a complete game-changer for her career in debriefing and education, how it became the core philosophy of the Center for Medical Simulation, and how to bring it to play in healing your toxic work culture.Get coaching from Jenny Rudolph at www.harvardmedsim.orgSpotify: https:…

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384 The Enrollment Cliff Is Here — Time to Rethink College and Career Paths 35:25

22d ago35:25

35:25

In this episode, Peter and Alli unpack their conversation with Kathleen deLaski and dive deep into the shifting landscape of postsecondary education. From skill shakeups and the college enrollment cliff to the rise of microcredentials and AI-driven career paths, this one’s packed with bold ideas and real talk. Why do we pressure students to pick a …

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Episode 239: Wavio 40:10

25d ago40:10

40:10

Guest host Aimee Yocom is joined by Dana Kravchick to talk about the Wavio Pulse tracker, developed specifically for MCP. They discuss how Wavio came to be, how it can be used in the classroom, and what the future holds for the platform. Read a summary of this episode on the Modern Classrooms Project blog. Show Notes Wavio and The Wavio Pulse Track…

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Curious Now Listeners #6: "I set my learner up to fail..." 22:18

29d ago22:18

22:18

Welcome to our second chapter of Curious Now! We’re joined by a new set of simulation educators as they work through our weekly workouts together. For the next five episodes, we’ll have an Australian focus as we’re joined by B.J. So, an anesthetist and simulation educator based in the Sydney area, and Mel Barlow, a registered nurse and academic lea…

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383 Funding the Future of Learning with Kathleen deLaski 49:57

29d ago49:57

49:57

In this episode of Disrupt Education, Peter Hostrawser and Alli Dahl sit down with Kathleen deLaski, founder of Education Design Lab, to explore how the future of education is being reshaped through learner-centric models and skills-based learning. Kathleen dives deep into the Lab’s mission to bridge equity gaps by co-designing with colleges and em…

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Episode 238: What About the High Achievers? 51:07

1M ago51:07

51:07

TR is joined by Jocelyn Hieatzman to talk about how high achieving students can learn from discomfort as they thrive in a Modern Classroom. Read a summary of this episode on the Modern Classrooms Project blog. Show Notes MCP Podcast Episode 56: Veteran Teachers (Jocelyn's first appearance on the podcast) Canvas LMS Jocelyn's Unit 2 Lesson 2 exempla…

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Getting Your Message Heard in a Sea of Content | CMS Book Club #15 40:41

1M ago40:41

40:41

In this month's CMS Book Club, Roxane Gardner, Executive Director of the Center for Medical Simulation, is joined by Jenny Rudolph, Grace Ng, and James Lipshaw to discuss Melanie Deziel's "The Content Fuel Framework." Join us for a spicy discussion on getting your team's message heard, whether ideas have any value at all, and if this book is a usef…

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382 Disengaged Students, Outdated Systems 34:42

1M ago34:42

34:42

In Episode 382, Peter Hostrawser and Alli Dahl dive into why traditional education keeps missing the mark in preparing students for the real world. From disengaged learners to outdated compliance-based models, they unpack the growing gap between school and life. They explore the urgent need for durable skills, student-owned portfolios, and real com…

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Episode 237: 5th Grade Collaboration 56:05

1M ago56:05

56:05

TR is joined by a fifth grade teaching team to talk about how they work together to use the MCP model in their different classes. Read a summary of this episode on the Modern Classrooms Project blog. Show Notes Connect with Abby, Amy, and Madeline by email Abby: [email protected] Amy: [email protected] Madeline: madeline.cole@t…

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Curious Now #6: Surviving Psychological Contract Breaches 12:13

1M ago12:13

12:13

A nurse of Ned/Surg has been there for two years. She’s interested in moving into cardiac care—she’s always been interested in it—and as she sits in the break room, the clinical nurse specialist comes in to talk to her, and says, “Hey, we’re going to be able to get you some time in the CCU! We should be able to do this in the next couple of weeks. …

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381 LEGO, AI & Project-Based Learning with Dan Thomas 51:47

1M ago51:47

51:47

In this episode of the Disrupt Education Podcast, we sit down with Dan Thomas, a 30+ year STEM educator on a mission to transform learning through project-based education, LEGO integration, and AI-powered teaching. Dan shares his journey, the power of hands-on learning, and how durable skills like creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration come…

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Episode 236: Gifted Education 51:44

2M ago51:44

51:44

TR is joined by Alex Clough to talk about gifted learners and how to help them thrive in a Modern Classroom. Read a summary of this episode on the Modern Classrooms Project blog. Show Notes Differentiation Doesn't Work, by James Delisle Differentiation Does, in Fact, Work, by Carol Tomlinson NAGC and the NAGC Annual Convention SENG: Supporting Emot…

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Curious Now Listeners #5: Why is My Patient So Angry with Me? 13:21

2M ago13:21

13:21

Colleen Donovan shares a story from her time as a resident where an encounter with a consistently angry, unhelpful, and very sick patient turned into a moment of wonderful human connection and support after she was able to reset herself and get curious about what was going on.Coaching from Jenny Rudolph at www.harvardmedsim.orgCurious Now on Spotif…

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380 Professional Skills Over Perfect Grades with Jason Van Nus 56:40

2M ago56:40

56:40

In this episode of Disrupt Education, Peter and Alli welcome back Jason Van Nus for an insightful discussion on the power of failure in education. They explore why students need real-world challenges, how work-based learning fosters resilience, and why embracing failure leads to growth. The conversation dives into breaking down academic silos, leve…

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Episode 235: Is AI the Solution? 1:03:08

2M ago1:03:08

1:03:08

TR is joined by Carlos Canela to talk about how educators can use AI responsibly and the importance of connection, even in an AI-forward classroom. Read a summary of this episode on the Modern Classrooms Project blog. Show Notes Carlos' Padlet with AI resources for teachers MCP's Instagram Black Male Educators Convening (BMEC) conference Knowlej Pa…

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Curious Now #5: WTF to WTF 15:58

2M ago15:58

15:58

If you’re in the same boat as so many of the clinicians we work with, you may be feeling that the puff is still out of your pillow post-pandemic. Understaffed, working with colleagues who are newer to their professions, and feeling like there are fewer moments we can rest in trusting our teams to get the work done right. In the final episode of Cha…

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379 Breaking the College-First Mentality in Education with Jason Van Nus 44:06

2M ago44:06

44:06

In this episode of the Disrupt Education Podcast, Peter and Alli welcome back guest Jason Van Nus for a rapid follow-up conversation after just two months. The discussion kicks off with Jason’s argument with ChatGPT over the term "underemployment" and how language shapes perceptions of education and career readiness.Jason critiques the term "Colleg…

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Episode 234: Learned Helplessness 1:07:09

2M ago1:07:09

1:07:09

Toni Rose is joined by Ernest Rodriguez to discuss learned helplessness and the importance of SEL and vulnerability in a student-centered classroom. Read a summary of this episode on the Modern Classrooms Project blog. Show Notes Hot Yoga On Purpose, with Jay Shetty Gimkit Connect with Ernest by email at [email protected] Learning Experiences fo…

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378 Hands-On Learning and Durable Skills 28:18

2M ago28:18

28:18

In this Disrupt Education recap episode, Peter and Alli dive into the powerful lessons and insights shared by Bobby Miller, a passionate and innovative woodshop teacher. Bobby’s story inspires educators by showcasing how clear boundaries, purposeful work, and student autonomy can revolutionize a classroom. From leveraging technology creatively to e…

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Curious Now Listeners #4: Our New Competency-Based Standards Didn't Land Well 21:44

2M ago21:44

21:44

Our guests for Chapter One explain their struggle with understanding the standards of other people when implementing new practices for competency-based education. The faculty have tried to explain a continuous growth and development model, but students are still hearing, “You didn’t perform well enough to pass.” What are the barriers to understandi…

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Episode 233: Driver Education 1:01:28

2M ago1:01:28

1:01:28

TR is joined by Debbie Fry to talk about how she uses the MCP model in her Driver Education, P.E., and Health classes. Read a summary of this episode on the Modern Classrooms Project blog. Show Notes MCP Podcast Episode 231: Physical Education Connect with Debbie by email at [email protected] Contact us, follow us online, and learn more: Em…

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377 Empowering Students Through Woodshop Skills 46:05

2M ago46:05

46:05

In this episode of Disrupt Education, hosts Peter Hostrawser and Alli Dahl interview Bobby Miller, the passionate educator behind Mr. Miller's Woodshop. Bobby shares his student-centered teaching philosophy, emphasizing the importance of allowing students to guide their own learning experiences in the woodshop. He discusses how this approach foster…

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Curious Now #4: Other People's Standards 11:32

2M ago11:32

11:32

What happens when someone’s actions don’t meet our standard? Even in innocuous situations, with complete strangers, we can find that we have a flaming hot judgment rearing up inside of us. Instead of thinking, “I bet this person has a really good reason for doing what they’ve doing,” our first reaction is often, “What an idiot!” In this week’s epis…

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Curious Now Listeners #3: Listener Emotions 9:56

2M ago9:56

9:56

Colleen Donovan and Laura Klenke-Borgmann rejoin Jenny to discuss the emotions that came up as they explored last week’s exercise. Join us to compare your own experience with last week’s workout to other simulation educators and experts!Curious Now on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/72gzzWGegiXd9i2G6UJ0kPCurious Now on Apple Podcasts: https:…

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Episode 232: Workforce Readiness Training 55:30

2M ago55:30

55:30

TR is joined by Sam Meisenburg, co-founder of Study Snacks, to talk about the importance of, and methodologies for, teaching cybersecurity and AI concepts to high schoolers. Read a summary of this episode on the Modern Classrooms Project blog. Show Notes Study Snacks Transparent bird feeder Brave Browser Onion Router and the Tor Project Duck Duck G…

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Curious Now #3: Freight Train of Emotions 13:11

3M ago13:11

13:11

Continuing along the chain from hidden judgments and hidden standards, Jenny Rudolph explores the fundamental question beneath the heat of workplace conflicts—why does other people’s failure to meet our hidden standards make us so upset? How do we cool off these conflicts and help ourselves move forward?Learn more from Jenny Rudolph at www.harvardm…

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Curious Now Listeners #2: What Were Your Hidden Standards? 7:52

3M ago7:52

7:52

Following up on last week’s challenge to examine our complaints and judgments to reveal the hidden standards underlying them, Jenny continues our chapter-long conversation with Colleen Donovan and Laura Klenke-Borgmann.Curious Now on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/72gzzWGegiXd9i2G6UJ0kPCurious Now on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.c…

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376 Why CTE Matters More Than Ever 32:03

3M ago32:03

32:03

In this recap episode of Disrupt Education, Peter Hostrawser and Alli Dahl revisit their insightful conversation with Mark Covelle, a passionate advocate for Career and Technical Education (CTE). Mark’s journey from traditional education to championing CTE underscores the power of disrupting outdated mindsets.Peter and Alli highlight Mark’s revelat…

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Episode 231: Physical Education 58:00

3M ago58:00

58:00

TR is joined by Jake Bersin to talk about the unique considerations of teaching health and PE and the ways he thinks MCP may benefit health and PE teachers. Read a summary of this episode on the Modern Classrooms Project blog. Show Notes TGFU Model of PE teaching Jake's Padlet "Advocacy and Education Beyond the Classroom Walls" MAHPERD (Massachuset…

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Negotiation in the Emergency Room | CMS Book Club #14 31:59

3M ago31:59

31:59

In Chris Voss' book "Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended on It", one major point made is that a high-stakes conversation is never just about the words being said. Much more, it's about hearing the emotional state of the other person and really listening to what they have to say and what they need from you. How does this…

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Curious Now #2: Hidden Standards Behind Your Judgment 14:26

3M ago14:26

14:26

Every "judgment" or "complaint" we have about others reveals a hidden standard that we hold about how people should behave, both in our general lives and in the workplace. By becoming aware of our own hidden standards, we can defuse the heat of arguments when we think someone else is doing something "wrong."Learn more from Jenny Rudolph at www.harv…

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375 Bridging Schools and Industry: A Conversation with Dr. Mark Covelle 52:33

3M ago52:33

52:33

In this episode of Disrupt Education, Dr. Mark Covelle, Administrative Director at Middle Bucks Institute of Technology, shares his insights on transforming career and technical education (CTE). He dives into how MBIT connects students with industry professionals, fostering real-world skills and career readiness. Dr. Covelle emphasizes the power of…

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Episode 230: HS Credit Recovery Team 1:06:00

3M ago1:06:00

1:06:00

TR is joined by Amy Steele, Kara Cisco, Renee Swanson, and Sierra Burris to talk about their work incorporating MCP into the credit recovery program in St. Paul Public Schools. Read a summary of this episode on the Modern Classrooms Project blog. Show Notes Alternative Education in St. Paul MCP University (link to come) Canva, and Kara's video on u…

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Curious Now #1: Foundations of Good Judgment 15:15

3M ago15:15

15:15

A nurse preceptor has just watched a trainee commit a serious error despite hours of lecture, reading, and hands on training. In spite of herself, she starts to heat up, much like the more severe clinical educators who trained her years ago. "Why can't you just get this right?"In this moment, how do we reset ourself to a place of care, curiosity, a…

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374 Winter Wrap-Up: Educators Innovating from Within 59:11

3M ago59:11

59:11

In this episode, Alli and Peter conclude the winter series by reflecting on powerful insights shared by inspiring guests. From Marc Isseks’ take on breaking educational norms to Dr. Sandra Adams’ strategies for inclusive innovation, each conversation explored how educators are sparking change from within schools. Jason Walke shared actionable tips …

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Episode 229: Family and Consumer Science 58:58

3M ago58:58

58:58

TR is joined by Mauranda Comley to talk about using the MCP model in a middle school Family and Consumer Sciences classroom. Read a summary of this episode on the Modern Classrooms Project blog. Show Notes Family and Consumer Science Mauranda's article in NGLC, "Benefits of Self-Pacing in Skills-Based, Hands-On Classes" Vygotsky's Zone of Proximal …

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373 The Real Impact of Work-Based Learning with Jason Van Nus (Part 2) 52:45

3M ago52:45

52:45

In part two with our guest Jason Van Nus, we dive into the $1.88 million economic impact his work-based learning programs have achieved. Discover how Jason uses these numbers to build powerful partnerships with local leaders and industries while transforming workforce development. Learn actionable strategies for breaking down silos and making innov…

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Episode 228: iReady 47:16

3M ago47:16

47:16

TR is joined by Teri McNulty to talk about how she uses MCP in conjunction with iReady to plan and teach units in her 5th grade class. Read a summary of this episode on the Modern Classrooms Project blog. Show Notes Disney Castle Lego set iReady Teri's pacing tracker Connect with Teri in the MCP Facebook group here, and linked below the show notes …

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372 Disrupting Talent Pipelines with Jason Van Nus (Part 1) 40:51

4M ago40:51

40:51

In this episode of Disrupt Education, Jason Van Nus, Director of Work-Based Learning and Youth Apprenticeship Programs in Georgia, shares groundbreaking strategies to engage industry partners and transform education. Jason discusses recruiting partners before students, pitching value over altruism, and leveraging LinkedIn for public recognition. He…

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Episode 227: From Content- to Skills-Based Teaching With MCP 1:05:08

4M ago1:05:08

1:05:08

Zach is joined by Carson Hickox to talk about how MCP transformed his middle school social studies classroom and his approach to teaching in general. Read a summary of this episode on the Modern Classrooms Project blog. Show Notes Captain Underpants Proficiency-based grading Cult of Pedagogy Podcast on Mastery Based Grading with MCP Richard DuFour …