Welcome to the Modern Classrooms Project Podcast. Each week we bring you discussions with educators on how they use blended, self-paced, and mastery-based learning to better serve their learners. In this episode, Toni Rose Deanon is joined by Don Allen, an educator with experience ranging from teacher to superintendent, to discuss the importance of collective determination and innovative teaching approaches in creating a positive school culture.

Don emphasizes the need to shift away from traditional, effort-based grading toward mastery-based learning. This approach, he argues, helps students develop critical thinking skills and better prepares them for the real world. The conversation emphasizes the importance of providing students with meaningful learning opportunities, even during summer school, and creating a supportive environment where students feel empowered to take ownership of their education.

Here are three key takeaways from this podcast episode:

• Collective determination is essential: A positive school culture requires everyone to work together towards common goals. Leaders should create a sense of community and involve all stakeholders, from teachers to custodians, in decision-making processes. Don notes, "It's not about buy-in, but collective determination. You need everybody on the same page, working for the same goals."

• Mastery-based learning is crucial: Grading students based on effort alone can be misleading. A mastery-based approach ensures that students have truly grasped the material and can apply their knowledge effectively. Toni Rose states, "We're not grading for effort. We want to make sure that our students are really ready for the real world out there."

• Innovative teaching approaches are essential: To engage students and promote critical thinking, educators should explore various teaching methods, such as blended learning and project-based learning.

Discussion questions for PLC and PD: 

• How can schools foster a sense of collective determination among all stakeholders, including teachers, students, parents, and administrators? 

• What are the challenges and benefits of implementing a mastery-based grading system? 

• How can educators effectively incorporate innovative teaching approaches, such as blended learning and project-based learning, into their classrooms while still meeting curriculum standards? 

Our Host

Toni Rose taught MS English for 10 years and will forever identify as a teacher. Toni Rose strives to be the teacher that they never had growing up, so they focus on anti-bias, anti-racist work and wants to create a brave space for everyone around them. As a queer Filipinx, they understand just how important it is to be represented, be valued, and belong. They especially love being a thought partner for and celebrating teachers.

Our Guests

Don Allen

Read more from Don on his blog.

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