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, Monte Woodard asks Melissa Stagg about her insights on modern teaching practices, neuro-divergent learners, and equitable grading.

Melissa advocates for the implementation of Modern Classrooms, a student-centered, self-paced learning model. She believes it empowers neurodivergent students, allowing them to thrive in an environment tailored to their unique needs. She emphasizes the importance of data tracking, not only for academic growth but also for fostering independence and self-awareness.

Here are three key takeaways from this episode: 

• Empowering Neurodivergent Learners: Melissa underscores the significance of creating an inclusive environment where neurodivergent learners can flourish. Modern Classrooms provide the flexibility and support needed for these students to excel. Melissa notes, "Young people have to navigate their learning and schooling simultaneously." This underscores the need for education to balance academic requirements with holistic growth.

• Equitable Grading: Melissa shares her approach to equitable grading, focusing on standards-based grading, timely feedback, and avoiding punitive grading practices. She highlights the importance of separating academic performance from factors like lateness or neatness.

• Collaborative Norming: Collaborative grading norming processes are essential in ensuring fairness and consistency in evaluation. Melissa describes how working with colleagues to align grading practices helps maintain a high standard of fairness. Monte reflects on grading norms, saying, "It always feels better when you have the backing of other people." Collaborative grading ensures a collective commitment to fairness.

Discussion questions for PLC and PD: 

• How can educators incorporate the principles of blended, self-paced, mastery-based instructional model to better accommodate neurodivergent learners in their classrooms? What specific strategies or tools could be employed to foster a more inclusive learning environment?

• Melissa emphasizes the importance of equitable grading practices. How can educators strike a balance between holding students accountable for meeting academic standards and recognizing the individual challenges they may face, such as lateness or neatness? What grading innovations have you seen or implemented in your teaching to promote fairness?

• Collaborative grading norming processes are highlighted as crucial for ensuring consistency and fairness in evaluation. How does your school or department approach grading norming, and what benefits have you observed from this collaborative practice? How can educators encourage greater collaboration in grading practices to enhance the overall quality of education?

Our Host

Monte Woodard is a 6th and 8th-grade teacher at the Field School in Washington, DC, and Modern Classrooms Expert Mentor. She's taught in Georgia, Florida, and DC and has taught every branch of science in 6th-8th grade. In her free time, Monte loves reading, crocheting, and playing video games. 

Our Guest: Melissa Stagg

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