Ed.D, Co-Founder & CEO of @1stEdResources | Author | Consultant | Proud Husband/Father | Former Teacher/Administrator | Co-Host of The Fires in Grading Podcast
Winneconne, WI
Joined December 2014
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After 6 months of writing, design, and feedback, our new website is live! Explore enhanced navigation, better access to resources, and new ways to connect with us.
👉 firsteducation-us.com
#FIRSTEducation #ProfessionalLearning #EdLeadership
Looking forward to being part of the Standards-Based Grading Implementation Conference this October in the Chicago area!
I’ll be joining a great group of educators for two days of learning, collaboration and practical conversations about making SBG work in schools.
October 27–28, 2026
Chicago Area
Learn more and register:
firsteducation-us.com/sbgic-…
This event continues to get better each year. Join us in Chicago next summer!
Culturize Institute 2027 is coming for you June 22-23 in Chicago. IL. We are thrilled to announce our keynote speakers - @thomascmurray & @JessicaCabeen and a plethora of other speakers relevant to your position and content. We are anticipating another sell out crowd this year based on the incredible feedback we received this past summer. Register today and receive your early bird pricing discount at culturizeinstitutes.com/even…
We hope you can join us! #Culturize
Garth Larson retweeted
🎙️ Episode 32 is LIVE!
Leading the Shift: The Principal’s Role in Standards-Based Grading
Standards-Based Grading isn’t just teacher work. Leadership matters.
In this episode, Becky, Don and Garth dig into what principals can do to create clarity, avoid common leadership mistakes and build a culture where grading reform can last.
Plus, Don shares insights from his new book with Jenni Donohoo, The Confidence to Lead.
🎧 Listen now: hubs.la/Q04v-X2b0
#FiresInGrading #StandardsBasedGrading #SchoolLeadership #GradingReform #EducationalLeadership
@otusk12 @donsmithedu @beckypeppler @larsongarth
Thank you School Administrators of Montana (SAM) for having me be your pre-conference workshop presenter and second day keynote at your summer conference this last week in Helena. I'm always impressed with the leaders of Montana when I have the opportunity to work with them. @1stEdResources
Garth Larson retweeted
The strongest schools are built by leaders who intentionally shape culture every day.
If you're ready to strengthen your leadership, inspire your staff and create a school where students thrive, this institute is for you.
📍Houston, TX | September 21
bit.ly/4yoVAaf
#SchoolLeadership #Culturize #Education
Garth Larson retweeted
A letter grade can still emerge from a standards-based process.
In Episode 27, @beckypeppler @donsmithedu and @larsongarth unpack one of the biggest misconceptions in grading reform and discuss how AP and dual enrollment courses can remain learning-focused without sacrificing rigor.
🎧 Catch the full conversation
👉 bit.ly/4aisbUU
Appreciation to Otus for supporting conversations that move this work forward.
#FiresInGrading #APCourses #GradingReform #DualEnrollment
Garth Larson retweeted
An incredibly common topic that pops up during grading reform conversations
🔥 Episode 27 is LIVE!
How Does This Work with AP and Dual Enrollment?
@beckypeppler @donsmithedu and @larsongarth explore how standards-based grading can coexist with AP and dual enrollment courses while maintaining rigor, clarity, and meaningful feedback.
🎧 Listen now
👉 bit.ly/4xRqtUM
Thanks to @Otusk12 for supporting educator-focused conversations like this one.
#FiresInGrading #AssessmentReform #StandardsBasedGrading
Garth Larson retweeted
Through real-world examples from schools, our book identifies the most common “fires” that derail grading reform efforts and offers strategies to prevent, contain, and overcome these challenges.
20% off right now! 👇
amzn.to/4uVk5cY #grading #ad #sblchat
This book is a fantastic resource that ALL leaders need right now. A great mix of research, practical ideas and relatable stories! Congratulations @DonSmithEdu and @Jenni_Donohoo
I’m excited to share the release of The Confidence to Lead, a new book I co-authored with Jenni Donohoo.
It focuses on principal efficacy, collective efficacy, and how leaders can build belief in themselves and their staff, not just manage initiatives.
amazon.com/dp/B0H1JQJ8CM
Garth Larson retweeted
🔥 Episode 21 is LIVE
The History of Grading Reform
@beckypeppler @donsmithedu and @larsongarth are joined by Dr. Thomas Guskey, one of the most influential voices in grading reform.
If you want to understand why grading practices look the way they do today and why change so often stalls, this episode is essential.
🎧 Listen now
👉 bit.ly/4dmsvo3
#FiresInGrading #ThomasGuskey #AssessmentReform
Garth Larson retweeted
Another incredible week of registrations for the Culturize Institute, scheduled for June 23-24 in Chicago. If you are an educator feeling stuck in the hustle and struggling to find your peace in the quiet, then this is the conference for you. Seats will become limited soon so register today at culturizeinstitutes.com/
#Culturize #TheDripEffect
@Joe_Sanfelippo @RachelEdohoEket @LarsonGarth
Garth Larson retweeted
Instructional coaching works when teachers are fully engaged.
Join us at the Spring 2026 Instructional Coaching Summit featuring keynote Jim Knight as we tackle teacher engagement head on and build real plans for impact.
🔗 bit.ly/4bhoUoD
#InstructionalCoaching #CoachingImpact
Garth Larson retweeted
Leading Standards-Based Grading isn’t just about changing report cards - it’s about leading mindset, systems, and communication.
If you’re a superintendent, principal, curriculum leader, or coach navigating the transition, this 3-hour interactive session is for you.
Clarity. Strategy. Next steps. @donsmithedu @beckypeppler
🔗 bit.ly/46UbCgq
#StandardsBasedGrading #SchoolLeadership #STAGR
Garth Larson retweeted
Strong PLCs don’t happen by accident—they’re intentionally built.
In Building PLCs from the Ground Up, led by @larsongarth educators explore the foundations of meaningful collaboration, shared purpose, and team impact planning that leads to real gains in student learning.
🔗 bit.ly/4szM4h0
#PLCcenter #CollaborativeCulture #ObservableImpact
If your school is working on assessment and grading reform, you know the questions are not simple. I’m excited to be part of THE Spring SBG Conference, where I’ll be leading a session on looking at assessment as nothing more than an avenue to gather evidence of learning. It’s a full day focused on real challenges and practical solutions. May 5 | Virtual More info: firsteducation-us.com/the-sp… @1stEdResources
Garth Larson retweeted
If grading feels harder in a co-taught classroom, that’s not a failure — it’s a signal.
Episode 18 explores why shared standards, shared clarity, and shared responsibility matter more than teacher roles.
🎧 Catch the full conversation:
👉 bit.ly/3MAqk53
#FiresInGrading #CoTeaching #GradingReform @donsmithedu @beckypeppler @larsongarth @otusk12
Garth Larson retweeted
Join us in June in Chicago for the 2026 Culturize Institute! This is more than a conference, it is a community. I’m leading a breakout session on Fostering School Leader Efficacy. We will explore the research behind collective teacher efficacy and examine how a principal’s own sense of leadership efficacy directly influences staff belief and student achievement. @1stEdResources @LarsonGarth @casas_jimmy #Culturize culturizeinstitutes.com/
ALT https://www.culturizeinstitutes.com/
Garth Larson retweeted
Strong PLCs don’t happen by accident—they’re intentionally built.
In Building PLCs from the Ground Up, led by @larsongarth educators explore the foundations of meaningful collaboration, shared purpose, and team impact planning that leads to real gains in student learning.
🔗 bit.ly/4bNgSFL
#PLCcenter #CollaborativeCulture #ObservableImpact
Every student. Every day. Whatever it takes.
Join me and several amazing thought leaders at the 2026 Culturize Institute for two powerful days of learning, connection, and inspiration designed to elevate your school’s culture and impact.
Every attendee receives: Official Culturize Institute t-shirt; Culturize Action Guide filled with practical, ready-to-use tools; Culturize Lunch Card to explore local restaurants; Access to our Night 1 Social to connect with presenters
Register at firsteducation-us.com/cultur…
Garth Larson retweeted
🔥 Episode 17 is LIVE!
How Culture Impacts the Change Process in Grading Reform
Joined by Jimmy Casas, we explore why grading reform is inseparable from school culture and what leaders can do when resistance shows up before results.
🎧 Listen now:
👉 bit.ly/46cmENy
#FiresInGrading #Leadership #AssessmentReform
@casas_jimmy @larsongarth @donsmithedu @otusk12 @beckypeppler
