Key Outcomes
Uncover how traditional grading practices may unintentionally hinder student learning and equity
Introduce the 3 Pillars of Equitable Grading for fair and effective assessment
Learn grading strategies to reduce bias, boost student motivation, and align with educational values
Explore real classroom examples for practical application
Meet the speakers
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Dr. Shantha Smith
CEO | Crescendo Education Group
Dr. Shantha Smith leads equitable grading workshops, provides coaching to leaders and teachers, develops curriculum, and supports talent development of our team. She was born and raised in Washington, D.C. She attended Virginia State University, where she received her BA in Special Education. Next, she obtained her Master’s of Education from Trinity College in Curriculum and Instruction, with a minor as a Reading Specialist. In 2015, she earned her PhD in Special Education/Special Education Leadership from George Mason University. Dr. Smith most recently was an instructional leader and Equity and Excellence Coordinator in Northern Virginia and the 2020 recipient of Virginia’s Mary Peake Award for Excellence in Education Equity. For over 20 years, she has served as an advocate for students of color to reimagine schools that support all learners. Her teaching and coaching experiences range from Pk-12. In addition to changing the world one educator at a time, she also enjoys traveling the world and is a Peloton enthusiast!
Jamie Carota
Account Manager & Facilitator | Crescendo Education Group
Jamie Carota has been an educator in California for over a decade. During her time in the classroom, she successfully led the implementation of Grading for Equity practices at her school, which resulted in the adoption of a board-approved policy. She further supported other educators in this area as a coach and facilitator with Crescendo Education Group. After spending the past two years in EdTech sales at Securly, Jamie has returned to Crescendo. She brings a wealth of education expertise and sales experience to help schools transform their grading practices. Outside of her professional life, Jamie enjoys spending time outdoors with her family, particularly in Lake Tahoe.
About the Event
In this interactive two-hour session, we’ll explore the history of traditional grading and uncover how legacy practices may unintentionally work against our goals for student learning and equity. Together, we’ll examine real classroom examples, introduce the 3 Pillars of Equitable Grading, and reflect on grading practices that can reduce bias, increase student motivation, and better align with what we truly value as educators.
What Educators Are Saying
Discover how our event has transformed grading practices and empowered educators to create a more equitable learning environment.
“The historical piece was fascinating. Knowing how ingrained it is and why was motivation to change the system.”
Santa Barbara Unified School District, CA
This was helpful and approachable. I'm far less nervous and optimistic about how I can make this work for my classes.
Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District, CA
Let's Rethink Grading, Together.
Join our nationwide session and embrace a grading system that fosters equity, motivation, and accuracy.
$99.00