To what degree can students manage their own assessment process? The culture of our classrooms can reflect a fear of finding nuanced answers to this question. Fortunately, I got to talk with Starr Sackstein about her book, Student-Led Assessment: Promoting Agency and Achievement Through Portfolios and Conferences. Join us as we discuss what it means for students to truly own their development and the mindset and heartset required from teachers to make it happen. This is The LP.
Starr Sackstein is an innovative educator and author who champions student-led learning and assessment reform. With a rich background in teaching and leadership, she inspires educators worldwide through her podcast, “Learner-Centered Spaces.” Passionate about fostering relationships, Starr empowers students to grow beyond grades, creating meaningful educational experiences.
Key Takeaways
- Student ownership improves learning depth and demonstrates higher-quality understanding.
- Teachers must embrace initial messiness while building structures for student autonomy.
- Personalization creates effective pathways for students to engage with rigorous learning.
- A democratic classroom culture where everyone feels safe enables student-led assessment.
- Conferring protocols evolve from teacher-led to student-directed reflective conversations.
- Replacing compliance with student choice leads to genuine engagement and joyful learning.
Resources
- Podcast: Learner-Centered Spaces Podcast by Starr Sackstein, Emma Chiappetta, and Crystal Frommert
- Article: Incorporating Simple, Student-Designed Assessments by Lindsay Mitchell
- Podcast: Build it Together: Co-Constructing Success Criteria with Students by Jennifer Gonzalez with Starr Sackstein
- Video: Creating Clear and Compelling Assessments: Q&A with Starr Sackstein by Learning Personalized
Listen to the LP Podcast
More EpisodesNext steps with GLEAM®
Choose the path that fits your team
UnboundEd Summits
Accelerate your instructional vision and build educators’ skills and expertise with a virtual or on-site Local Summit.
Learn More ➜
In-Service Workshops
UnboundEd’s dynamic, hands-on workshops build educator capacity by focusing on timeless, cross-disciplinary instructional moves that drive effective instruction, rigor, and student empowerment.
Learn More ➜
Online Math Academy
UnboundEd’s Online Math Academy courses enrich educators’ content knowledge and instructional practices to unlock all students’ math potential.
Learn More ➜
Curriculum Adoption
Ensuring quality materials are adopted and used effectively is crucial to improving outcomes and requires a strong instructional materials selection process. We’re here to share guidance and support on leading a rigorous and collaborative curriculum adoption process to select the right materials for your context and goals.
Learn More ➜
Curriculum Implementation
Just getting started, or need to get back on track? We work with you on a shared vision and an actionable plan for curriculum success.
Learn More ➜
Literacy ReclaimEd
Improve literacy instruction and better meet the unique needs of every student.
Learn More ➜
GLEAM® Inventory
Build your team’s understanding of grade-level, engaging, affirming, and meaningful –GLEAM®– instruction and transform how you serve all students in your district.
Learn More ➜
Speaking Engagements
Our experts offer inspiring, thought-provoking messages and conversations that will get your team thinking creatively about shifting mindsets and changing practice.
Learn More ➜
California Math Curriculum Adoption and Launch Cohort
Prepare to adopt and launch high-quality mathematics instructional materials with no-cost, grant-funded support from UnboundEd.
Learn More ➜