144 - Second-Order Change: Why Grading Reform Requires Leadership, Not Just Teachers

In this episode, Sharona and Boz welcome back Matt Townsley to dig into a critical—and often overlooked—truth about grading reform: if leaders don’t understand and support it, it simply won’t scale. Drawing on both research and real-world experience, Matt explains why grading reform is a “second-order change” that requires deep philosophical commitment from administrators, not just technical adjustments from teachers. The conversation explores the upcoming Iowa based leadership-focused standards-based grading conference, the role of systems-level support, and emerging frameworks like multi-tiered support for teacher implementation. Along the way, the trio connects these ideas to broader challenges in both K–12 and higher education, from structural barriers to the growing urgency of reform in the age of AI. The takeaway is clear: isolated classroom innovation isn’t enough—lasting change requires aligned leadership, intentional systems, and a shared purpose for what grades are meant to communicate.LinksPlease note - any books linked here are likely Amazon Associates links. Clicking on them and purchasing through them helps support the show. Thanks for your support!Standards-Based Grading Conference: The 3rd Annual Collaborative Assessment Conference for Leadership TeamsAll Things Standards-Based Grading, by Matt TownsleyGrading Reform Isn't Options Anymore - Here's Why, with Matt TownsleyTop 5 standards-based grading articles for 2025, by Matt TownsleyWhen standards-based grading feels dark…and reassessments become the flashlight everyone reaches for later, by Matt TownsleyWalking the talk: Embedding standards-based grading in an educational leadership course The 4 Common Myths about Grading Reform, Debunked, by Matt Townsley and Sarah MorrissPrevious Episodes MentionedEpisode 18 - Sportscaster of Alternative GradingEpisode 46 – Extinguishing the Fires within Assessment and Grading Reform: Welcoming Back Dr. Matt TownsleyEpisode 48 - Implementation Challenges and Opportunities: A Conversation with Becky Peppler and Don Smith on Working with K-12 School Districts to implement Alternative GradingEpisode 59 - Leaning Into ROI and Communication in Leading Grading Reform: An Interview with Dr. Chad LangEpisode 74 - Exploring Alt Grading in Physical Education (in more detail) with Josh OgilvieResourcesThe Center for Grading Reform - seeking to advance education in the United States by supporting effective grading reform at all levels through conferences, educational workshops, professional development, research and scholarship, influencing public policy, and community building.<a href="https://www.thegr