Standards-Based Grading Conference
The 3rd Annual Collaborative Assessment Conference for Leadership Teams
Conference Date: June 15, 2026
Conference Location: Central Rivers AEA: 1521 Technology PKWY Cedar Falls, IA 50613
Schedule: Conference Schedule and Sessions
Presentation Materials: Materials will be uploaded to SCHED
Lunch: Lunch will be provided!
Parking: Parking for the conference is available at the AEA for free!
Who should come? This conference is designed for school leadership teams. Discounted prices are available for groups of 4.
Registration: Click here to register for the conference
#UNISBGconf26
Contact: Please contact Dr. Matt Townsley or Dr. Mary Sult for additional information.
Bridging the Gap Podcast Episodes
Episode 36: Standards-Based Grading Conference
In this upcoming episode, we sit down with Dr. Matt Townsley to reflect on what we’ve learned from the first two years of our Standards-Based Grading Conference—now entering its third annual convening on June 15, 2026. Drawing from insights across districts and leadership teams, Dr. Townsley highlights the key similarities and differences in the planning of the conference and how changes have been made based on feedback from past participants.
The interview is a quick overview of the purpose of this collaborative conference and what attendees can expect, including the opportunity for a few lucky districts to apply and receive a free year of mentoring with Dr. Townsley. If your team is serious about enhancing your standards-based or standards-reference grading system, this episode offers a look at this outstanding upcoming conference opportunity.
Episode 4: Standards-Based Grading Steps 1 & 2
In this episode of Bridging the Gap, we sit down with Dr. Matt Townsley—known to many as the “Sportscaster of Standards-Based Grading”—to explore the first two foundational steps in implementing Standards-Based Grading (SBG). Drawing from his experience as a school leader, author, and assistant professor, Dr. Townsley shares practical insights that help demystify the early stages of SBG and offer a clear path forward for schools ready to make grading more meaningful. Whether you're just beginning or refining your approach, this episode offers the guidance needed to lead with clarity and confidence.
Articles and Resources Mentioned:
- Making Grades Matter by Matt Townsley and Nathan L. Wear
- Grading from the Inside Out by Tom Schimmer
- Starting the Conversation about Grading by Susan M. Brookhart
- How to Grade for Learning by Ken O'Connor
- Standards-Based Grading: Core Principles and Current Implementation Debates by Matt Townsley and Jesse Wilcox
- What's Worth Fighting Against in Grading by Douglas B Reeves, Lee Ann Jung and Ken O'Connor
