Grow Beyond Grades

Mike Rutherford is the founder of gotLearning, an EdTech company that revolutionizes learning conversations between teachers and students while using generative AI and Natural Language Processing to analyze large amounts of student learning data. Mike’s passion for education and technology stems from a diverse career as a teacher, technology director, publishing executive, and entrepreneur. Mike's experience spans K-12 education, including international teaching in Bangkok. gotLearning's newest tool, LearningPulse, recently earned a National Science Foundation grant. Mike also teaches one class of middle school English Language Arts three times a week, ensuring his work remains grounded in real-world classroom needs. Resources Introducing gotFeedback What is Learning Evidence Analysis? Capturing Student Learning As It Happens (blog post for GBG)

Angela Stockman is an instructor in the Department of Education at Daemen University in Amherst, New York. The author of several books on multiliteracy instruction, she is regularly invited to lead curriculum and assessment design work in K-12 schools, where she has also facilitated the shift to standards based grading and reporting. A former public school teacher, Angela spent fifteen years in the classroom before becoming an independent professional learning facilitator. Resources angelastockman.com

Dr. Kelsie Reed is a nationally certified school psychologist serving elementary and middle schools in Prince George's County Public Schools, Maryland. She is the co-author of Hacking Deficit Thinking, a book that outlines eight practical reframes for fostering strength-based schools. As the founder of the Strength-Based Collective, Dr. Reed provides educators and parents with practical tools and resources to cultivate positive, strength-focused environments for all students. Her work centers on dismantling deficit-based narratives, particularly for students from historically marginalized communities. Dr. Reed is also a strong advocate for school discipline reform, neurodiversity-affirming special education practices, and addressing the unique needs of multiracial students. Resources Hacking Deficit Thinking by Byron McClure and Kelsie Reed: https://a.co/d/6B3xG5Q Strength-Based Collective website: https://www.strengthbasedcollective.com Instagram:   /bestrengthbased   Music licensed through podcastmusic.com Luminosity by Austin Filingo (Atomica Music)

Our guest on the Grow Beyond Grades podcast is Akil Bello, an expert in educational access with over 30 years of experience. Akil began his career as a test proctor in 1990 and has since held roles from CEO to consultant, working to improve outcomes for underserved students. As the founding partner of Bell Curves, Akil focused on helping underrepresented students succeed in high-stakes testing. After selling his company, he became Director of Equity and Access at a major test prep firm, helping schools and organizations navigate standardized testing challenges. Currently, Akil is the Senior Director of Advocacy and Advancement at FairTest, where he advocates for more equitable and responsible testing practices. Resources Akil’s website: akilbello.com Articles by Akil Bello: How Test Publishers Are Poised To Profit From Pandemic “Learning Loss” The Challenge of Succeeding as a Black Student in America Why The First Varsity Blues Trial Really Matters

Paul Emerich France is a National Board Certified Teacher, instructional coach, keynote speaker, and adjunct professor with over a decade of experience in the classroom, teaching grades transitional kindergarten through fifth grade. He is the author of Reclaiming Personalized Learning: A Pedagogy for Restoring Equity and Humanity in Our Classrooms and Make Teaching Sustainable with ASCD. His work is featured in Edutopia, EdSurge, ASCD’s Educational Leadership, and Learning Forward’s The Learning Professional. Recently, Paul has partnered with SXSW EDU, Jefferson County Public Schools, ASCD, National Board, and Northwestern University. Topics include: Paul’s journey to discovering the imperative of making teaching more sustainable The six shifts identified in Paul’s Sustainable Teaching Project, along with examples of how they can be implemented in classes Why personalization is not the same as individualization How “low-floor/high-ceiling” learning activities leverage universal design principles to embed pathways for learners of all abilities Resources Personalized Learning Should Be Sustainable (blog post) The Sustainable Teaching Project (website, Instagram, Twitter) Six Mindset Shifts to Make Teaching Sustainable (ASCD)