Pressure to improve reading and writing performance is bringing fresh scrutiny to language instruction. Author Patty McGee joins us to discuss a curiosity-focused curriculum that eschews rules and correction to foster literacy growth. How can literary structure unlock new layers of meaning for readers?
Later, we discuss the lack of adequate research on grading policies. What are grades for and how can our policies help us meet those goals?
- First Segment – 02:46 – Grammar Instruction
- Second Segment – 34:44 – Grading Policies
Featured Guest
Primary Citations
- McGee, P. (2025). Not Your Granny’s Grammar: An Innovative Approach to Meaningful Grammar Instruction. The California Reader 58(3). https://californiareading.org/california-reader-journal/
- Sievers, J., Muenks, K., & Goldstein, M. G. (2026). How will I be graded? The past, present, and future of research on grading policies and student motivation in secondary and postsecondary education. Educational Psychologist, 1-21. https://doi.org/10.1080/00461520.2026.2636491
Supplemental Citations
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- Teaching Grammar in the 21st Century Classroom (Center for Professional Education of Teachers)
- The story of English grammar in United States schools (Kolln, 2005)
- Process Oriented Guided Inquiry Learning (POGIL)
- 061 Errorful Generation & Local Poems (Two Pint PLC)
- Not Your Granny’s Grammar: An Innovative Approach to Meaningful and Engaging Grammar Instruction (McGee, 2025)
- https://pattymcgee.org/
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- 70% of Faculty Vote to Overhaul Harvard Grading With A Cap (The Harvard Crimson)
- Fair Isn’t Always Equal: Assessing & Grading in the Differentiated Classroom (Wormeli, 2006)
Featured Beverage
We drink Saison Brett, a dry-hopped farmhouse ale with Brettanomyces from Boulevard Brewing Co. in Kansas City, MO.