Podcasts

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Assessment for Deeper Learning

About these podcasts

We鈥檝e created these 鈥�15 minute or less podcasts鈥� to provide you with a preliminary introduction to our modules in the 鈥淔ormative Assessment Moves鈥� framework (Duckor & Holmberg, 2017) aimed at facilitating deeper learning. 

FA Moves Wheel

Designed for easy listening and lively interchanges, these podcasts offer new metaphors and analogies to stimulate curiosity about ambitious teaching and deeper learning using formative assessment moves that are easy to learn.

Building another set of pathways to the formative assessment moves framework漏 introduced in our IAEP-sponsored module series, the listener will experience new opportunities to recognize and re-imagine the use of 鈥渟oft data鈥� that emerges during and across a set of lessons. As the FA Podcasters remind us, the goal of all the FA Moves is to advance student learning in real-time with respect and care in diverse classrooms. 

The IAEP Center is committed to your success and we believe that formative assessment is the key to deeper learning and visible learning for all.

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Podcast 1: Introducing 7 High-Leverage Formative Assessment Moves for Deeper Learning

Synopsis: This podcast provides you with an overview of the 鈥淔ormative Assessment Moves鈥� framework (Duckor & Holmberg, 2017) and focuses on assessment for learning aimed at deeper learning. It introduces each move鈥損riming, posing, pausing, probing, bouncing, tagging, and binning鈥揳nd sets the stage for the next modules in the learning pathway. 

Source Citation: Duckor, B., Holmberg, C., & Notebook LM. (2025). Introducing 7 high-leverage formative assessment moves [Podcast]. IAEP Center.

Podcast 2: On Priming and Setting the Stage for Deeper Learning

Synopsis: This podcast provides you with an overview of the 鈥淔ormative Assessment Moves鈥� framework while focusing on priming students for learning to learn. 

Focus on FA practice: Priming moves set the stage for any formative assessment-rich classroom context by preparing the groundwork with students, establishing and agreeing on norms and values, and ensuring that all students鈥� voices can be heard in the process of assessment for learning routines. The podcasters consider various modalities, types, and purposes of priming  moves aimed at building and sustaining a safe, inclusive, and dialogic community of learners who are ready to engage in formative assessment practices.

Source Citation: Duckor, B., Holmberg, C., & Notebook LM. (2025). The art of priming and setting the stage for ambitious teaching and deeper learning [Podcast]. IAEP Center.

Podcast 3: On Posing Questions for Deeper Learning

Synposis: This podcast introduces you to the concept of 鈥淧osing鈥� moves. Essential questions, hinge questions, diagnostic questions, Socratic questions, open-ended questions鈥揳ll of these types of questions can be posed during a lesson to build and check for understanding. 

Focus on FA practice: Posing is the art of asking questions that deepen learning experiences and size up learners鈥� needs in a lesson and across the unit. The podcasters consider various modalities, types, and purposes of posing moves that drive the process of checking for understanding with rich learning targets. 

Source Citation: Duckor, B., Holmberg, C., & Notebook LM. (2025). The art of posing questions for ambitious teaching and deeper learning [Podcast]. IAEP Center.

Podcast 4: On Pausing for Deeper Learning

Synopsis: This podcast introduces you to the concept of 鈥淧ausing鈥� moves. Wait time, think time, processing time鈥揳ll of these types of support cognitive learning strategies can be used during a lesson to build and check for understanding.

Focus on FA practice: Pausing is the art of giving students鈥揳nd ourselves as teachers鈥揳dequate time to think and respond, as individuals or in groups, to questions in the classroom learning environment. The podcasters consider various modalities, types, and purposes of pausing moves to aid in the process of checking for understanding. 

Source Citation: Duckor, B., Holmberg, C., & Notebook LM. (2025). The art of pausing and use of wait-time for ambitious teaching and deeper learning [Podcast]. IAEP Center.

Podcast 5: On Probing for Deeper Learning

Synopsis: This podcast introduces you to the concept of 鈥淧robing鈥� moves. Seeking explanations, justifications, and elaborations by questioning responses鈥揳ll of these types of deeper learning strategies can be used during a lesson to  build and check for understanding.

Focus on FA practice: Probing is the art of asking follow-up questions that use information from actual student responses, inviting all students to elaborate, to go deeper, to push beyond their 鈥渇irst draft鈥� answers. IThe podcasters consider various modalities, types, and purposes of probing moves to aid in the process of checking for understanding. 

Source Citation: Duckor, B., Holmberg, C., & Notebook LM. (2025). The art of probing on responses for ambitious teaching and deeper learning [Podcast]. IAEP Center.

Podcast 6: On Bouncing and Sampling for Deeper Learning

Synopsis: This podcast introduces you to the concept of 鈥淏ouncing鈥� moves. Increasing student participation, student engagement, student uptake, student self-efficacy, student agency鈥揳ll of these types of deeper learning strategies can be used during a lesson to build and check for understanding.

Focus on FA practice: Bouncing is the art of sampling a variety of responses intentionally and systematically to better map terrain of student thinking during a lesson. The podcasters consider various modalities, types, and purposes of bouncing moves to improve the representativeness of student responses while checking for understanding.  

Source Citation: Duckor, B., Holmberg, C., & Notebook LM. (2025). The art of bouncing and sampling responses for ambitious teaching and deeper learning [Podcast]. IAEP Center.

Podcast 7: On Tagging and Recording Soft Data for Deeper Learning

Synopsis: This podcast introduces you to the concept of 鈥淭agging鈥� moves. Scribing, writing, recording, illustrating, noting, visualizing 鈥揳ll of these types of deeper learning strategies can be used during a lesson to build and check for understanding.

Focus on FA practice: Tagging is the art of publicly representing variation in student thinking by creating a snapshot or a running record of a class鈥檚 responses. The podcasters consider various modalities, types, and purposes of tagging moves to include more student voices, and hence better understand prior knowledge, p-prims and misconceptions, during the process of checking for understanding. 

Source Citation: Duckor, B., Holmberg, C., & Notebook LM. (2025). The art of tagging and recording soft data for ambitious teaching and deeper learning [Podcast]. IAEP Center.

Podcast 8: On Binning for Feedback and 鈥淣ext Steps鈥� for Deeper Learning

Synopsis: This podcast introduces you to the concept of 鈥淏inning鈥� moves. Using rubrics or answer keys is the most common way to bin student performances. Categorizing, sorting, ranking, evaluating, grading鈥揳ll of these types of assessment strategies and evaluation tools can be used to gauge understanding and to help determine possible next steps.

Focus on FA practice: Binning is the art of noticing patterns in student responses, categorizing them along learning trajectories, and using real-time assessment classroom-based data to inform next steps with students. The podcasters consider various modalities, types, and purposes of binning moves to aid in the process of checking for understanding鈥搕he heart of formative assessment鈥搃n addition to providing a summative mark or grade. 

Source Citation: Duckor, B., Holmberg, C., & Notebook LM. (2025). The art of binning for feedback and 鈥渘ext steps鈥� for ambitious teaching and deeper learning [Podcast]. IAEP Center.

Podcast 9: Focus on FA Moves to Close Opportunity Gaps During Instruction for Deeper Learning

Synopsis: This podcast offers examples of how to use the 鈥淔ormative Assessment Moves鈥� framework at the classroom or school-level to support teachers who aim at  closing opportunity gaps in linguistically, culturally, and economically diverse classrooms. The podcasters note the availability of FA-driven, inquiry-based lesson plans and describe how to use video-based, formative assessment-driven lesson study to connect PLCs, inservice professional development and work in teacher preparation programs. 

Source Citation: Duckor, B., Holmberg, C., & Notebook LM. (2025). Focus on FA Moves to close opportunity gaps during instruction for deeper learning [Podcast]. IAEP Center.

Interprofessional Support for Foster Youth Podcasts

About these podcasts

We鈥檝e created these professional pathways podcasts to provide you with a coherent, integrated listening experience from the perspective of teachers, school counselors, administrators, school social workers and school psychologists to bring together new ways of thinking about resources and strategies to support foster youth. 

Weaving Connections Series

A complement to the IAEP Center鈥檚 interprofessional support modules series, these podcasts are designed for easy listening and lively interchanges, offering new metaphors and analogies to stimulate curiosity about effective practice for those working in California鈥檚 systems of support. 

Researched, developed, and designed by the IAEP Center faculty and staff, each professional pathways podcast in the series offers a self-paced, flexible route to learning about how to support youth in foster care in diverse California K-12 classrooms and schools. It invites all to drive towards an integrated approach to deeper support for 鈥渁t promise鈥� youth while  committing adults to see one another in the building from various roles and perspectives on continuous improvement.

The IAEP Center, guided by the expertise of Co-Director, Dr. Lorri Capizzi, is committed to your success and we believe that integrated, interprofessional support is key to deeper learning and visible learning foster youth in California today. 

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Podcast 1: Introduction to the Unsung Heroes with an Interprofessional Perspective

Synopsis: This introductory podcast, titled "Weaving Connections: Collaborative Support for Students in Foster Care in California Schools," from the IAEP Center, focuses on the critical role California public schools play in supporting foster youth. It aims to enhance understanding and collaboration among various school professionals, including school psychologists, social workers, counselors, teachers, and administrators. 

The Weaving Connections podcast series highlights the specific contributions of each of these five key roles within the complex support system. By exploring these unique responsibilities, the podcast seeks to strengthen the collective effort to provide a stable and inclusive educational environment for students in foster care, ultimately weaving a more robust fabric of support.

Source Citation: Capizzi, L., Duckor, B., & Notebook LM. (2025). Introduction to the Unsung Heroes with an Interprofessional Perspective [Podcast]. IAEP Center.

 

Podcast 2: The Role of School Psychologists for Supporting Foster Youth

Synopsis: In this episode of the Weaving Connections series, the spotlight turns to school psychologists鈥攑rofessionals often misunderstood, yet vital to the well-being of students, especially those identified as 鈥渁t-promise鈥� or in foster care. Contrary to the belief that their role is limited to special education evaluations and cognitive testing, school psychologists are deeply embedded in the day-to-day fabric of student support systems.

Listeners will discover how school psychologists differ from clinical psychologists: rather than offering therapy, they focus on the educational context鈥攃onducting risk and threat assessments, participating in IEP and 504 teams, and consulting with teachers, families, and external agencies. The episode highlights their key contributions to Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), where they monitor interventions and ensure general education students receive timely and effective assistance.

Particularly compelling is the discussion of their role with foster youth, where they serve as connectors between school teams and child welfare services. Through interprofessional collaboration and careful coordination, school psychologists work to prevent duplicated services, align therapeutic supports, and promote holistic care.

This episode makes one thing clear: school psychologists are not just evaluators鈥攖hey are bridge builders, problem solvers, and student advocates in an increasingly complex educational landscape.

Source Citation: Capizzi, L., Duckor, B., & Notebook LM. (2025). The Role of School Psychologists for Supporting Foster Youth [Podcast]. IAEP Center.

 

Podcast 3: The Role of School Counselors for Supporting Foster Youth

Synopsis: This episode from the Weaving Connections series explores the vital and often misunderstood role of school counselors鈥攑articularly in the lives of 鈥渁t-promise鈥� students and youth in foster care. Far beyond course selection and college applications, counselors serve as trusted advocates, trauma-informed listeners, and interprofessional collaborators deeply embedded in student support systems.

Listeners are invited to rethink common misconceptions: counselors aren鈥檛 just 鈥渇ixers鈥� but empower students to build resilience and problem-solving skills. With a strong ethical foundation rooted in confidentiality, equity, and accessibility, the school counselor鈥檚 role is shown to be both expansive and essential鈥攅specially for foster youth who benefit from individualized attention, flexible access, and wraparound care.

Through vivid examples and clear strategies, the episode unpacks how counselors collaborate across care teams鈥攅ngaging with teachers, social workers, psychologists, foster families, and external partners to ensure continuity and safety. From case management to college guidance, from data-informed decisions to shaping inclusive policies, school counselors emerge as key players in a holistic, community-based approach to education. In short: counselors don鈥檛 just support students鈥攖hey help build the systems that support student success. Tune in to hear how these professionals weave care, advocacy, and coordination into the fabric of school life.

Source Citation: Capizzi, L., Duckor, B., & Notebook LM. (2025). The Role of School Counselors for Supporting Foster Youth. [Podcast]. IAEP Center.

 

Podcast 4: The Role of School Social Workers for Supporting Foster Youth

Synopsis: In this episode of the Weaving Connections series, listeners meet the school social worker鈥攖he often unsung hero connecting the dots between students鈥� lives at home, in school, and across the community. Unlike child welfare investigators, school social workers serve as in-school advocates focused on student well-being, educational equity, and social-emotional success.

This episode explores the multifaceted role of school social workers, from responding to crisis situations and coordinating resources to leading trauma-informed initiatives and partnering with teachers, counselors, psychologists, and caregivers. Their unique strength lies in interprofessional collaboration鈥攖ranslating student needs into action plans that draw on the expertise of an entire support team.

Special attention is given to students in foster care. Listeners hear how school social workers ensure immediate enrollment, academic stability, mental health support, and a sense of continuity for youth often navigating multiple systems and transitions. They also help prepare older students for life beyond high school鈥攃onnecting them to housing, healthcare, and independent living resources. This episode reframes the social worker not as a mere coordinator, but as a listener, guide, and connector鈥攕omeone who champions vulnerable students and helps create a learning environment where every child is seen, supported, and set up to succeed.

Source Citation: Capizzi, L., Duckor, B., & Notebook LM. (2025). The Role of School Social Workers for Supporting Foster Youth. [Podcast]. IAEP Center.

 

Podcast 5: The Role of Teachers for Supporting Foster Youth

Synopsis: In this episode of the Teacher Podcast, part of the Weaving Connections series from the IAEP Center, a Guardian Scholar and former foster youth-turned-educator shares how personal history, cultural identity, and professional values shape their approach to teaching. 

This conversation busts the myth that teachers only focus on academics, instead highlighting the holistic, relational, and community-anchored work that goes into supporting all students鈥攅specially those considered 鈥渁t-promise.鈥�

Listeners will gain insight into how teachers can be flexible, collaborative, and deeply caring allies for youth in foster care. From daily classroom interactions to strategic partnerships with social workers and counselors, this episode explores what it means to be the 鈥渇irst line of defense鈥� in recognizing student needs. A compelling case study showcases real pedagogical and assessment for learning strategies used with a foster-identified student, emphasizing the importance of open communication, digital tools, trauma-informed routines, and explicit compassion.The episode ends with a 鈥淭op Ten鈥� list for working with foster youth and a resounding reminder: there are no shortcuts. Supporting the whole child takes time,  trust, and teamwork鈥攚ith the ultimate goal of helping every student thrive in school, college, career, and life.

Source Citation: Capizzi, L., Duckor, B., & Notebook LM. (2025). The Role of Teachers for Supporting Foster Youth [Podcast]. IAEP Center.

 

Podcast 6: The Role of School Administrators for Supporting Foster Youth

Synopsis: In this episode of the Weaving Connections series, Principal Luciana Vasquez shares what it truly means to lead a school. Far beyond managing paperwork or chasing test scores, school administrators are vision-builders, instructional leaders, and community connectors working tirelessly to support all students鈥攅specially those in foster care and considered 鈥渁t-promise.鈥�

Listeners will gain a window into the six core standards that shape administrative leadership: from developing a shared vision and promoting instructional excellence to ensuring safe, inclusive environments and engaging families and community partners. The episode challenges common misconceptions鈥攍ike the idea that administrators do everything alone鈥攁nd lifts up the collaborative, team-based nature of effective school leadership.

Through powerful examples, Principal Vasquez reveals how administrators support vulnerable students by coordinating care teams, establishing trauma-informed practices, and creating systems that identify and respond to student needs quickly and compassionately. From hallways to boardrooms, administrators model ethics, integrity, and equity every step of the way. The episode underscores that great schools don鈥檛 run on compliance鈥攖hey thrive on connection. And school leaders who prioritize people, partnership, and purpose help shape learning environments where every student has the chance to grow, belong, and succeed.

Source Citation: Capizzi, L., Duckor, B., & Notebook LM. (2025). The Role of School Administrators for Supporting Foster Youth [Podcast]. IAEP Center.

 

Podcast 7: Opportunities for Interprofessional Collaboration to Support Foster Youth

Synopsis: Weaving Connections is a compelling podcast series from the IAEP Center designed to explore how interprofessional collaboration can transform the educational experience of students in foster care. Grounded in California鈥檚 public school context, the series highlights the unique and shared responsibilities of school-based professionals鈥攃ounselors, social workers, psychologists, teachers, and administrators鈥攊n building systems of support that center empathy, stability, and individualized care.

Listeners are invited to rethink school reform through the lens of teamwork. Each episode unpacks how coordinated efforts鈥攚hat the series calls 鈥渃ollective impact鈥濃�攃an make schools more nurturing and inclusive for foster youth. While the podcast focuses on school staff, it also gestures toward the vital roles of community partners, including judges, healthcare providers, and mental health professionals.

The Weaving Connections modules and podcast series promotes the idea of being a 鈥済uide on the side,鈥� offering free professional development modules and conversation starters that help school teams turn insights into action. It proposes concrete next steps:

  • Professional Development Activities should foster new perspectives that center collaboration, trauma-informed practices, and interprofessional teamwork.
  • Parent and Guardian Engagement must be reimagined, especially during school entry points, to ensure caregivers feel connected and informed from day one.
  • LCAP Team Planning should explicitly address the needs of foster youth, using the podcast and modules as catalysts for targeted, equity-driven strategies.
  • Community Schools Coordinators should be supported in leading whole-child, whole-community planning that intentionally includes foster youth in transformational assistance plans.

At its heart, the Weaving Connections series calls for a culture of care rooted in shared responsibility and a deep commitment to helping every foster youth not just survive school鈥攂ut thrive within it.

Source Citation: Capizzi, L., Duckor, B., & Notebook LM. (2025). Opportunities for Interprofessional Collaboration to Support Foster Youth [Podcast]. IAEP Center.

Please reach out (lorri.capizzi@sjsu.edu) if you enjoyed the podcast series and would like to learn more about how to integrate it into your work with schools committed to youth in foster care.