Welcome to Skills Based Classroom!
We help math departments and teachers eliminate grading blind spots, refine rubrics and assessments, and transition to a more effective performance-based grading system—while still using the traditional 100-point scale. Our data-backed approach has improved outcomes in Carterville and other districts we've coached. We offer both online and in-person support.
Upcoming Events
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We are excited to offer a local in-person training on Toxic Grading at ROE #30 in Murphysboro on June 8th. See the attached flyer for how you can reserve a spot.
Toxic Grading
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We are now working with Purdue University and their Educator Success Program. we will be offering FREE online webinars to beginning and perspective educators on a variety of topics beginning this Spring. Follow us for information about these free sessions that will take place on June 9th and June 11th of 2026!
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Below, you will find a flyer for administrators who are looking for more information about our story and what Skills Based Classroom can do to improve your school. We have a variet of practical ideas that can help lower the stress on your staff and create proven results in the classroom. Sign up below to receive a link to the event.
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Be on the lookout for 2 webinars from the Skills Based Classroom creators that will occur in late June. Details will be released soon.
ADMINISTRATORS!
JOIN US FOR FREE WEBINAR THIS SUMMER!
Recent Events:
We have another published article. This one was published by IL ASCD Winter Quarterly Journal 2025 - 2026. Check out our research on Page 73.
2025 Williamson County Educators Learning Camp
Toxic Grading: Time for a Clean Break - We need to talk. Breaking up is hard to do, but it’s time to part ways with toxic grading habits—like late penalties, participation points, and one-shot assessments—that undermine learning and student growth. A key focus of this session will be identifying which traditional grading practices do more harm than good and why. Educators ready for a clean break will leave with practical, student-centered alternatives that promote equity, mastery, and meaningful feedback. It's time to call it quits and start fresh.
Classroom Sidekicks: Teaching Smarter with A.I. - Every math hero needs a sidekick — in your classroom, that’s AI. This beginner-friendly session is designed just for grades 6–12 math teachers and shows how to team up with AI to plan lessons, create practice problems, give feedback, and boost student engagement. You'll walk away with easy, ready-to-use tools that enhance your teaching superpowers.
Check us out on the Making Math Moments That Matter Podcast.
Click HERE to get directly to the podcast website. Catch our episode HERE.
We met with Bill Davidson, host of the podcast Centering the Pendulum. We discussed eliminating homework from the classroom. Listen to that episode HERE.
Here's a link to our recent article in the Illinois Council of Teachers of Mathematics (ICTM) Journal.
Recent Activity
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District Professional Development: We are working with an Illinois school district in late August to discuss grading practices and assessment strategies to create better student accountability.
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Collaboration with Local Math Educators: We've recently teamed up with a dedicated team of math teachers at a local middle school to introduce the Skills Based Classroom initiative.
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Professional Development Conference: We had a great time presenting at the Williamson County Professional Development Conference this fall.
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Illinois Principal Association Conference: Recently, we presented at the Illinois Principal Association Conference this October.
