Manitoba Association for Progressive Assessment - MTS PD Day

Join educators from across Manitoba in a collaborative exploration of how progressive assessment practices can lead to deeper equity and lasting educational change. Rooted in decolonizing frameworks, culturally responsive pedagogy, and evidence-based approaches, this conference offers space to reflect, learn, and build practical strategies for transforming assessment. Whether you’re just beginning the journey or deep in the work, this gathering is designed to empower educators to reimagine success and create learning environments where all students can thrive.

Info: This keynote sets the stage for a conference dedicated to reshaping how we define, measure, and celebrate student learning. Drawing from research, practice, and lived experience, the session will examine why traditional grading systems often fall short of capturing the full scope of student growth, identity, and capability. Participants will be invited to consider progressive assessment as more than a shift in reporting it is a movement toward equity, cultural responsiveness, and educational transformation.

The keynote will explore three critical dimensions:

1. Equity and Belonging – how assessment practices can either reproduce systemic inequities or dismantle them.

2. Learning over Labeling – why mastery, feedback, and narrative provide a clearer picture of growth than numbers and percentages.

3. Transformative Practice – what it takes to lead courageous change in classrooms, schools, and systems.

Info: Grades often shut down learning, while feedback opens it up. This session equips teachers with strategies to shift from evaluative to descriptive comments that guide improvement. Participants will practice writing feedback that is specific, actionable, and connected to learning goals. Breakout groups by subject area (Math, Humanities, Sciences, Arts, Industrial Arts, etc. based on registrations) will adapt strategies to their contexts, ensuring relevance to curriculum expectations. Teachers will leave with practical tools for creating a classroom culture where students see assessment as a conversation that supports growth rather than a judgment.

Info: Mastery learning requires clarity. What exactly do we want students to know and be able to do? In this session, teachers will work on breaking down units into clear, student-friendly learning targets and success criteria. Facilitators will model strategies for scaffolding complex skills and allowing students to demonstrate mastery in multiple ways. Subject-specific groups will examine how mastery pathways differ across subject areas. Participants will work on draft progressions they can refine and use immediately in their classrooms.

Info: In this interactive session, teachers will grapple with the current capabilities, limitations, and ethics of generative artificial intelligence (AI). Three years into this age of AI, how are you transforming your assessment practices to keep student learning front and center? Let’s talk.

Facilitator: Dr. Michael Holden is an assistant professor in the Faculty of Education at the University of Winnipeg. His research focuses on the complexities of classroom assessment, with a focus on collaborating with teachers to transform their assessment practices to support robust student learning.

Info: Shifting from percentage-based grading to progressive assessment requires vision, courage, and strategy. This session is designed for school and divisional leaders navigating the system-level implications of assessment reform. Participants will examine strategies for policy alignment, communication with parents, and creating professional trust with staff. Interactive planning activities will help leaders draft an actionable roadmap for leading cultural change in their own contexts.

Info: Lasting change depends on strong teacher capacity. This session explores how leaders can design professional learning that empowers educators to transform their assessment practices. Topics include structuring professional learning communities, using coaching and mentoring models, and building resilience in the face of resistance. Leaders will leave with frameworks for fostering teacher growth while keeping equity and student learning at the center.

Info: Progressive assessment requires system level alignment. This session will examine how scheduling, technology platforms, and reporting structures can evolve to support feedback driven, mastery based approaches. Leaders will examine schools and divisions that redesigned reporting systems to reflect growth and equity. Participants will engage in an implementation activity, drafting a framework that balances innovation with accountability and positions assessment as a tool for transformation.

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