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In this episode of Education by Design, we explore how innovative assessment can transform learning engagement and outcomes. Join me as I chat with my friend Dr. Andy Scahill, a professor at the University of Colorado, Denver, as he shares his radical approach to assessment that moves beyond traditional tests and term papers. In an effort to disrupt behaviors cultivated by compliance, Andy empowers students to demonstrate their creativity, critical thinking, and real-world application of knowledge through immersive projects. The result? Students going further than expected and the agency to bring their own meaning and purpose to their final projects.

With the support of his institution, Andy’s approach challenges the rigid systems often found in higher education, affirming the innovative values of the University of Colorado. As he conducts community centered scholarship as the founder and Artistic Director of Rainbow Cult, we dive into how assessment can be a tool for growth, encouraging students to engage deeply and apply their learning in authentic ways.

This conversation is a must-listen for educators in both K-12 and higher education. Discover how shifting what we measure can inspire students to take ownership of their education, activate their agency, and prepare for the complexities of the modern world. This is what learning and teaching informed by assessment, looks like.

Tune in to rethink what we measure, how we measure it, and why it matters.

Catch Andy's play at the Denver Fringe Festival (2025), info here

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And please let Phil know what resonates with you, in the comments.