In a recent episode of the Assess That with Tom and Nat podcast, hosts Tom Schimmer and Natalie Vardabasso welcomed Jonathan Asbury, co-founder of Edsby, to discuss the Edsby competency-based assessment system designed to help educators shift the focus from grades to learning.
In the episode, Asbury explained the research that inspired its development and how it helps teachers, students and parents better understand student progress. The conversation explores the changing landscape of assessment, the challenges facing schools today and how technology can better support meaningful learning.
A GPS for learning
One of the central ideas discussed throughout the episode is what Asbury calls a “GPS for learning.“ Rather than simply showing students a grade at the end of an assignment, Edsby’s competency-based assessment system helps them understand where they are in their learning, where they’re headed and what they need to do to get there.
The platform gives teachers a real-time view of each student’s progress while encouraging students to take ownership of their learning through evidence, reflection and ongoing conversations. Parents also gain greater visibility into what their children are learning, helping shift discussions away from grades and toward growth.
Designed around learning
A recurring theme throughout the conversation is Edsby did not add competency-based features onto a traditional gradebook. Instead, it was designed from the ground up around modern assessment practices and learning outcomes.
Students can document evidence of learning, make claims against success criteria and engage in meaningful conversations with teachers throughout the learning process. Rather than centering assessment on assignments and percentages, the platform emphasizes demonstrations of learning, continuous feedback and student ownership.
Asbury explained that the goal was to “completely shift the paradigm,” while Vardabasso praised the platform’s thoughtful design, saying:
“I love that there’s a ton of intentionality here.”
The hosts also discussed how Destinations supports a shift toward competency-based assessment by helping teachers focus on what students are learning—not simply what they scored.
After exploring the platform throughout the episode, Schimmer concluded:
“What I really love about the platform is it changes the conversation for parents at home. It transforms ‘what did you do in school today’ to ‘what has my child learned in school today?’ I love how the platform can really engineer that narrative. We’re endorsing it because it is a great platform to use. Nothing is perfect, but to us it’s the best we’ve seen in terms of blending really sound assessment practices.”
The full episode offers an insightful look at the philosophy behind how Edsby can support more meaningful assessment practices in K-12 education. Watch the full episode here or find out more about Edsby’s competency-based assessment.
About Assess THAT with Tom & Nat
Assess THAT with Tom & Nat is a bi-weekly podcast where co-hosts Tom Schimmer and Natalie Vardabasso unpack what it really means to deepen assessment literacy in schools. Known for their dynamic, insightful, and sometimes provocative conversations, Tom and Nat create a space where educators can rethink grading, feedback, and accountability in ways that put student learning first. Each episode blends practical strategies with big-picture thinking, helping teachers and leaders translate research into action without losing sight of the human side of education.
Tom Schimmer and Natalie Vardabasso are internationally recognized speakers, authors, and consultants who have spent their careers helping schools modernize assessment and grading practices. Together, they are the co-founders of the Canadian Assessment Centre (CAC), a national professional learning hub created by Canadians, for Canadians to bring clarity, credibility, and care to assessment in classrooms across the country.
