Starr Sackstein, Michael McDowell, and Alexandra Laing: How to Use Actionable Assessment in Real Time

In this episode of Have a Life Teaching, I sit down with Starr Sackstein, Michael McDowell, and Alexandra Laing, co-creators of Actionable Assessment, to unpack one of the most pressing instructional questions teachers face every day:

When some students get it, some don’t, and some are already ahead… what do you do next?

We explore how formative assessment should be less about collecting data and more about making immediate instructional decisions during Tier 1 teaching.

Key takeaways include:
✅ Quick checks for understanding that don’t interrupt lesson flow
✅ How to respond to students below, at, and above readiness levels in the moment
✅ Why differentiation does not have to mean separating students into intervention groups
✅ How visual “instructional snapshots” help teachers choose responsive next moves fast
✅ Why advanced learners deserve extension—not becoming the class tutor
✅ Simple routines that build student metacognition and ownership of learning
✅ How schools can embed responsive teaching through PLCs, coaching, and leadership follow-through

This conversation is a practical look at the intersection of formative assessment, differentiation, MTSS, and instructional coaching—with actionable strategies teachers can use tomorrow.

Starr Sackstein Webpage

Michael McDowell Webpage

Alexandra Liang LinkedIn Page

Book Featured: Actionable Assessment: A Step-by-Step Guide to Responsive Teaching and Student Growth

Music by Aylex