Exciting things are happening, and I want to share when they do. Check out some of the awesome things currently happening in my world.
Actionable Assessment is Available
Excited to share that Actionable Assessment has already made it to a #1 New Release Amazon in the Assessment category. Get your copy now.
Solving School Challenges is available.
It's time to get your copy of Solving School Challenges: The Everything Guide to Transformative Change. We hope this desk reference will provide on the spot, proven advice and suggestions for a multitude of challenges you may be facing.
Hacking Assessment wins Impact Book Award in 3 Categories!
I am honored to announce that Hacking Assessment is a winner of the 2024 Impact Book Awards in three categories: Education and Academics, Leadership and Social Change.
If you haven't read the second edition yet, check it out!
My Distinguished Educator Fellow Project is live on Kappan.
Check out the project I completed with an Ed Rising Student for my distinguished educator fellowship - it is an article and a podcast.
You can access it here. Let me know what you think.
Beyond a Highlight Reel: Portfolios as Dynamic Workspaces
* Update: This article will be featured in an upcoming book about education and Ed Tech. Check out my latest ASCD contribution here.
Student-Led Assessment is a new release best seller
Upon its release on January 3, 2024, Student-Led Assessment: Promoting Agency and Achievement Through Portfolio and Conferences is a new release best seller on Amazon. Get your copy here and leave a review.
John Hattie Endorses Actionable Assessment
Here's what John Hattie has to say about it: "This book is ultimately about trust: trust in evidence, trust in teachers, and trust in students’ capacity to grow when instruction responds intelligently to need. McDowell and Sackstein translate decades of research into clear, disciplined instructional moves that respect teacher expertise while sharpening its impact. They bring complex ideas to life through a shared professional language—in-the-moment growth, backward fading, rotating questions, stuck in motion, the obstacle as the opportunity, and the reminder that learning isn’t a straight line—all in service of developing consistency and precision of practice. This is assessment as professional judgment, exercised in real time, positioning educators as adaptive experts who can read the room, respond to evidence, and guide students forward without abandoning rigor or coherence."
I'm the MA State Coordinator for Educators Rising with PDK
The education profession is struggling to stay relevant, but it is so important we do. I'm proud to be a part of Educators Rising, helping MA grow diverse, local educators who want to enter this life-changing profession. Learn more here
Do you want to make an Impact?
Are you considering leaving the classroom? Not to worry, you can still have a positive impact on students and the field of education, and use the skills you’ve worked so hard to develop over the years, in a new role outside of teaching!
Get your copy on July 31st.
Celebrating Diversity: Starr Sackstein Of Mastery Portfolio On How To Build Inclusive Communities
Read this latest interview about inclusivity and celebrating diversity in the workplace and with the people we engage with.
Check it out here.
Feature in Best Website Builder 2024
It was cool to be featured in this article about why I enjoy using Wix as for my website.
Read the article here
Mastery Portfolio is named Best Company for Equity in Education from ACE
We are proud to be named a best company for promoting equity in the work we do. Read more about the award here.
I'm officially on the Fulbright Specialist Roster.
I'm proud to announce that as of June 13, 2025 I am officially on the Fulbright Specialist Roster. I'm hoping to be matched with a project in a country where I can help make substantial change in teaching and learning. Stay tuned.
Career Confidential has a new Columnist - me!
Think of it like Dear Abby for educators - what are your current concerns, questions, or wonderings? How can I help? Please fill out this form if you'd like me to address your current challenges anonymously.
If you want to read the column, click here.
Author & Education Entrepreneur, now a PDK Distinguished Educator
Starr Sackstein has been named a 2024 PDK Distinguished Educator for her transformative work in developing alternative assessments and non-traditional grading practices. Her innovative approaches have created more authentic learning environments, directly benefiting students. You can read the rest of the press release here.
Leading with Heart: Starr Sackstein of Mastery Portfolio On The Power of Authentic Women’s Leadership
Read this latest interview about leading with empathy. Check it out here.
Top 50 Women Leaders of Tampa
Starr was recently named one of "Women We Admire's" top 50 Women Leaders in Tampa, Florida.
Read the article here.
Power Women: Starr Sackstein of Mastery Portfolio On How To Successfully Navigate Work, Love and Life As A Powerful Woman
Check out this interview with Authority Magazine about work and life balance as a woman leader. Read the article here.