The school year has just begun, and principals everywhere are balancing countless priorities while trying to lead meaningful instructional improvement. In this episode of Fires in Grading, Becky Peppler, Don Smith, and Garth Larson explore one of the most important—and often overlooked—questions in grading reform: What is the principal's role in making Standards-Based Grading successful?

Together, they discuss how school leaders create the conditions for sustainable change, common leadership mistakes that unintentionally stall implementation, and practical ways principals can support teachers while keeping learning at the center. Along the way, Don shares insights from his new book, The Confidence to Lead, co-authored with Jenni Donohoo, and explains why leadership efficacy is essential to building a culture where both teachers and students can thrive.