The PLeR contains a Guide and record-keeping forms. It is divided into two sections, the Main Record, which is the form for summarizing student learning, and Observations and Samples, which includes forms for recording information over the course of the year that can constitute the basis for filling in the Main Record. For the Foundation subjects, space on the forms is provided only for the summary Main Record, but teachers can develop observation and sample forms for those subjects. The true richness of the PLeR, however, is found in the understanding that each subject involves both process and content. This information enables the teacher to document and analyze how the student learns, her progress in learning scientific ways of thinking, and her developing content knowledge.
Similar categories exist for other core subject areas.
The PLeR is structured for the British national curriculum. Adapting the PLeR to the U.S. will require making basic decisions about standards or curriculum that can be used to define the content to be assessed. Use the order form on p. 16.