Support for long-term classroom planning and professional development. This middle school teacher devised an assessment strategy that caught on with teachers of all subject areas. In my work with my own students, I decided that portfolios would be a collection of student work or artifacts that is self-evaluated and reflects the learner's skills and thinking. I emphasize to students that their portfolio should show growth in their learning. Building portfolios invites students to communicate with teachers, peers, and parents while increasing their confidence and self-esteem.
Students grow as they take responsibility for evaluating their own learning.
As I committed myself to using portfolios with my students, I realized that I had much to learn. I contacted teachers and area education consultants who had experience using portfolios. I gathered research articles that I would later share with other staff members and parents. These folders were kept in the filing cabinet where they were easily accessible to students. Initially, I assumed students would be able to reflect on and evaluate their own work with little effort.