Documentation provides evaluators with information related to specific standards and provides principals with an opportunity for self-reflection, demonstration of quality work, and a basis for two-way communication with their evaluators. Documentation can confirm a principal’s effort to document exemplary performance, can show continuing work at a proficient level, or can demonstrate progress in response to a previously identified deficiency. Artifacts are not created solely for a portfolio or document log, but are readily reviewed in portfolio/document log form. They should provide evidence of one or more of the performance standards. Each artifact may include a caption since the artifact will be viewed in a context other than that for which it was developed. Within that binder or folder, principals may organize the material in any way they see fit; however, the emphasis should be on the quality of work, not the quantity of materials presented. Portfolios The professional portfolio is an organized collection of work that demonstrates the educator’s skills, talents, and accomplishments for the evaluation It contains a broader, more comprehensive collection of material than does a document log, and the selection of material to be included is often at the discretion of the principal. The portfolio provides an opportunity to demonstrate professional competence with regard to meeting performance standards and is therefore an important part of the evaluation process. Written analysis and reflection about artifacts should be included in the portfolio to provide insight into the rationale for the events and process documented in each entry. The portfolio is an official document that is maintained by the principal and reviewed periodically by the evaluator. It is the property of the principal and follows the principal when work assignments change. The division should provide the guidelines for the portfolio and may provide the physical notebook, cover, and dividers if it is to be submitted in hard copy. A sample of the of contents for a portfolio is provided on the next page. The principal may complete a table of contents for each performance standard including the activity names and any comments and place the artifacts immediately behind it. Sample: Portfolio of Contents SAMPLE Portfolio Table of Contents Standard _____ Activity Name Principal Comments (Optional)
Sample: Documentation Sheet SAMPLE Documentation Sheet Directions: The principal should list the items he or she plans to submit as documentation of meeting each performance standard to supplement evidence gathered through other means. This form is optional. Documentation also may need to be supplemented with conversation, discussion, and/or annotations to clarify the principal’s practice and process for the evaluator. Principal: School: School Year: Standard Documentation Included 1. Instructional Leadership The principal fosters the success of all students by facilitating the development, communication, implementation, and evaluation of a shared vision of teaching and learning that leads to student academic progress and school improvement. 2. School Climate The principal fosters the success of all students by developing, advocating, and sustaining an academically rigorous, positive, and safe school climate for all stakeholders. 3. Human Resources Management The principal fosters effective human resources management by assisting with selection and induction, and by supporting, evaluating, and retaining of quality instructional and support personnel. 4. Organizational Management The principal fosters the success of all students by supporting, managing, and overseeing the school’s organization, operation, and use of resources. 5. Communication and Community Relations The principal fosters the success of all students by communicating and collaborating effectively with stakeholders.