A Strategy for Assessment

PORTFOLIOS

Jones, M., Shelton, M. (2011). Developing Your Portfolio--Enhancing Your Learning and Showing Your Stuff: A Guide for the Early Childhood Student or Professional, Second Edition. Routledge.

Provides for Authentic Assessment

* application to real life * contextualized

* multiple indicators

Builder Constructs Knowledge * documenting relationships between experience & criteria

Rationale

Some Key Descriptors

• open-ended• growth over time• self-directed• reflective• personally meaningful

• documenting evidence • habits of mind • collaborative dialogue• process of inquiry• authentic

To track one's personal growth over time

Known as "developmental," "process," or "working“ portfolio

Common Purposes

To demonstrate to others what one has learned over a specified period of time, how one has engaged in the learning process, and how one has applied the learning/knowledge

Known as "evaluation, "product, "presentation“ or showcase portfolio

Common Purposes

To provide to others an up-to-date portrait of one's knowledge, skills, and dispositions, and the competence with which one can engage these.

Known as "interview,“ or "professional," "showcase“ portfolio

Common Purposes

Clearly specified purpose and

audience

Organizational structure reflective of the purpose

Carefully selected evidence suited to the purpose

Reflections tying artifacts to learning to growth

Portfolio Components

Learning is expressed in personally

meaningful, individualized, and

creative ways

Learning is collaborative

Characteristics of the Portfolio Process

Transformative - internalized change

results from a collision of current

knowledge and experience and new

knowledge through a process of

inquiry and reflection

Characteristics of the Portfolio Process

Promotes learning with understanding

requires learners to restructure,

integrate, apply, and reflect on

knowledge in new ways

Characteristics of the Portfolio Process

Learning is made public- work is

shared and presented with colleagues

and other professionals for discussion

and examination

Characteristics of the Portfolio Process

story boards case studies projects

action research lesson plans

videos surveys training materials

environmental rating scales resumes

philosophy statements handbooks

letters of reference photos certificates

Examples of Artifacts for Documentation

Check lists contains required components

Rubrics scoring criteria continuum with

descriptions

Benchmarks based on external performance

standards

Assessment Tools

1. Determine the relevance & implications of

the learning with regard to future action

2. Operate at a high level of thinking

3. See and accept that learning is a messy,

uneven process that requires tenacity

Challenges of the Portfolio Process

4. Move from "what does the teacher want" to

"what will help me develop as a professional“

5. Consciously confront and manage anxiety

6. Value individual strengths, differences and creativity while maintaining quality standards

7. Ensure that the documentation accurately

reflects practice

Challenges of the Portfolio Process

Benefits

Validates experience and knowledge

Draws on one’s strengths

Documents growth

Promotes and strengthens critical reading and thinking skills

Facilitates congruency between practice and theory

Clarifies professional identity