"Goal setting is logical place to begin portfolio assessment. Students plug into the power of understanding their own learning as they endeavor to reach the goals they set for themselves. For many, this occurs quite naturally. This process allows students to develop insights about their own learning and affords them the opportunity to learn to give themselves feedback which informs the next step in their learning; in turn promoting new goal setting.”

Goal Setting can be a simple three step process:

• Set initial goals independently as part of the communication plan process

• Discuss goals with teacher and parent/guardian

• Use the target system to track progress

http://ssdsbstaff.ednet.ns.ca/jramey/portfolio%20tools.htm

What is a portfolio?• A collection of items that reflect an

individual’s skills, talents and abilities.

• An organized collection of things that show who you are an what you are capable of doing

• A way to show who you are and what you have learned

• A means of assessing student learning that is student involved and entirely student centered

What goes in a portfolio?• work samples • photos • reflections • certificates • artifacts that demonstrate skill • records of special accomplishments • awards • resume and references • mark/report cards • Hard work, creativity and effort! • Learning profiles

It is important to note that the contents of individual student portfolios must be driven primarily by the student but teachers should not hesitate to recommend items for inclusion.

• Goal setting

• Parent/guardian communication re: goals and portfolio process

• Ongoing entry collection in mini collections

• Monthly entries and response opportunities in actual portfolio

• In class Pause& Think, Look for Proof and Connect to Criteria opportunities

• In-class portfolio sharing

• Inter-grade Practice Event!

• Portfolio Sharing Night – By invitation only!

• Review Session

What are the steps in the portfolio process?

All students are invited to attend the portfolio sharing event. They are encouraged to invite guests with whom they would like to share their progress.

In the event that students are unable to attend or an invited guest is unavailable, alternate arrangements are made.

Open comment sheets are left with each portfolio so that neighbors, family and friends can make comment on the contents.

Review session offers students a post-conference opportunity to make changes, additions and deletions to their portfolio.

Anne DaviesConferencing and Reporting

(ISBN #0-9682160-3-X)Self-Assessment and Goal Setting

(ISBN #0-9682160-2-1)Setting and Using Criteria

(ISBN # 0-9682160-1-3)

Carol Ann TomlinsonThe Differentiated Classroom: Responding to the Needs of All Learners

(ISBN # 0-87120-342-1)How to Differentiate Instruction in Mixed- Ability Classrooms

(ISBN# 0-87120-512-2)

Harvey F. Silver, Richard W. Strong & Matthew J. PeriniSo Each May Learn

(ISBN # 0-87120-387-1)

Richard J. StigginsStudent-Involved Classroom Assessment

(ISBN# 0-13-022537-1

Kay Burke, Robin Fogarty & Susan BelgradThe Portfolio Connection: Student Work Linked to Standards

(ISBN# 1-57517-439-1)