Composition assessment scholars have exhibited uneasiness with the language of norming grounded in distaste for the psychometric assumption that achievement of consensus in a communal assessment setting is desirable even at the cost of individual pedagogical values. Responding to the problems of a "reliability" defined by homogenous agreement,…

Research into portfolio assessment ("PA") typically describes teachers' development and implementation of different portfolio models in their respective teaching contexts, however, not much attention is paid to student perceptions of the portfolio approach or its impact on the learning of writing. To this end, this study aims to…

This paper examines the use of portfolios as pedagogical tools for developing academic writing. In particular, it considers the value of multi-drafting, where learners reflect on the learning of a text type as well as focusing on micro and macro aspects. The paper outlines a situated pedagogical approach, where students come to understand their…

This study details the development and results of a campus-based writing assessment plan that was mandated by a state-wide university system in order to explore the ''value-added'' from a writing program curriculum to undergraduate students' competence with written expression. Four writing samples (two timed essays and two conventional essays)…

In 2004, the Department of Writing Studies at Roger Williams University in Bristol, Rhode Island, the U.S., began an assessment of student outcomes for two first-year writing courses (Fall 04 to Fall 05) to evaluate performance on previously established criteria. A study of the students' Portfolio Assessment Sheets concluded that one pervasive…

Contends that assessing writing is much the same as reviewing literature. Questions the differences between oral literature and composition and responses to them, and hypertext and responses to them. Discusses how these questions relate to determining achievement, performance, or learning in writing. Defines, offers a blueprint of, and discusses…

Describes the ways two second-grade teachers implement portfolio assessment in their classrooms. Emphasizes multiple purposes for evaluation. Suggests that portfolio use can have a direct influence on teachers' instructional practices and beliefs. (RS)

Explores how a portfolio assessment project in the University of Cape Town's Chemistry Department developed (within staff) new understandings of the role of writing as a vehicle for learning, which resulted in a reexamination of the relationship of the written assignments to the existing curriculum. Discusses challenges of designing assessment…

Applies to the reading of student texts in a college composition portfolio assessment the notion that evaluations of text vary because readings take place in specific contexts and are shaped by cultural and historical exigencies. Concludes that in every reading of a text, readers posit an "implied author" that can strongly influence the reader's…

Details the three major forms of evaluative authority (administrator, teacher, outside instructor) in the portfolio program at a large, urban, Midwestern university. Documents and theorizes the rhetorical and political dynamics by which the three forms of authority interact. Explores and maps the contested borders of authority among outside…

In this article, we present findings from a survey study of portfolio assessment practices in four Norwegian higher education institutions after a major educational reform had introduced more varied assessment forms, more compulsory writing and closer follow-up of students. The purpose behind the study was to map these newly emerging writing and…

Describes the establishment of a hermeneutic circle of portfolio researchers (writing teachers from Alaska to Florida) acting as "outside readers" for each other--six months into the project, the group established an e-mail network called "Portnet." Contemplates the group's experiences during Portnet's first year. (PA)

Investigates how secondary teachers' perceptions of portfolio implementation barriers changed when teachers participated in a 1-year portfolio implementation effort. Suggests that teachers' apprehension about portfolio barriers increased slightly, but that this increase can be attributable to teachers with little portfolio experience. (SC)

Asserts that portfolios often seem to take on the characteristics of the existing curricula. Provides a picture of the diversity in approaches to portfolios. Examines how different curriculum perspectives are reflected in the designs of portfolios, how they reveal "patterns on practice" in the teaching of writing, and how they reveal…

Reviews history of writing portfolios, emphasizing differences between portfolios designed for instructional purposes and those intended to serve as tests. Suggests that because even carefully designed portfolio systems do not function as intended, portfolio users should expect evaluation and adjustment to be part of the portfolio process.…