Discusses using portfolios to evaluate the writing, vocabulary, and grammar of students with deafness. Describes the steps for student development and assembly of their portfolios for presentation and review. Also highlights student participation in the assessment of the portfolios and the benefits of portfolios. (CR)

The evaluation of a portfolio-based assessment course in a traditional teacher education program is described, focusing on elements of the course, aims of instruction, the power of portfolios to enhance student learning, and problems that may occur with portfolio use. The development of the course over three years is traced. (SLD)

Describes the use of portfolios, which include student test scores, GPAs, samples of class work, and student surveys, as tools for assessing student ability and success at the Colorado School of Mines. Discusses the strengths and weaknesses of portfolio assessment as well as instructional and institutional changes brought about by the evaluation…

Presents guidelines to be considered by teachers planning interdisciplinary studies that integrate the arts with environmental education themes. Focuses on one such project with a rivers theme. Details are given on brainstorming, theme selection, curriculum development, and student assessment. (DDR)

Describes electronic portfolios and explains their use to relate student work to educational standards, demonstrate wider dimensions of learning, and interconnections with hyperlinks. Other topics include selecting an electronic portfolio program, including lists of vendors; components of electronic portfolios; portfolio management; and hardware…

Describes an approach for using portfolio evaluations with developmental students. Indicates that it includes a system for analyzing and practicing five areas of writing: form, function, authorial attitude, method of development, and point of view. Reviews benefits of the approach and provides charts of portfolio activities. (AJL)

Describes how an elementary teacher implements student-led parent conferences four times throughout the school year. At the first conference, students, teachers, and parents set goals. At the second and third, students share their portfolios with their parents and teachers. At the fourth, students demonstrate what they have learned to their…

The North Carolina Partnership Training System, a federally funded technical assistance project, convened a Principals Task Force to examine inclusion practices. They identified several facilitators and barriers to inclusion and found that block scheduling, collaborative teaching, cooperative learning, interdisciplinary planning, heterogeneous…

The pay-for-performance plan recently implemented in Douglas County (Colorado) bases teacher salaries on performance rather than longevity, considers extra duties, and offers incentives to high-performing school teams. The school district hopes to strengthen the professional development possibilities of this plan, including teachers' uses of…

This paper describes an alternative portfolio practicum option for veteran teachers seeking certification and/or a graduate degree in special education while on the job. It explains eligibility for students to participate in the Portfolio Practicum, mandatory components and learning activities (e.g., seminars and consultations), and outcomes for…

Shows how assessment models fail to evaluate adequately the performances of socially, ethnically, and culturally diverse students. Maintains that assessment criteria are unable to acknowledge the blurring of genres, controversies over the role of personal voice, and the privileging of linear forms of organization. Focuses on one African American…

Describes a reflexive approach to technology training for preservice teachers blending elements from competency-based and integrative models so that students use technology as learner and teacher. Discusses technology portfolios as an instructional strategy, metacognitive strategies for self-understanding, and modeling and peer tutoring. (PEN)

This article explains the benefits of portfolio usage for students with autism spectrum disorder and details what to include and how to organize the portfolio. Suggested portfolio divisions include artifacts addressing socialization, communication, behavior, academic, functional skills, and fine and gross motor development. Sharing student…

This study explored the effects of portfolio assessment on locus of control among 90 eighth-graders with and without disabilities. Results indicated that all participants scored more internally oriented in terms of locus of control than those not involved in portfolio assessment. (Contains references.) (Author/PB)

Attempts to put the field of writing assessment into a historical, linguistic, and geographical/cultural context, in order to stimulate work in writing assessment from across as broad a set of perspectives as possible. Presents a history of writing assessment, looks at writing assessment in the modern period, and considers the future of writing…