Finds that all three groups (preservice elementary teachers, graduate elementary teachers, and graduate reading teachers) cited children's samples for the majority of their conclusions about the portfolios; and graduate reading teachers ranked the reliability of the samples much higher than either of the other two groups. Finds qualitative…

A tear-out folder provides information on alternative student assessment versus standardized testing, describing what alternative assessments do and do not consist of and involve. Information on student assessment statewide and nationwide is presented along with a discussion of the costs of alternative assessment. All information is presented in…

Examines the importance of using student portfolios to monitor progress, assess learning, integrate subjects, encourage independent learning, foster collaboration, ease anxiety about grades, and facilitate parent/teacher conferences. The article helps teachers examine what they should already know about portfolios and presents suggestions about…

Suggests that telecommunications and multimedia technologies of interactive video have increased possibilities for learners at-risk to become successful. Discusses a portfolio planning guide which contains instructional strategies for creating literacy and diagnostic multimedia assessment information. Discusses how undergraduate elementary and…

Terms such as "authentic,""performance-based," and "portfolio" are being used to label assessment approaches that purport to examine student performance as it relates to curricular goals and instructional techniques. This research digest reviews six articles on these assessment approaches, highlighting purposes,…

Argues that worksheets are limited teaching tools because they do not address preschoolers' developmental needs such as hands-on play. Presents characteristics of early learning that can be facilitated by play, which fosters children's social and language development, physical skills, and creative and critical thinking. Suggests that learning can…

The impact of the New Standards Project English language arts Field Trial Portfolio on curriculum and classroom portfolio assessment practice was studied in the 10th-grade classrooms of two experienced teachers. Case studies conducted over the school year illustrate ways in which teachers are mediators of standards and reveal problems teachers…

Portfolios are an effective method to encourage teachers to evaluate their abilities and enhance their skills. Portfolios contain written documentation of planning, content or curriculum, organization and presentation method, type and extent of interactions with students and parents, assessment uses and methods, classroom-management approaches,…

A study that investigated perceptions of 31 kindergarten teachers found there were statistically significant differences between teachers' views of the desirability of implementing practices to enhance the outcomes of children with disabilities as they transition to kindergarten and the feasibility of such implementation. Portfolios were viewed as…

Investigated preservice teachers' beliefs, definitions, and uses of student and professional portfolios. Surveys of preservice teachers conducted at two times during their training provided data on how their perspectives, methods-course experiences, and field experience contributed to their beliefs and practices surrounding portfolio development…

Describes the institution of portfolio use with a diverse group of eighth grade mathematics students representing a spectrum of ability levels. Presents data on student reaction to portfolio use, integrating portfolios into a math classroom, helping students understand their use and structure, and the lessons learned by the teachers. (SD)

Discusses the use of reading portfolios to evaluate middle school students' reading interests, attitudes, motivation, and achievement. Considers the results of portfolios with three students and the benefits of the evaluation for parents and teachers. (JPB)

Teaching portfolios can be used to document, improve, and evaluate teaching. Teaching portfolios typically include material from the instructor, material from others, and the products of good teaching. Describes teaching portfolios and different ways in which they can be used. Discusses portfolios in the context of peer review of teaching and…

Presents the results of a two-year teacher/researcher collaboration between Liz, an experienced high school English teacher, and David, a university researcher in writing across the curriculum. Describes the experience of the school studied and presents some reactions of teachers to the experience. (SG)

Discusses the use of portfolio assessment in elementary schools, focusing on how Montessori teachers can effectively develop portfolios. Presents samples of items for inclusion in student portfolios. Discusses the decision to use portfolio assessment, detailing advantages. Asserts that portfolios assess as well as facilitate creativity,…