Presents a rationale and method for introducing a hypertext authoring assignment in a professional writing course in computer-aided publishing. Describes a rhetorically centered pedagogy that incorporates portfolio assessment, collaborative authoring, and real world projects for teaching hypertext within the context of situated problem-solving…

Describes the pros and cons of using written essay examinations. Reviews the history of the basic arguments for and against essay exams. Considers essay exams as forms of writing, in relation to portfolio assessment, and as reliable instruments of assessment. Advocates the use of timed, impromptu essay exams. (HB)

This article provides a framework for portfolio assessment in which common benchmarks and rubrics provide explicit and shared criteria for judging both the collection of work in the portfolio and individual performance samples. Also addressed are efforts to achieve validity and reliability in teacher, student, and parent judgments while…

If used effectively, portfolios can be both an assessment tool and an integral part of instruction, while overcoming some attendant standardized-testing problems. New reading, writing, and mathematics assessment standards focus on student learning, reflection and critical inquiry, and integration of literacy skills with students' home, school, and…

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.…

Describes the Public Speaking Portfolio, a pedagogical tool for encouraging active reflection in the public speaking classroom. Describes its content and form, discusses how it is assessed, and presents survey results measuring students' perceptions of the portfolio's effectiveness in the classroom. Examines the unique challenges of portfolio use…

It is generally recognized that one of the benefits of portfolio assessment is the promotion of learner reflection. Learner reflection in a portfolio makes an important contribution to the triangulation of information in the assessment process. (Author/VWL)

Examines instructional, learning, and assessment roles of student portfolios through a survey of 314 teachers from kindergarten through grade 5 from 13 schools. Results suggest that teachers make deliberate decisions about uses of portfolios, decisions affected by the skill level of the child, the purposes of the application, classroom…

A Rhode Island elementary school decided to include students in their parent-teacher conferences. The idea was to increase student responsibility for learning and improve student achievement. Revamped portfolios that focused on the quality of student work provided the key to success. (MLH)

Presents one successful attempt at connecting in-school and out-of-school mathematical experiences including mathematics portfolios and parents. Provides samples of work from portfolios from first through fifth grades. Contains 11 references. (ASK)

The Administrator Portfolio Appraisal System implemented by the Judson (Texas) Independent School District addressed current systems' weaknesses by stressing self-assessment, collegial-evaluation processes, refocusing and planning, and informed practice. The program promoted unity and trust among all administrators, fostered open dialog, helped…

In a competency-based master's program, students assess their competencies and design an individual learning program, then apply their learning through portfolio assignments in 10 management knowledge courses. Competencies include interpersonal, personnel management, and analytical skills; management knowledge; and career-specific skills.…

Discusses the use of electronic portfolios as a means of easy access for accrediting boards and the public to information about an institution's achievement of student learning outcomes and quality improvement efforts. Such portfolios can substitute for traditional efforts or augment them with examples of how standards are being met. (SLD)

Discusses answers to teachers' questions about portfolio assessment, including: definition of portfolios and portfolio assessment, its apparent advantages and weaknesses, data to be included in portfolios, how portfolios are assessed, whether they are valid and reliable, how portfolio assessment is being used, how it fits with performance…