PURPOSE OF THE PORTFOLIO

The purpose of the portfolio is for the student to demonstrate the specific skills and interests he/she has gained throughout high school.  It also assists our students to have ownership and control over their learning as well as reflect on their academic career and future career planning.

What is considered an appropriate assignment for inclusion in the portfolio?

When choosing a project for inclusion in the portfolio, a student should determine whether it meets the following criteria:

• Does this particular assignment provide evidence of your strengths as a learner to other people?
• Does this particular assignment show perseverance and effort over a period of time?
• Does this assignment show quality work, or if not, does this particular assignment show your growth as a learner?

Examples of appropriate portfolio entries

• Compositions
• Reaction papers
• Lab reports
• Research papers
• Video of speech, skit, debate, oral presentation
• Copy of teacher’s evaluative rubric
• Critical analysis of a piece of writing or art
• Works of art (or photos)
• Computer applications or projects
• Science research projects
• Mathematical or scientific problem solving
• Architectural plans
• Laboratory investigations,
• Vo-Tech projects or videos/photos of them
• Web page development
• Brochures, advertisements, computer generated art
• Multimedia presentation
• Creative writing pieces
• Group projects or presentations

Timeline for portfolio

Freshman, Sophomore, and Junior Year

Students in grade 9, 10, and 11 should put in two quality pieces of work each semester.  At the end of grade 9, each student should have four pieces in their portfolio; at the end of grade 10, each student should have eight pieces in their portfolio; at the end of grade 11, each student should have twelve pieces in their portfolio. At the end of each year each student should have pieces that demonstrate a math skill and a reading or writing skill aligned with the standards.

Career education and work standards will also be met in the portfolio with grade specific pieces that will be discussed at the mentor meetings. They are listed on the individual grade rubrics.

Senior Year

Students should continue to put in two quality pieces of work each semester.  Students will continue to meet with their mentor teachers to prepare for their portfolio evaluations, organizing and choosing their five best pieces.

Additionally, seniors will need to include the following pieces in their portfolio:

• Table of Contents
• Letter of Application
• Resume
• Transcript
• Reflective Essay
• Supporting documents (i.e. Honor roll certificates, awards, honors, competitions, letters of reference etc.)

Students will present their portfolio to a panel of teachers.  Presentations are scheduled at the end of first semester and at the end of second semester. 

Parents are encouraged and invited to participate in their son/daughter’s presentation.

Students must satisfactorily complete the portfolio presentation.

Portfolio Evaluation

Each student will be evaluated at the end of each semester.  Grades are determined using the grade specific rubrics. These grades do affect the students’ GPA and class rank.