Discusses the theory behind portfolio assessment, and portfolios and student learning. Responds to three questions to address the growing interest in portfolios and the natural skepticism of teachers about them. (SR)

Discusses using portfolios to evaluate and improve teacher performance. (SR)

Outlines the problems faced in the assessment of student achievement. Argues for the use of portfolios in student assessment. Describes the conditions necessary for portfolio assessment. Explores how portfolios can reflect a wide variety of student learning. (HB)

Describes how a teacher of an English-as-a-Second-Language conversation class used portfolios to have students document their progress in learning English via audio- and videotapes. (SR)

Introduces a special section in this journal dealing with reflective classroom culture as a part of the portfolio process. Discusses the social nature of reflection, and the benefits of reflection (self-evaluation) for students and for teachers. (SR)

Discusses insights gained by working with teacher-researcher teams in Pittsburgh Public Schools investigating portfolio reflection. Describes using reflection to create student-teacher dialog, and shows how expanding this dialog makes learning visible. Notes that this mutually satisfying classroom dialog about writing and learning expanded to…

Develops an explanation and a defense of portfolio assessment as a feasible means of assessment in writing classes. Describes some ways of using portfolios and outlines advantages to the portfolio system of grading. (HB)

Describes connections between art forgers and assessment practices of student writing in schools. Ponders how students might be encouraged to work more like masters than forgers. Argues that teaching strategies for reflection brings authenticity and encourages reflection in students about their work. Discusses techniques students can use to…

Discusses (from the point of view of the coordinator of Vermont's statewide, portfolio-based writing assessment) the dangers of assessment, and how it can freeze or frustrate students or teachers. Uses examples from Vermont to argue that vigilance is necessary to ensure the survival of personal voice and style in this era of standards. (SR)

This article explores the learning opportunities that standards-based portfolio assessment offers to promote teacher and faculty learning in teacher education. It discusses the impact on learning from two perspectives: that of teacher candidates and faculty using a paper-and-pencil approach for portfolio development, mentoring, and scoring; and…

In order to supply advice to teacher job seekers, 445 Iowa superintendents were surveyed about their teacher hiring practices and their preferences on such matters as letters of application, resume format, and appearance and behavior of candidates during the job interview. The questionnaire, tabulated results, and narrative responses are included.…

Gives an overview of the New Standards Project's agenda for educational reform. Describes the features of the English language arts portfolio assessment system being field tested. Discusses implications of the system for teachers and other English language arts professionals. (RS)

Counselors should collect personal, familial, and attitudinal information on minority students through individual interviews, to supplement or substitute for achievement data from standardized tests. (SJL)

Discusses a series of year-long writing activities using portfolios in eighth-grade science class. Notes that students received feedback about their performance from multiple sources. Suggests that students found this formative focus productive and valuable, and took a more active role in mastering the course content than if the course had been…

Discusses the design and impact of Kentucky's statewide writing portfolio assessment. Describes how it was designed to influence writing instruction in Kentucky in positive ways. Evaluates its impact, noting progress toward overall goals, struggles with understanding "authentic audience," and the amazing staying power of the…