Re-do: Making Assessment Real & Meaningful...Beyond Standardized Testing!

What a perfect day to write a blog...cold and wet outside as I sit here with my "Great Eye-dea" hat on, ready to share some of my thoughts with you! (I will tell you about the "Great Eye-dea" hat in a future blog.)

Assessment should be real,  meaningful and used to drive curriculum and a child's learning.

There are many ways to assess children. One of the best is to watch and to listen. One of my favorites is the use of a portfolio which includes samples of work over a period of time, reflections, writings, and, for older children and adults, values, goals and beliefs.

As a parent I loved keeping the work of my children. Looking back is amazing and fun.

As a teacher of Kindergarten, the children created a portfolio at the beginning of the year. This can be done at home or at school. You will need...

• 2 pieces of 11 X 17 construction paper. (Michael's carries Martha Stewart paper that can be cut to that size.)
• Laminator (Kinkos of school)
• Yarn (18 inches)
• Masking tape.
• Crayons, markers, or some coloring material.

                The Process...

1. The child will create a design for the front of the portfolio.
2. The child will sign the cover. (You might date it.)
3. Laminate the two sheets of paper.
4. Punch holes around 3 sides of the papers about 1 1/2 " to 2" apart.
5. Bind the end of the yarn with masking tape so it will be easy to sew. Put a knot in the other end.
6. The child will sew from the bottom up then down the next hole until they have created their portfolio envelope.

Older children can create a portfolio using a three ring binder and page covers. They can cover the notebook with fabric or design a cover using cardstock.

What goes inside?

Blue for all ages,

Brown for older children and adults.

• Best work...why do you like it?
• Worst work ...what would you like to do better?
• Drawings and art work.
• Photograph pages...self, famiy, pets, friends, trips, etc.
• Values, goals, beliefs.
• Journal reflections.
• Be sure to date each "artifact" put into the portfolio.
• Ideas of your own!

What fun it is for the child, parent, teacher, to revisit the portfolio throughout the year. It can be an important tool to use in a partent/teacher/child conference, and can help determine the child's strengths and needs.

It is never too late to create a portfolio of your own...make it a reflection of who you are and who you hope to become.

              What are your experiences with using portfolios?

Ignore the first posting...This is what it means to be a "life long learner." Learning to be a blogger!

Next week: Creating fond childhood memories...another story.

JD