ORGANIZING A PORTFOLIO

Once the kinds of evidence that will be included in the portfolio are determined, then it is important to think about how this evidence should be organized.

Sheila Valencia, in her article on Portfolio Assessment, suggests that it is helpful to organize the content of the portfolio in two layers.

LAYER ONE would include the actual evidence or "raw data" that the learner and/or instructor have selected to include in the portfolio. This level would include samples of student work. Many of these could be actual classroom assignments and projects as well as student initiated activities and authentic literacy tasks.

It would also include reflective commentaries, as well as any checklists, forms or inventories that the student might include to document his development and progress. Layer one would also include notes, comments and reports by the instructor, and any feedback reports that might have been provided by peers.

LAYER TWO would consist of an organizing system or framework that would help people viewing the portfolio understand and interpret the information.

This organizational system could include:

• a table of contents
• a letter of introduction explaining the organization of the portfolio
• dates on all pieces of evidence
• a short explanation attached to each piece explaining why it is included
• a summary sheet explaining what the portfolio reveals about their strengths and needs and about their development as a reader, writer and learner.