Portfolio
Portfolio & Portfolio Review
Every semester, student present portfolios of important work in each subject to their advisor and a small group of peers. They compare their portfolios to ones they have prepared in the past. This gives the students and advisors a way of measuring student progress, particularly in writing, and information about how well students understand the work they have done, since they must present it to others. In PD, staff reads and discusses both exemplary and average student portfolios. This gives us an opportunity to evaluate the kind of learning opportunities we are giving students as well as learn ways to assess where a student is and what the next work is with that student. Portfolio grades are noted separately on the transcript.
Why do we have portfolios?
The founders of Brooklyn Prep chose to implement a portfolio system because of their belief that portfolios are an extremely effective means of assessing students’ skills and understanding. For example, portfolios require students to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of a particular subject through inquiry and use of the Habits of Mind. Portfolio projects help students develop the skills that will be required of them for success in college – strong research, writing and oral presentation skills, critical thinking skills, and revision. Portfolios also provide an opportunity for students, teachers and parents to evaluate students’ growth over time and require students to be involved in their own learning.
When do portfolio conferences occur?
The conferences occur twice a year (except for seniors):
1. January: during regents’ week.
2. May: usually the 3rd or 4th week.
Senior portfolio conferences occur only once in June.
What does a portfolio consist of?
Each student will include the following documents typed:
- A table of contents for the portfolio.
- A written reflection in their portfolio, highlighting the learning experience. This reflection is an opportunity for students to discuss their strengths as learners, areas to improve, learning styles, goals they have for their learning, and their understanding of the Habits of Mind.
- Class projects showing the progression of thinking through multiple drafts and revisions. Students compile portfolios at the end of each semester. They present their portfolios orally to a committee made up of their peers and advisor.
