Portfolios

I think portfolios are great to have in every classroom. However, I have to agree that many times teachers make the mistake of picking out what goes in a students' portfolio. The students should definately be able to have the most say as to what goes into their individual portfolios. That way its a way for students to assess themselves at the same time and also allow students to be proud of their work. Portfolios are also a good way to track the progress that students make in a particular subject. For example, at the end of the year students can look back at their portfolios and see how much their writing and spelling has improved. They are also good to be periodically sent home so that the parents know what their children have been doing in school and what they chose for their portfolio. Teachers who keep portfolios for their students have to be organized and keep up with putting things in it, otherwise it becomes more of a hassle then a helpful tool!