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A student protfolio is a collection of work samples completed during school years. A portfolio may be a folder containing a student's best pieces and the student's evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of the pieces. It may also contain one or more works-in-progress that illustrate the creation of a product, such as an essay, evolving through various stages of conception, drafting, and revision.

A portfolio is perhaps the most effective method of showing what your student has mastered. The portfolio should include results of achievement testing, awards, etc. You do not need special computer programs or other tools to prepare and maintain a portfolio, although a scanner may come in handy and minimize paper.

What might be kept in the portfolio? Well, about anything that you want! But perhaps the most common articles are work samples. Perhaps a completed research paper, a final examination, completed reading log, etc. Also helpful would be anything that shows assessment such as report cards, standardized tests, rubrics, etc.

Paper System

Method 1: Prepare a file folder for each child, each subject, and for each year. As you student completes a peice of work that shows mastery, drop it in the folder. Only select the best and most comprehensive samples. If you use rubrics (a matrix for skills assessments) you can drop the completed ones into the file folder as well.

Method 2: Some parents use notebooks for managing portfolios. Prepare a notebook for each student with dividers for each subject. Add the best samples to the notebook, as above. At the end of the year file the contents away and prepare for the next year.
Computer System

You do not need a special software program to maintain a portfolio, but a scanner is a great tool. Set up a folder for each student: Jane_Gr6. Within that folder, add a folder for each subject. If your student completes a good sample on the computer you can save it in the appropriate folder. If you have a scanner, you can scan workbook pages, or other samples, and save them in the appropriate folder.

If you have a digital camera, you can also add photos to the files -- perhaps showing an accomplishment. In fact, you can use a camera to take "close ups" of work and store the pictures. Just make sure that it is readable.

 

Additional Information:

Homeschool Learning Network: http://www.homeschoollearning.com/units/pdf/hs_portfolio.pdf