Portfolios

I don't connect portfolios to a specific standard but feel that they are integral to elective education and should be used in all classes for students to demonstrate growth and to create a sense of pride in personal accomplishment.  As a warmup, at the end of the 3rd week in my visual art classes we create physical portfolios.  My students create digital portfolios to accompany that during the 4th week.  I have outlined my process for these two components of my course.

Physical Portfolios

I start this process by sharing a portfolio of my own from college that includes a grade and review by my instructor.  It's an opportunity to talk about growth, explain the purpose of a portfolio in educational settings, and discuss what an "A" artwork looks like. 

Students then make their own portfolios with poster board and tape.  I've tried some other processes to store and maintain student work over the course of a class and this is just the cheapest and most functional.  2 pieces of poster board are required as supplies for my class.  I provide the tape for students.

 

Students store their portfolios in my classroom for the entire course.  At the end of the course the portfolio is 2, 100 point, grades.   One grade, the portfolio must be present and complete.  2nd, students take their portfolios home and parents/guardians must sign a slip stating that they have seen and reviewed the contents with their student.

Digital Portfolios

I use Artsonia as our digital portfolio tool.

 http://www.artsonia.com/

Here's Vineland Middle School's gallery.

http://www.artsonia.com/schools/school.asp?id=97896

It's free, involves parents, and can act as a fundraising tool.  Parents can order merchandise with their student's artwork on it.  I don't push this but usually end up with $75-$200 a year for art supplies.

Keep in mind, the digital portfolio is great artifact. for your evaluation to address contemporary practices and community involvement.