STEPS FOR IMPLEMENTING A PORTFOLIO PROGRAM

1. Start slowly. Instituting portfolio assessment, either for advancement or growth, takes time. Allow one to two years for development, implementation and regulation of a portfolio program.

2. Gain acceptance. It is extremely important that both administrators and teachers accept the use of portfolios. If administrators do not relate the importance and usefulness of portfolios to their teachers, the project will fail. Likewise, if teachers do not value the portfolio approach, then they will not put forth the effort needed to ensure success.

3. Instill ownership. Teachers must be involved, from the beginning, in developing the portfolio program. They must feel ownership over the program's direction and use.

4. Communicate implementation. The teachers need to know, explicitly, how the portfolios will be used reflective essay writing services. If they will be used for advancement, then the expected structure and intended scoring methods need to be explained in detail.

5. Use models. Models of portfolios used by other institutions are readily available (see Seldin and Associates, 1993). These models may easily be adapted and provide examples for teachers developing their portfolio.

6. Be selective. Portfolios should not contain everything a teacher does. A portfolio contains carefully selected items that reflect and substantiate a teacher's expertise and achievements.

7. Be realistic. Portfolios are only one form of authentic assessment. As such, they should be used as a part of the assessment process, in conjunction with other measures.