EPortfolios and Learning Objectives

As school districts around the country are implementing new teacher evaluation systems, teachers are not only faced with new criteria for themselves but also for their students.  We are now responsible for student achievement through the use of tracking systems and can no longer only rely on test and quiz scores as proof of learning.  Teachers now have to provide Student Learning Objectives (or Student Growth Objectives in New Jersey) and evidence of student achievement through the use of portfolios. At times music teachers are responsible for anywhere from 80 to 200 students (depending on the year and ensemble), and can be overwhelmed with the thought of so many video and audio recordings, concert programs, and performance assessments that need to be collected to meet the new objectives set by the state.  Why put all of the collecting on the teachers when the students can be proactive in their own portfolio building like in a visual art or English class?  With the help of various platforms like GoogleSites and Evernote, students can build their own portfolios by uploading documents, video and audio recordings, and photographs into a file that can be set to either private or public viewing.  Most blogging sites can also serve the same purpose and can be used for free.  Taking some of the portfolio building off of the teachers' shoulders and placing the responsibility with the student will ensure that the teacher has a new way for ongoing, regurlar assessments, the student takes ownership of his or her progress and presentation, and the SLO's are kept track of throughout the school year.

4 Ways to Make Digitial Portofolios