I have been delving into portfolios for over two decades. The story goes that I started with multimedia projects in my 6th and 8th grade classrooms and noticed that after students completed their projects, I wanted a place where students could store and reflect on the creative experience. For my masters project I created an open source portfolio system using Mahara and invited all my students to join. Then I moved to the district level. 

As a teacher on special assignment (TSA) at the district level, I led a small group of teachers in what I called the Culturally Responsive Multimedia Portfolio, an online course for teachers to learn how to build portfolios for themselves and their students.  It met about six times a year and the challenge was to have these teachers create portfolios of their practice and in turn have their students do the same. Each session we would build on our tech knowledge by learning how to use a tool like Adobe Express, Soundtrap, Google Sites among others.   

This past year I was given a team to help explore portfolio pedagogy more fully. Together we built several tools that teachers could use in their practice. From lesson plans, to slide decks to student handouts these resources were meant to be used as a plug and play curriculum. Teachers of course are the most creative professionals, so they could take these tools and adapt and implement them into their daily routine. 

As a TSA I was given 18 schools to help support with their technology needs. A few invited me in to walk their teachers through the process. There were some beautiful results at several elementary schools which in turn serve as a model for the district. 

I think the most satisfying thing for me was leading the small team in the development of resources and then in turn using the resources we created to lead a team of teachers through the process. 

Explore the resources and see some examples on the page we created. Thanks for your attention.