What is the value in using a portfolio assessment to monitor and evaluate a child's progress? What roles do you think the family can (or may) play in the portfolio assessment process?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

The portfolio assessment meets many of the criteria required in program planning and progress monitoring. It (1) relies on multiple sources such as photographs of children's work, audio-recordings, and observation notes; (2) collects data from different individuals such as teachers, family members, and other professionals; (3) uses naturalistic data such as children engaging in play, work, and interaction environments; and (4) demonstrates skills and abilities at time frames. Families can play an important role in the portfolio process. Student answers will vary but may mention that families can help children create family pictures or other art projects at home that can be used as part of the portfolio. Families are also a natural part of children’s everyday lives, so they are equipped to provide observation notes about children’s natural play, interactions with others, and/or children’s performance of everyday activities such as eating, playing, working, learning, and so on.