How should a student's learning be measured and assessed? Standardized tests identify the most knowledgeable child, whereas student portfolios can identify the knowledge level of each individual child. In The Power of Portfolios, Elizabeth A. Hebert offers a practical and imaginative approach for using portfolios with elementary level students and shows how the portfolio process can serve as a powerful motivational tool by encouraging students to assess their own work, set goals, and take responsibility for future learning. Throughout the book Hebert relates stories that illuminate the lessons learned -- by the students, teachers, and principal -- from a school that has used portfolios for more than a decade. Rather than prescribing what the portfolio should contain and how it should be assessed, she offers practical guidance, including classroom exercises, for making the portfolio experience a success for the students, the teachers, and the school as a whole.

About the Author
ELIZABETH A. HEBERT is the principal of Crow Island School in Winnetka, Illinois. She has lectured and written extensively on the topics of student portfolios, school architecture, inclusion of special needs children in the classroom, and school leadership.

Reviews
"Hebert writes from experience." (Teacher, 2/1/02)

"...grounded in theory and experience...recommended at all levels."(Choice, 9/02)

"Overall The Power of Portfolios is an excellent book." (Arts andActivities, 9/02)"Provides vivid examples of the ways in which children can becomethe curators of their own work, thus not only advancing their ownlearning but helping teachers and parents understand better whatthey have learned. It's a fine contribution and one that I highlyrecommend." (Elliot W. Eisner, Lee Jacks Professor of Education andProfessor of Art, Stanford University)

"At last, a book about portfolios that goes beyond thebuzzwords. Drawing on fifteen years of `hands-on' experience, BethHebert vividly conveys the educational dividends of a genuineportfolio culture." (Howard Gardner, Hobbs Professor of Cognitionand Education, Harvard Graduate School of Education)

"A practical and inspiring look at how portfolios can help usunderstand and assess a child's learning. Perfect for use as afaculty book study." (Thomas J. Sergiovanni, Lillian RadfordProfessor of Education, Trinity University, San Antonio, Texas)

"This book is a comprehensive guide to creating an ongoingportfolio from kindergarten to fifth grade. An additional bonus,that can be found in the book, is what can be accomplished when astaff works together for a common goal." (Lucy Biles, mediaspecialist, Gaston County Schools)



Book Information
ISBN 9780787958718
Author Elizabeth A. Hebert
Format Paperback
Page Count 176
Imprint Jossey-Bass Inc.,U.S.
Publisher John Wiley & Sons Inc
Weight(grams) 252g
Dimensions(mm) 229mm * 155mm * 12mm