Ask Dr. BKW - How to create teacher portfolio?

A NC pre-k licensed teacher asked for information on how to create a teacher portfolio ensuring all of the required documentation was prepared when the evaluator came for the summative conference.  This information is based on NC birth through kindergarten (BK) license and will differ depending on your state licensing requirements that you will have to align accordingly.  Below is the outline of teacher portfolio content that will be placed in a notebook or complied electronically via approval of your evaluator.  However, this will be based upon placing documents in a notebook.

1.      Purchase a notebook, section dividers and sheet protectors are optional,

2.      Label the sections (a) teacher license, (b) Standard 1, (c) Standard 2, (d) Standard 3, ( e) Standard 4, (f) Standard 5, (g) Annual Professional Development Log, (h) Reflective Journal and (i) Mentor Log, if applicable,

3.      Place required documents behind the labeled sections such as copy of teacher license under Section A, 

4.      Remember when you start placing documents under the Standards make sure every element has at least one (1) artifact.  For example, Standard 1 “Teachers demonstrate leadership” – Element B “teachers demonstrate leadership in the school” your documentations can be copy of professional learning community meeting agenda, summarized information discussed in your teacher reflective journal (dated), copy of school improvement plan presented to administrators, outline of school improvement plan to be implemented with target dates and so forth.  NOTE:  Always review the Standards requirement prior to placing in teacher portfolio and all documents being collected are dated,

5.      Record all trainings attended and/or presented on the Annual Professional Development Log then place certificate copies below the  log,

6.      Write reflections in teacher reflective journal the minimum number of times per week, and

7.      Record multiple means of communication with mentor, if assisted one.

As you continue to create your teacher portfolio, hopefully the list above has given a clearer vision on the sections and information required.  Remember, if in doubt always talk with your evaluator prior to the summative conference.  It is always great to display works being done with students, families, colleagues, and community stakeholders at-large.

Ask Dr. BKW: How to provide evidence of data driven instruction throughout the classroom?

A teacher is having a difficult time providing evidence from the initial assessment tool(s) used at the children’s entry date how data is taken to plan individual and/or small group activities according to domain skill level(s).  Here are some helpful tips that will assist in the process to show and plan cultural developmentally age appropriate activities to monitor children’s growth.

1.       After completing the required assessment tool(s) chart the domain skills that the child needs to work on throughout the school year (mid- term and long-term goals).  NOTE:  create an individualized goal sheet to record progress;

2.       When writing the lesson plan review the class list with co-teacher to determine which day(s) specifically will be given to children to work on specific skills from their individualized goal sheet.  Record the children’s code (e.g., initials, symbols) with specific activities to work it.  It is suggested to have related study them activities for them, if possible;

3.       As the children are engaging in specific skills record observational notes that will be transferred to their individualized goal sheet determining whether mastered or modifications need to be put in place.  Remember, engage parents in the conversation of activities they can do at home with progression notes and/or conversation.  It is a team effect to provide the best quality education; and,

4.       Place in children’s portfolio the individualized goal sheet with artifacts showing date(s) and dictation, if possible. 

Following these steps and make modifications to them for your classroom to ensure that assessment tool(s) data is being used to drive your planning of culturally developmentally age appropriate activities and you have documentation.  As you use the assessment tool(s) data it will enhance the planning skill levels to show progression or review levels of activities planned.  If you have helpful tips, please share because knowledge is powerful.