Setting up a Portfolio

KY law does NOT require home school students to keep portfolios, but some families choose to do so. The following plan describes a way to gather a portfolio that would be meaningful in a home school setting.

1. Criterion:

What is included – best work, projects, field trips, progress, etc.

How often will portfolio be updated.

Who will be responsible – student or parent and student

Will it include summer work or only work done August – May

How will the work be divided – by subject matter (Math, Language Arts, Science, etc or by Unit Studies or a Combination of ways to be divided)

2. Gather Materials:

Notebook – 2-3” ring binder with pockets

Dividers

A hole punch

Labels, rubber cement

Magnetic pages, plastic sleeves for holding photos/small items

Folders/ envelopes to place work in temporarily (we use drawers)

3. Portfolio Day:

Make portfolio day a part of school with little or no additional assignments

Organize school work into categories of divider subjects

Decide what to include and what to pitch

Try to date everything

Have students provide explanations of photos, brochures, and other items which are not self-explanatory

Ask students to evaluate their work in each area (verbally or written); parent also provides their own evaluation

Keep a reading list in portfolio

At the end of the year, include a brief overview of subjects covered – parent or student may do this

Take photos of the large projects/drawings to include in portfolio; action shots are also great!

HINTS:

Start simply and add as you go

The ultimate goal is for students to be responsible for their own portfolios with parents providing summaries and evaluations.

Return to Home Schooling Information Page