I'm a strong believer in the portfolio system (a way to collect, monitor, and store student work products). These "artifacts" are invaluable for demonstrating growth in every student, from day one. Unfortunately, since our school doesn't have a uniform policy, students can bring in anything from a spiral (or composition) notebook, to a binder, to a simple folder. In the past, I've purchased two-pocket folders, but they aren't durable enough to last the entire year. A sturdy 3 ring binder would.
I believe that organization is at the foundation of almost every endeavor, beginning with education. It is a vital skill that I try to teach my students every year. It goes beyond history, beyond test-taking strategies, and beyond graduation. We, in the DOE, like to talk about "life-long learning;" organization is just one of the ways I'm trying to make that happen for my students.
So, my goal this year is to start every student with the same resources, and it all begins with the binder. If I know every student will have one, I can make photocopies (w/ punched holes) to hand out. I can get (or require) loose-leaf paper for essay writing- turning it in to grade then returning it, etc. I plan on having students decorate two computer sheets however they like (personalized) for the front and back insert of the binder. This will allow me to reuse them the following year. I will be keeping them in my classroom, in crates organized by class period. Students will have access to them, as will I, my admin team, and parents.
My hope is have a student work product that will demonstrate growth, change over time, progress made by students. The front of the binder will contain student SMART goals, as
About my class
I'm a strong believer in the portfolio system (a way to collect, monitor, and store student work products). These "artifacts" are invaluable for demonstrating growth in every student, from day one. Unfortunately, since our school doesn't have a uniform policy, students can bring in anything from a spiral (or composition) notebook, to a binder, to a simple folder. In the past, I've purchased two-pocket folders, but they aren't durable enough to last the entire year. A sturdy 3 ring binder would.
I believe that organization is at the foundation of almost every endeavor, beginning with education. It is a vital skill that I try to teach my students every year. It goes beyond history, beyond test-taking strategies, and beyond graduation. We, in the DOE, like to talk about "life-long learning;" organization is just one of the ways I'm trying to make that happen for my students.
So, my goal this year is to start every student with the same resources, and it all begins with the binder. If I know every student will have one, I can make photocopies (w/ punched holes) to hand out. I can get (or require) loose-leaf paper for essay writing- turning it in to grade then returning it, etc. I plan on having students decorate two computer sheets however they like (personalized) for the front and back insert of the binder. This will allow me to reuse them the following year. I will be keeping them in my classroom, in crates organized by class period. Students will have access to them, as will I, my admin team, and parents.
My hope is have a student work product that will demonstrate growth, change over time, progress made by students. The front of the binder will contain student SMART goals, as
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