PROGRAM PORTFOLIO PATTERNS OF EVIDENCE

The collected samples of work and accompanying reflective writing provide evidence that candidates are developing as professionals as they move towards successful completion of the teacher education program standards. Work samples should be selected to demonstrate what a candidate has done and how improvement is progressing. This does not require a large number of items but it does require thoughtful selection and reflective writing. Candidates should try to highlight what they have learned from their experiences.

Reflective writing about the samples of work selected for the portfolio provides reviewers with an understanding of the professional growth of the candidate in relation to specific standards. Therefore, each portfolio artifact for a standard includes the following items:

• Statement of the Standard and Selection of Standard Subparts: Teacher candidates should include the statement and select applicable subparts for the chosen standard.
• Identifying Information: Describe the selected sample of work, being sure to indicate the date the original work was created and for what course or field experience.
• Reflection: Provide an explanation of why you selected this work sample for your program portfolio and reflect on the submission. Why does it demonstrate your ability with the specified standard and subparts? Let the reviewer know why it provides evidence of your growth as a teacher. (Recommended word counts: 400-600)
• Attachment of or link to Work Sample: Attach or link to the selected sample of work, which may include multiple files, for example, a lesson plan and accompanying materials.

Examples of the sample of work that might be used to provide evidence for the ten standards of the Standards of Effective Practice are included in Appendix A. In addition, Appendix C provides portfolio reflection templates.