WESTERN STUDIES
Portfolio
What does the portfolio look like? There is no single answer because each of your portfolios will reflect your individual growth, skills, and talents. In essence, the portfolio is a purposeful collection of work you have completed this semester that illustrates your academic growth and achievement. There are, however, some common expectations to help you compile and organize your portfolio.
I. Selected Assignments: you will be choosing from the work you have completed in both English and
history this semester to support the following standards.
A. The ability to think critically and reflectively on your overall progress this semester.
1. This will be demonstrated in a word-processed cover letter you write for your portfolio that makes reference to specific work.
2. The cover letter should provide a detailed reflection of your progress during the semester and articulate a new goal for second semester.
B. The ability to understand and use the steps in the writing process (prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing).
1. You will need to compile a collection of evidence to support this standard.
2. Write a word-processed paragraph explaining how this collection of evidence supports your achievement of this standard.
C. Growth in a specific academic area or skill this semester (reading, writing, speaking, or critical thinking).
1. Again, you will need to compile a collection of evidence to support this standard.
2. Write an accompanying word-processed paragraph explaining how the collection of evidence supports your achievement of this standard.
A. Outside reading assignment:
1. Design a visual aid that symbolizes what you’ve read, (poster, scrap book,
brochure, collage, A,B,C, guide, etc). Your visual needs to include the
following information, but is not limited to it.
a. Author
b. Plot Summary which must include:
i. Analysis and brief summaries of main characters
ii. Protagonist
iii. Antagonist
iv. Conflicts - include a direct quote
v. Climax – include a direct quote
vi. Setting – include a direct quote
vii. Theme(s)
B. Extension assignment:
1. Word-processed report on an original “I wonder” question.
2. Proper MLA source/citation. Papers without source information will receive a zero.
A. The packaging for your portfolio is up to you, but all the material should be bound securely together in a binder/folder. It’s appearance should reflect the effort you put into this project.
B. Additionally, it should be neatly organized and divided into distinct sections based on the criteria established above.
A. Completing the portfolio is a required component for your first semester grade in both courses. If you do not complete the portfolio you will not pass English or Western Civilization.
B. The portfolio is worth ______points and will count in both classes.
C. Your peers , parent(s) , and both teachers will evaluate your final portfolio.
D. Your completed portfolio should be ready to share by: , the final will be turned in .