Responding to a message by Sheila, to Charles on ...
SK>I was suggesting some way of evaluating a portfolio down to a grade in a
SK>consistent fashion, similar to what is done in scoring the free response
SK>sections of the AP examinations.
I understood - was merely venting on some other pitfalls I envisioned in 
trying to implement a system of portfolios.  Sorry if I appeared dense. 
SK>They do have a Studio Art AP course, in which the students submit
SK>portfolios of their work. I have no idea how this subject area is
SK>scored, but if it is similar to scoring in the other areas, grades are
SK>awarded very consistently.
Well, maybe, but art is subjective - I wonder.  Even with our statewide 
Regents exams here in New York (about 40% of the math tests are open 
ended and partial credit is awarded), there is often disagreement over 
how to score a particular answer.  I don't think we're *ever* going to 
eliminate *all* subjectivity.
SK>An additional barrier I see to achieving consistency in scoring
SK>portfolios across an entire state, is that the instructors will not all
SK>give similar assignments, they will not all have samples of the same
SK>type of work in their students portfolios. Unless, beforehand, the state
SK>gives some sort of detailed outline as to what type of work should be
SK>represented in the portfolio.
Your point is well-taken.
SK>At the workshop I attended in July for the Geometer's Sketchpad software
SK>from Key Curriculum Press, one of the presentors did give some very
SK>detailed suggestions on how she implemented and graded portfolios.
SK>Perhaps, in a couple of months when I have some time I might type up
SK>something about how she suggested using portfolios in a math class.
I'm interested.
Chuck Beams
Fidonet - 1:2608/70
cbeams@future.dreamscape.com
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* UniQWK #5290* A cynic is only a frustrated optimist.
--- Maximus 2.01wb
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