Portfolios

The Portfolio Process asks students to reflect deeply on their learning and growth. Students at all grades are expected to work on a portfolio of work providing evidence demonstrating their growth in the 5 Compass Learning Realms of Knowledge, Thinking and Reasoning, Communication, Personal Development, and Community Involvement. At grades 8, 10, and 12, students share these portfolios at an exhibition roundtable as part of a gateway or graduation process.

Portfolio items are evaluated for quality that reflects five major criteria: a viewpoint that encompasses wide knowledge and deep understanding; an ability to draw connections among information and ideas; appropriate use of evidence; an engaging voice and strong sense of self-awareness; and attention to quality. When students have completed the portfolio, they have learned to inquire, critique, analyze, present, and defend their ideas. They have also learned to manage long-range tasks that require intention, planning, perseverance, initiative, reflection, and revision. In short, they are ready for the world outside of school.