Pre-K through 5th
“What was once educationally significant, but difficult to measure, has been replaced by what is insignificant and easy to measure. So now we test how well we have taught what we do not value.”
–Dr. Arthur L. Costa, emeritus professor,
California State University, Sacramento
When you think about it, our lives from now into forever will rely on fewer rote operations, predigested scripts, linear procedures, brute strength, past experience and things memorized. Even now, just living through one day requires problem-solving, collaboration, creativity, persistence, skepticism, empathy, metacognition, precision, curiosity, humor and a finely honed ability to communicate with others. If you’ve spent much time on this web site, it won’t surprise you that we think a portfolio is a darn good place to show what students can do, and a good place to show what we – and they – and intelligent folks anywhere – value.
The sample student profile included in the Grady Profile Demo contains a number of examples of artifacts by Pre-K–5 students. For a more extensive example, be sure to download the Primary Level (Grades K - 5) sample profile as well.
The easiest place to start using an electronic portfolio in a K-5 classroom is with sound exhibits to record speaking and reading. The computer is already equipped with everything you need, a microphone and speakers. Most young students love to hear their own voices coming out of the computer. For them, it’s magical and alluring and they want to read more and speak more.
The reading exhibit presents text on screen. You can follow along when you play it back.
The reading sample also has a graphic feature and it’s a great way to get students talking extemporaneously, especially if they are telling about a picture from home.
