"What if students instead came to each course or classroom with a digital backpack of data about their learning levels, preferences, motivations, and personal accomplishments?
How would this improve each teacher's ability to tailor learning to meet the needs of individual students?
What if parents and students could easily access their child's records to share the information with afterschool providers?
How would all of the personalization this affords add up to deeper learning and improved college and career readiness?"
The experience of using portfolios in the past may lead to some push back from veteran educators. Reframing ePortfolios as tools to help them might be a good way to begin a process of an indiscernible evolution rather than attempting to implement sudden change. ~jf
"What do teachers wish they knew about new students?
In what environment do they learn best?
Are they meeting the standards in key areas like math, reading and writing?
What goals have they identified for themselves?
What level of support do they have at home?
Do they participate in any community programs or organizations?
Do they do best when working alone or with peers?
What are their outside interests that I can use to motivate learning?
Is there anything in their learning history that I should flag for follow-up or special attention?
What did other teachers note about their strengths and challenges?"