Our PFFS students graduate after having presented and defended a portfolio. This is a significant part of their entire middle school experience and becomes the capstone demonstration of their learning at the end of the 8th grade. Portfolios are presented before individual panels of evaluators that include the student’s advisor, a secondary faculty member, parents and peers. Students complete twelve reflections on different aspects of their school experience; most of them are written, but they can do up to five alternative reflections. Sometimes these alternative reflections are sublime! We have had students express themselves in videos, interpretive dance, games and, my all time favorite, a yoyo presentation. For a complete description of the exhibition process see 8th Grade Portfolio Exhibition.
This year we are sharing our Portfolio process with interested educators. We are offering a one-day workshop on the topic in which participants will have the opportunity to actually sit in on graduation panels and discuss the power of Graduation Exhibitions with others. To register go to Single Day Workshops
Watch a portion of a Portfolio presentation below:
