Academic Portfolio Workshop

Academic PortfolioWorkshopThe why, what, and how.Andrea BrewerCollege & Career CounselorFayetteville High SchoolStory.?1Academic Portfolio Workshop

Play Game after second picture2Workshop ObjectivesWhy should I create an academic portfolio?What is it exactly?So, show me howResources and Evaluation time.

By the end of this workshop, these question should be answered3Why should I create an academic portfolio?

Academic PortfolioEach time you hear a chime, we are moving on to the next objective. Please stop me if you are unclear about anything we previously covered- Ill be glad to review4Academic PortfolioWhy?Many academics believe that creating a portfolio benefits the students intellectual growth.

Portfolios encourage reflection on ones work and develop critical thinking abilitiesHacker, Robert (Business strategist, financial consultant, author, and college professor.)The scholarly reasons to why 5Academic PortfolioWhy?Ease the application processScholarshipsAdmissionsInternshipsSelective programs

The more practical reasons whySelective programs such as Governors school, Boys and Girls State, Leadership academics

When the materials are needed, you and your students will know where they are and will be able to focus on the application instead of hunting for a missing form or information.

6Academic PortfolioWhy?An academic and career portfolio is one tool that can help set our students apart!!EmployersTechnical schoolsFour-year collegesAcademic portfolios are constructed by students hoping to differentiate themselves from others.(Kisner, Jamie 2012)Employers: examples of products, areas of skill / interest- may require for an evaluation purposeTechnical Schools: some require a portfolio to enter as well as one upon completionFour-year colleges: admissions, scholarships, organizations / Graduate School7

Academic PortfolioWhy?212Sometimes one extra degree can make a big differenceWatch video8What is a portfolio, exactly?Academic PortfolioChime time! Any questions / comments on the Why of an academic portfolio9Academic PortfolioWhat?History of your high school career9th 12th grade-essential7th/8th grade-beneficial

Organized collection of work and emphasizes your knowledge, strengths, and individuality. 10Academic PortfolioWhat?A documented collection of a students progress, significant accomplishment and achievementsSelective, not exhaustive

This is your academic highlight reel.11Academic PortfolioWhat?Can include (in no particular order, that will come later):Newspaper clippingsSchool transcripts / Extracurricular ActivitiesResumesCommunity Service workAwards, honors, and recognitionsLetters of referenceWork samplesCertificates of completion School records At the end of each semester, save your report card, including your current and cumulative grade point average (GPA).

Health recordsMost colleges will have immunization requirements you must meet for admission. Save records of your vaccinations in your academic portfolio.

Standardized test resultsAdd your PSAT, ACT, and/or SAT results as you receive them.

Honors, certificates, and awardsDocument any special recognition you receive: honor roll, athletic achievements, citizenship awards, etc. These kinds of honors show your unique attributes.

Records of part-time and summer jobs, internships, and community service workRecords of your work and volunteerism prove that you can balance school with other things. Dont forget to document your supervisors contact information.

Records of extracurricular activitiesDocument your involvement in sports, music, drama, religious activities, hobbiesanything that you enjoy outside of your classes. Include information needed to contact your coordinator or coach and list any leadership roles you held.

Writing samples and class projectsWhen you complete an assignment that turns out especially well, make sure to include it.

Newspaper clippingsIf you appear in your local newspaper, for example for an athletic event or performance, be sure to save a clipping.

Update your academic portfolio on a regular basis, as you gather more information. The more complete it is, the more useful it will be! 12

Academic PortfolioWhat?Do Not Include Social Security Number/CardBirth CertificateFinancial Institution Information

Memorize you Social Security NumberOnly provide the other info. once you are accepted/hired13So, show me howAcademic PortfolioChime time.questions / comments on the what14Academic PortfolioHow?Collection ANDElectronicThis is not an OR situation, its an AND!!!15Academic PortfolioHow?An electronic version is your memorys best friend!!Continuously updatedReadily availableCopy and Paste

Save, Save, SaveOn your computerHard copyFlash-drive

Show flash drive example16Academic PortfolioHow?Make a list of your involvement in thingsThen write about them: Accomplishments Write about what you have achieved: Future PlansWrite about your goals and ambitions.Your CharacterWrite about who you are and how those traits make you a good candidate for.?

1. Athletics Music Art Drama Hobbies Clubs Advanced classes Volunteer and community service work Why you are involved in each activity What you have learned from your involvement

2. Awards you have received (honor roll, citizenship awards) Leadership positions in extracurricular activities (captain of the basketball team, editor of the yearbook) Special recognition (student of the month, a promotion at your part-time job) Look at each of these areas and write about what challenges you faced and what you learned.

3.What you plan to study in college What degree you would like to earn What career field you plan to enter Where you see yourself in 10 years Look at each of these goals and write about why each of those goals is important to you, what characteristics you have that will make you successful at reaching those goals, and if anyone in your life helped encourage you.

4.Read through your personal assessment so far. What quality about you hasnt yet been captured? Your loyalty, honesty, responsibility? Write about who you are and how those traits make you a good candidate for scholarships or a good addition to a college campus. 17Academic PortfolioHow?Keep your electronic portfolio updated with all of your latest accomplishments so that it remains a useful tool as you complete applications throughout high school. 18Academic PortfolioHow?An Academic Portfolio CollectionTried and True

Begin well in advance of your senior year! Update regularly

There are any number of ways to create a collection (binders, folders) However the one I am presenting seems to be the tried and true methodBefore we begin with the specifics, I must encourage you to begin your portfolio early19Academic PortfolioHow?Shopping List3 ring binger-hard cover(appropriate)PaperPlastic sheet protectorsIndex tabsYellow highlighter

Three-ring binder, hard coverUse the size that is appropriate for the materials in the portfolio. (Don't use a 3" binder when a 1" binder will do.) Color: blue, black, gray, burgundy, etc. It needs to look professional. PaperUse good quality white paper. It should be used consistently throughout the portfolio. Use the same paper for mounting materials on and as backing for two-sided documents. Pink, scented paper only works in movies ( prized for who can name the movie the character sent in her application in on pink, scented paper) Plastic sheet protectors

Index TabsThe tabs must extend past the portfolio contents. Protector sheets with tabs pre-made on the side with paper inserts are acceptable.

Yellow highlighterNot only will items highlighted in yellow draw attention, they will also photocopy without leaving a black mark. Other colors will leave a dark mark when photocopied.

20Academic PortfolioHow?Suggested order: (T) = tabTitle Page (do not tab this page)(T) Student Information Sheet(T) Military Affiliation(may not apply to all)(T) Personal Essay(T) Academic Information(T) Activities and Awards(T) Recommendations(T) School / Program Acceptances(T) Other Information (Optional)(T) Appreciation StatementPlease note this is a suggested order

Title Page (Do not tab this page.) Include your name, the name of your school, year of graduation, and your picture. Recommended picture size is 2" x 3".

Student Information Sheet (Tab) (sample enclosed) Be sure to read the certification statement at the bottom of the form, sign it, and have your parent(s)/guardian(s) sign it.

Military Affiliation (Tab): If you parent/guardian is affiliated with a branch of the Military and you have a military ID card, copy photo side only of your ID and include it in this section. Make the copy as clear as possible and center it on the page.

Personal Essay (Tab) (1.5 to 2 pages, double-spaced) The personal essay may include a variety of topics. Examples include information about your family, where you have lived, your accomplishments, your future plans for your post-secondary education, why you chose your major, a role model, person or event that inspired you, your career goals, where you hope to live, and plans for financing your postsecondary education. Essay writing tips are available in your high school career resource center.

Academic Information (Tab)Include a copy of your transcript (unofficial and updated), the latest GPA highlighted with a yellow marker. After your transcript, include "Current Classes and Test Scores" sheet. This must be followed by SAT and/or ACT, official score report(s). Work Keys certificates as well as AP scores may be included. Please only include PLAN or PSAT scores if that is the highest level of test you have taken.

Academic Information (Tab)Include a copy of your transcript (unofficial and updated), the latest GPA highlighted with a yellow marker. After your transcript, include "Current Classes and Test Scores" sheet. This must be followed by SAT and/or ACT, official score report(s). Work Keys certificates as well as AP scores may be included. Please only include PLAN or PSAT scores if that is the highest level of test you have taken. Activities and Awards (Tab) (samples enclosed)Include, in this order, the enclosed "School Activities," "Community Activities," "Work Experience," and "Recognition and Awards" sheets. In addition, in this section it is important that you include documentation or proof of activities, work experience, and awards (certificates, programs, newspaper articles, verification of employment, congratulatory letters, pictures of trophies or ribbons, etc.). Recommendations (Tab) List the names and positions of the people who have written you letters. Include three letters (two from school staff members and one from a person outside of school), but no more than four. A "Request for Letter of Recommendation" worksheet is enclosed.It is best to use adults who know you well. You should include teachers and high school staff members, employers, and community leaders and family friends. Give each person adequate time to write your letter (at least 2-3 weeks) and remember to show your appreciation with a thank you note. School Acceptances (Tab)When you first submit your portfolio, list the school to which you are applying. This acts as a placeholder. Later, as acceptance letters arrive, include them in your portfolio behind the school list. Other Information (Optional) (Tab)Use this section to demonstrate anything that is significant in your life, yet did not fit into any previous sections. Do not use it to make your folder "thicker." Many students do not include an "Other Information" section at all because their materials were all mentioned and documented previously in the portfolio. Your resume may be included in this section. Appreciation Statement (Tab)This is a short statement showing appreciation to those who took the time to review your portfolio. Be sure to sign the statement using black ink.

21Academic PortfolioHow?TipsHave at lease 3 people proofread all material that you include in the portfolio!When you receive a scholarship, award, or any other recognition, remember to send a thank you note!When you receive a scholarship , award, acceptance, or any other recognition please tell your counselor!!Update oftenBe a Duracell.going and going and going

Academic PortfolioResources and Evaluation Time

ResourcesPersonal Essayhttp://www.education.com/magazine/article/Drafting_the_Personal_Statement/

Resumehttp://www.education.com/reference/article/35-resume-mistakes-avoid/?page=2

Request for recommendationhttp://smysp.stanford.edu/family/request_letter_rec.html

Variety of topicswww.collegeboard.comwww.fcsboe.org/collegeandcareers Evaluation Time..By completing the evaluation you will help to improve this workshop and guide the direction of future programs.Each completed evaluation receives a ticket for the door prizes.THANK YOU!!25