The Portfolio Group

When we chose to center our presentation on students who, in our estimation, were falling through the cracks, little did I know that the case study of particular students would open up issues that I never imagined existed. Not only did I discover what was happening to students, I also came to know the institutional context within which students could fall out of synch with their peers and the program. Centering on single students allowed me to see phenomena and behaviors that I would not have noticed before. It also caused me to spend more time listening to the students (and their versions of what was happening to them) and to take up a new role, one of advocacy within the system. When hard questions were asked, I think I surprised others by how much knowledge I had of the students and the situations. That would not have been the case if the particular students were not the ones on whom I was focusing attention.

I have also asked Mary R. to do a session on how she takes her complete documentation and hones it into a portfolio. I'm thinking that might be better/more applicable than a second charette. -Tim

Mari G. and she has agreed to facilitate and do the "workshop" session. -Michaelann

Mike W. agreed to participate in the workshop, facilitating a table in the morning, presenting his portfolio in the afternoon and enjoying a marvelous lunch. Joi R.-M. is to get back with me. - Gayle