We use a form of student self-assessment in Ohio through the standards-based Ohio Portfolio System.  Each student has two folders:  one is an administrative folder containing sensitive, personal data including standardized tests;  the other is a student folder containing student work that demonstrates progress toward the student's goals.  Assessment is focused on evaluating how the student has progressed by comparing early work with later work to see changes over time.  Material included in this folder is chosen by the student using specific criteria and reviewed by the instructor. 
 
In a quick summary, the process begins with creating student work following the initial diagnostic testing.  Instructors rely upon the standards and diagnostic results to build the criteria for student work.  During a student conference, a checklist, rubric, or other form of scoring guide is given to the student to help the student assess his/her progress so that the material isn't just a collection of assignments.  The student reflects upon his/her work with guiding questions such as, "What does this work show about what I've learned and can do?" and "I will put this in my portfolio because it shows that I can..." The student then judges his/her work to determine what he/she needs to learn next to move closer to meeting the goal set during orientation.  During regularly scheduled conferences, the instructor also judges student work to determine what work should be assigned to extend the student's learning or how instruction should be changed to help the student meet the established goal.   
 
We've found this portfolio process to be enormously beneficial as it provides a structured opportunity for students to reflect upon their learning, their strengths and weaknesses and what adaptations are needed to help remove barriers.  Students are now more aware of why they are learning and how to apply knowledge to their lives, rather than just focusing upon "what do I need to know to get my GED?"
 
 
 
Joyce Winters
Professional Development Specialist
NWRC/Owens Community College
PO Box 10,000
Toledo, Ohio 43699
567-661-7675
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