Mr. Ruiz and 6th Grade Teachers,

As you are aware our mission statement reads: “Inspiring tomorrow's innovators today in a service-oriented community that promotes communication, critical thinking, and creativity in a collaborative learning environment.” As the newest magnet program in the district we have accumulated an impressive list of accomplishments in our first 3 years, but I believe we can do even better to rise with our mission statement in developing the 4 Cs within our students’ everyday experiences. In establishing ourselves as a standout program we must push our students to reflect on and take ownership of their learning journey. Our program offers the unique opportunity for students to progress from 6th through 12th grade, building on their design and technology skills throughout their experience, but I don’t believe we have created an environment that encourages students to reflect on their growth and make meaningful connections throughout this journey. This is great news because we are in the perfect position to revolutionize our students’ learning experience, making it more personal and meaningful while they develop communication, critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration skills!

We know that most of our students understand how the school system works and many of them are hardwired to chase grades, but often in doing so miss important connections and the joy of real learning. For many of our students, grades are a defining moment, but provide no meaningful feedback or insight into their strengths and weaknesses. Our students should enjoy learning rather than merely endure it. I think we can make this happen by putting some of the control back in their hands. Every course students take builds on previous knowledge and students don’t always realize or make those connections. We have the opportunity to teach our students how to make these connections which will empower them throughout their educational journey and well into life.

I am proposing to implement eportfolios with our incoming 6th grade class in which:

• Students will learn to build an eportfolio in their required technology courses, using either Google Sites, Weebly, or WordPress, all of which are free platforms and offer multiple privacy options
• Students will display projects created in their technology courses
• Students will reflect on their learning and make connections within and across content areas as they progress through the year and between grade levels
• Students will use their eportfolios in student-led parent conferences
• Students will continuously build and develop their eportfolio throughout their middle and high school experience and maintain ownership beyond graduation

Introducing eportfolios with our 6th graders who are just beginning their journey with the Design and Technology Academy provides the perfect opportunity for them to take ownership of their learning experience from the get-go. With two technology classes that introduce them to design, our students have built-in time to learn the basics of eportfolios. All classes can introduce the use of eportfolios during the first week of school when we are establishing procedures and routines, with teachers building in time weekly for reflection and connections. Daily advisory time can also be used by students to work on their eportfolios. Advisory time also provides time for teachers to meet with students and discuss their eportfolio, reflect on learning, connections, struggles, and goals.

Our program also values a strong family-school relationship and e-portfolios invite families to create an authentic partnership between students, teachers, and parents to further empower students in their learning experience. Having access to student learning, connections, and reflections from anywhere at any time allows families to continue conversations at home while inviting more meaningful, relevant, and specific parent-teacher interactions. Digital portfolios allow families and schools to team up to better support student growth and success. Yet another way for us to stand apart and set the standard for family-school partnership and community.

We are poised to become a highly desirable destination program. To do so we must continuously seek ways to make our program stand out from all other options available. Creating an environment that allows students to truly grow and develop in the 4Cs by giving them choice and voice through reflection and ownership is a valuable step in moving our program forward. An eportfolio that follows students from 6th grade through graduation will be a powerful tool and resource as they make connections within and across content while developing their design and technological prowess. Shifting ownership to our students will prepare them for higher order thinking while building soft skills desired by 21st century employers, with visible, authentic documentation of their journey displayed in their e-portfolio.

Sincerely,

Karen Vallente