A GUIDE TO PORTFOLIO ASSESSMENT IN
SECONDARY MATHEMATICS CLASSES
By Michael Buzbee
Summer 2004
The purpose of the project was to develop of clear, useful, and helpful teacher
handbook for incorporating portfolios in secondary mathematics classes.
By providing an assortment of classroom ideas, activities, and suggestions that
complement portfolios, the design of the handbook was intended to help minimize the
frustrations that seem to arise when teachers attempt something “new and different.” The
strategies for developing portfolio assessment in the handbook support constructivist
philosophy and curriculum, and are designed to most mathematics education settings.
Activity templates with suggestions are provided throughout the handbook.
Questionnaire data was collected from eight teachers with experience teaching
secondary mathematics. The teachers were asked to rate, and comment on the
helpfulness and clarity of the handbook. Responses to the questionnaire also provided
information as to ways in which the handbook could be improved. The overall response
from teachers was that the handbook was clear and helpful.