Creating the Reading/Writing Portfolio: A Guide
*****After August, 2008, the Portfolio must be created using LIVETEXT. ******
In the Reading/Writing Portfolio, you will demonstrate your mastery of the Kentucky
Experienced Teacher Standards, the International Reading Association Standards for
Reading Professionals, and the MSU Dispositions.
The Portfolio will have eleven sections, as described in the following chart:
Section 1: KETS 1: Demonstrates Professional Leadership.
 One artifact and reflection addressing IRA 5.2- 5.4
Section 2: KETS 2: Demonstrates Knowledge of Content
 One artifact and reflection addressing IRA 1.1 -1.2
 One artifact and reflection addressing IRA 1.3-1.4
Section 3: KETS 3: Designs/Plans Instruction
 One artifact and reflection addressing IRA 2.2
 One artifact and reflection addressing IRA 2.3
Section 4: KETS 4: Creates/Maintains Learning Climate
 One artifact and reflection addressing IRA 4.1-4.4
Section 5: KETS 5: Implements/Manages Instruction
 One artifact and reflection addressing IRA 2.1
Section 6: KETS 6: Assesses Communicates Learning Results
 One artifact and reflection addressing IRA 3.1-3.4
Section 7: KETS 7: Reflects/Evaluates Teaching/Learning
 One artifact and reflection
Section 8: KETS 8: Collaborates with Colleagues/Parents/Others
 One artifact and reflection addressing IRA 5.1
Section 9: KETS 9: Engages in Professional Development
 One artifact and reflection addressing IRA 5.2
Section 10: KETS 10: Demonstrates implementation of technology
 One artifact and reflection addressing IRA 2.2
Section 11: MSU Dispositions
 Reflection on how the candidate meets the MSU dispositions
To begin, then, you need to study the Kentucky Experienced Teacher Standards, the IRA
Standards for Reading Professionals, and the MSU Candidate Dispositions (available on
the Graduate Programs in Reading/Writing website at
http://coekate.murraystate.edu/graduate/reading/ ).
IRA Standards for Reading Professionals
As you reading the IRA standards, you will notice there is a general statement of the
Standards under the “Element” column. In the other columns are more detailed
descriptions of what this standard should look like for Paraprofessionals (teacher’s aides),
Classroom Teacher candidates, and Reading Specialist/Literacy Coach candidates. Your
portfolio should contain artifacts and reflections that demonstrate your mastery at the
Classroom Teacher AND Reading Specialist level, which includes elements at all the
other levels. So when you are writing your reflections, many of them should show that
you have mastered the Standard at the Reading Specialist level, while some may address
how you have mastered the standard at the Classroom Teacher level.
Artifacts
What are artifacts? They are documents that show that you have mastered the standards.
They might be lesson plans, unit plans, papers, projects, photo essays, or other types of
documents. They can be assignments from your classes, materials from your teaching, or
documents created specifically for the portfolio.
Reflections
What are reflections? In your reflections, you must tell HOW your artifact demonstrates
your mastery of the Kentucky Experienced Teacher Standard AND the IRA Standard (or
MSU Disposition). Tell whether you are meeting the IRA Standard at the Classroom
Teacher level or the Reading Specialist level, and use specific language from the IRA
standards, written in bold, italic font. For example, you might write: “This artifact
demonstrates my mastery of IRA Standard 1.4 at the Reading Specialist level because it
shows how I have determined if students are appropriately integrating the components
in fluent reading.”
Reflection on the MSU Dispositions
Give specific examples from your teaching that show each of the dispositions.
Checkpoints
You should add artifacts throughout your program, particularly while you are enrolled in
your REA classes. Your REA professors will provide you with information about the
portfolio and suggestions for artifacts during class. You should periodically meet with
your adviser to review your progress.
Evaluation of the Portfolio
Portfolios must be turned in by March 15 for Spring graduates, July 15 for Summer
graduates and October 15 for December graduation. This allows time for at least two
members of the REA faculty to review the portfolio, and gives you time to make
revisions as needed.
Appendices
Kentucky Experience Teacher Standards
Standard 1: Demonstrates Professional Leadership
Standard 2: Demonstrates Knowledge of Content
Standard 3: Designs/Plans Instruction
Standard 4: Creates/Maintains Learning Climate
Standard 5: Implements/Manages Instruction
Standard 6: Assesses and Communicates Learning Results
Standard 7: Reflects/Evaluates Teaching/Learning
Standard 8: Collaborates with Colleagues/Parents/Others
Standard 9: Engages in Professional Development
Standard 10: Demonstrates Implementation of Technology
MSU Candidate Dispositions
Coursework in the programs are designed to help each candidate develop dispositions
that will enable them to become an educator who is:
Tolerant - Considers new ideas, alternative possibilities, different perspectives, and
people representing a variety of differences without prejudice or bigotry.
Responsible - Considers consequences and makes decisions in a rational and thoughtful
manner or the welfare of other; acts with integrity to pursue an objective with
thoroughness and consistency.
Enthusiastic - Shows eager and passionate interest; focuses on tasks that relate to beliefs.
Caring - Demonstrates devotion, compassion, and regard for the welfare of others.
Confident - Exhibits certainty about possessing the ability, judgment, and internet
resources needed to succeed as a teacher.
Ethical - Conforms to accepted professional standards of conduct by making decisions
based on knowledge of moral principles and inner convictions.