Standards-Based Digital Portfolios: A Component of Authentic Assessment for Preservice Teachers

Abstract This article discusses the development of digital portfolios as a component of authentic assessment for preservice teachers in the teacher education program at a university. Grant money funded a pilot program that facilitated the development of performance outcomes based on NCATE standards for the teacher candidate, revealed implementation issues, directed the construction of scoring rubrics for the portfolio and guided the next step of the program, which is web-based portfolios. The advantages of digital portfolios are also examined and the overall process of electronic portfolio development.