Promoting preservice teachers' professional growth through developmental portfolios

Abstract Using portfolios as assessment tools in teacher education programs is no longer in the discussion stage. Portfolios are becoming part of the assessment process. When candidates develop portfolios, they take on active roles that help them assume ownership of their professional growth. Portfolios can inspire reflection on the pre‐student teaching segment of the program and can serve as a bridge between the student and the novice professional. Having candidates construct portfolios before student teaching is emphasized. A rationale for the use of portfolios, descriptions of how portfolios have been used in the authors' teacher education programs, and the ways in which portfolios contribute to helping candidates make the transition from student to student teacher and student teacher to professional teacher are presented