Sophomore Portfolio 2007

Due Date: _____________________________, in either English or history class

Purpose: To create a retrospective of work produced during the sophomore year.

To evaluate progress towards fulfilling the goals of the Graduate Profile.

Step 1 Choose three of the six categories listed on the back of this page. Each of these categories represents a facet of the ISA Graduate Profile. For each category, do the following:

1. Read the corresponding category listed on the ISA Graduate Profile.

2. Collect two pieces of work from different classes for each category.

3. Write an 85-115 word rationale for each piece. In the rationale explain how the piece represents the category in which it has been placed.

4. Respond to the essay prompt in 500-750 words.

Step 2 Review the pieces of work that you have included in your portfolio. You need a total of six. Make sure you have included at least one assignment from your science, math, English, world history, and foreign language classes. Your included artifacts should show your work and teacher assessment. If the assignment is too large, e.g. artwork, for the binder, please include a photograph.

Step 3 Write one essay of 500-750 words addressing the categories you did not choose. How will you grow in these three areas during the next two years? Make specific goals and explain them in detail.

Step 4 Read the first section of the ISA Graduate Profile, titled Academic Preparation. Respond in 500-750 words to the following essay prompt: As you think back over the entire sophomore year, reflect upon yourself as a lifelong learner, including your

· study habits

· inquisitiveness

· organization

· devotion to your studies

· successes and failures

· most and least memorable moments

· lessons you would like to learn or unlearn

How have your experiences this year prepared you for success in the future?

Write what you think and feel, not what you think your teachers want or expect to hear.

Step 5 In this section, include all documentation, e.g. signed certificates or letters, of community service hours completed during your time at ISA.

Step 6 Place your work in a binder, create a memorable cover, and review the following questions:

1. Did you remember to double-space your essays and use 12-pt. TNR font?

2. Are your margins set at one inch?

3. Did you include the word count at the end of each essay and rationale?

4. Did you remember to edit your work and meet the word count specifications?

5. Is your binder well organized?

6. Did you fill out the Portfolio Checklist and put it in the front of the binder?

Category 1: Technological Proficiency

Essay: Describe your ability to integrate technology in your core courses. Demonstrate how you used appropriate technology to solve problems, communicate effectively, and present professionally. Illustrate, using specific example(s), a time when you researched a topic and had to evaluate information sources for bias or validity. How has technology made the world more interconnected and what implications does this interconnection have for global citizens?

Category 2: Problem Solving Proficiency

Essay: Describe a project you completed this year that required you to synthesize material from a variety of academic fields. Discuss the ways in which you integrated disciplines (math and science, for instance, or English and history) by making connections between course content in multiple classes. Describe what you learned in the process of completing your interdisciplinary study (big ideas, interrelatedness of material, unexpected discoveries, interpersonal skills, etc.). Relate how political leaders and/or community activists addressing world problems apply this set of skills.

Category 3: Effective Communication

Essay: Analyze your listening and class participation skills. Consider these questions when writing your essay: Do you listen with an open mind? Are opposing viewpoints of interest to you, or are differences of opinion a source of irritation? Do you tune out when other people are speaking, or do you try to contribute to classroom conversation? In what way has learning an additional language enhanced your ability to be a global citizen? To what extent have you seen growth in your reading and writing skills? To what extent has art been used as a means for communicating your own ideas or for understanding the ideas of others? In writing your essay, include specific examples from one or more sophomore classes. How have your used your communication skills to make your voice heard within a specific community (within school or beyond it)?

Category 4: Personal Wellness

Essay: We have spent our year examining personal identity. When you read the personal wellness section in the graduate profile, describe how your identity has been revealed and shaped by the sophomore year experiences. Use specific examples from this school year. What have you learned about yourself? Describe a new relationship that you have cultivated during sophomore year and how that person has changed your way of thinking about self, school, or social issues.

Category 5: Collaboration and Leadership

Essay: Is there a societal or environmental problem that concerns you? What are you doing about it? What could you do? Describe what you consider to be your responsibility towards the global and local community. Have you fulfilled your responsibility this year? Describe any contributions you have made to the local and/or global community through school trips, clubs, church involvement, etc. Are you proud of these efforts? Describe any lessons you have learned through your work with the local or global community. Have you changed as a result of your experiences? Describe any goals or future plans.

Category 6: Global Awareness

Essay: ISA hopes to create Global Citizens. According to Oxfam (http://www.oxfam.org.uk/coolplanet/ teachers/globciti/whatis.htm ), a Global Citizen is someone who “is aware of the wider world and has a sense of their own role as a world citizen.” What experiences have you had this year that lead to your own growth towards becoming a Global Citizen? Please use language from the graduate profile when completing your essay.