According to English Department Chair Mr. Timothy Gallagher,
“Portfolios are repositories for student writing collected every semester by
English teachers.”
Each teacher, regardless of subject area, assigns a portfolio-worthy
paper every quarter. The papers need to be a minimum of 250 words, typed, in
formal Messmer formatting, and the student must have received a C or better on it. The portfolio counts for 10% of the English final semester
grade. 100% is 5 papers, 80% for 4 papers, and so on.
Teachers and staff will constantly remind students to turn
in papers with an attached Honesty Contract assuring that it is original work. These contracts are signed by the student as well as the teacher, who adds the paper's grade and submits it for the portfolio.
When students reach their senior year, they will receive
their papers back and should be able to see how their writing improved over four years. When out of school,
students will decide on what they will do with their papers.
In English
classes, students appreciate the portfolios which gives
them a chance to improve their writing as well as their grades in English. With
this in mind, the first semester portfolio deadline is January 11th.
--Contributed by junior Michaun Cobb
