What is a portfolio?

A portfolio is an electronic, Web-based compilation of your best performance-based assessments completed within the School Library and Instructional Leadership program. The portfolio demonstrates your ability to apply skills and knowledge in the rapidly growing field of information management and learning technologies. The Master's Portfolio is the capstone of your School Library Program. Your portfolio presents an opportunity for you to showcase your accomplishments to professionals and prospective employers. Required elements include:

A main page
A reflection statement/letter of philosophy about learning, instruction, and technology
A résumé and contact information
Projects, project excerpts, and reports you created during your program that demonstrate your mastery of professional competencies and values
A presentation to a professional audience
Summary/reflection accompanying each project

The portfolio is reviewed by School Library faculty during the semester in which you intend to graduate. The portfolio serves as the comprehensive exam for your Master's degree.

To graduate, you must receive a "pass" judgment on your portfolio:

You must have completed all required performance-based assessments (PBAs)
All portfolio elements above must be present
Electronic or Website designs must meet professional standards

What is the reflection statement/letter?

The reflection statement/letter allows you to clearly articulate your professional goals and describe how your portfolio products relate to them. The letter discusses what you have learned and how this learning has enhanced your ability to reach your professional goals.

Why do I need to include a résumé?

A current résumé lets you take advantage of unexpected hiring opportunities, or to successfully negotiate a salary increase with your current employer.

How many products/projects do I include in the portfolio?

Your portfolio must include at least four products/projects. However, it is advisable to include five to seven to ensure that you demonstrate all of the School Library Competencies, as well as to provide a broader selection to show employers.

How do I present my products/projects in my portfolio?

For each portfolio project, you will provide:

An Introduction. A 2-4 paragraph introduction to the project that:

Briefly summarizes your project and its key outcomes;
Contains your reflection upon and appraisal of the project
Describes how this product/project demonstrates each competency to which you are connecting it.

Project Report. Submit a report appropriate to the project.
Materials. For ID projects, submit instructor and student materials. You may optionally submit materials for other projects as appropriate.

What is the matrix?

The matrix is an optional portfolio feature. In many ways, it serves as an advance organizer, clearly showing which portfolio products meet each competency.

Submitting your Portfolio

You must submit a professional portfolio during the final term of your program. Check with your advisor about specific deadlines during your graduating term. Web-based portfolios are published on the Web; with future electronic portfolios to be published in Live Text.

What do I do if I receive a "no pass"?

A "pass" is given if all requirements are met. If your portfolio lacks an item, a faculty member will contact you as soon as possible. If it is possible, you can change the portfolio immediately and have it reviewed again for a passing grade. However, if the necessary changes are time-consuming, you will be unable to graduate until they are finished and the portfolio undergoes another review. You have one calendar year to submit a revised portfolio that meets all of the requirements.

Do I have to take a comprehensive exam?

No, the portfolio replaces the comprehensive exam. You will receive a 'pass' or 'no-pass', and possibly an honors designation. You will be formally notified of your portfolio results after the end of the semester. If notice of your graduation affects your employment status, you may ask your advisor to write a letter indicating your successful completion of all program requirements.

Will I have help completing my portfolio?

During one of your final semesters, one of the SL 6999 course activities will be to create your School Library Leadership portfolio. At the end of this course, your faculty and peers will review your portfolio and suggest improvements before it is submitted for formal review.