Students are to choose three pieces of work that represent their progress on a standard. Obviously, you can require as many or as few representative pieces of work as you wish. The number you select should probably be close to half of the benchmarks listed if you wish to use this portfolio as an audit document. Students need to know while they are selecting which work to highlight that they may go back and revise any work that needs revision. This allows them to show mastery over a concept that challenged them initially.

Next, the student composes a cover letter that answers the questions given on the assignment sheet. (Click this link for a copy ready handout.) This cover sheet is read for content, not language or writing skills unless the student is told otherwise. The cover letter allows the student to articulate his/her math knowledge and to become aware of how his/her newly gained math knowledge fits in with previously mastered skills. The cover letter letter also helps the student become aware of how he/she learns and to therefore gain more control over his/her own learning.