What type of documentation can a teacher use to reflect on and develop their skills?

Portfolios serve as a comprehensive tool for teachers to reflect on and enhance their professional skills. They typically include a collection of work that showcases a teacher's accomplishments, teaching strategies, student assessments, and personal reflections on their teaching practices. By reviewing their portfolios, educators can identify areas of strength and areas that require improvement, as well as set goals for their professional development.

This reflective practice is crucial for teachers seeking to evolve in their roles. Portfolios can also demonstrate growth over time and can be used during performance evaluations or job applications to highlight evidence of effective teaching practices and ongoing commitment to development. The tangible nature of portfolios—containing lesson plans, student feedback, and examples of assignments—provides a more dynamic and insightful view of a teacher's professional journey compared to other documentation types.

In contrast, standardized test results primarily show student performance rather than a teacher's development, class schedules focus on logistics rather than reflective practice, and budget reports primarily address financial matters without insight into a teacher’s growth or professional expertise. Thus, portfolios uniquely facilitate personal reflection and growth in teaching skills.