Meghan Wagner

Portfolio Plan
1. Overview
The World History class will develop a writing portfolio containing a document
based question, a traditional research essay and a work of historical
fiction. A DBQ requires students to read and analyze historical records and
then assimilate and synthesize information from several documents in order to
answer a specific question. The traditional essay leads students to research a
particular topic and formulate a response. The historical fiction piece allows the
students to interact with the time period and channel their creativity into a
historically accurate piece of writing. This demonstrates that the students are able
to engage in the discipline in multiple ways. They will also reflect on the pieces they
produce. Evidence is to be gathered over the course of our nine week semester, each
class lasting the length of fifty minutes every weekday.

2.Standards Addressed

Range of Writing:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.10
Write routinely over extended time frames (time for research, reflection, and revision)
and shorter time frames (a single sitting or a day or two) for a range of tasks, purposes,
and audiences.

Production and Distribution of Writing:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.4
Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are

Meghan Wagner

appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. (Grade-specific expectations for writing types
are defined in standards 1-3 above.)

2. Purpose
This portfolio assesses a social studies students ability to compose a variety of
different historical writing pieces and as thus is considered to be an achievement
portfolio. Teacher and students will met regularly on an individual basis to
progress monitor the completion and provide feedback on the portfolio. This will
provide students with multiple opportunities to apply and practice skills as well as
receive and apply feedback on the writing pieces which are designed to assess the
understanding of the course content.

3. Relationship of Content to Purpose

Content:

An introduction that explains the reasons for selecting the pieces of historical
writing
Three independently constructed writing pieces that meet all major
course objectives
A reflection that analyzes each body of work and reflects on how it met the
assignment expectations

As the purpose is to verify student achievement of course expectations, the portfolio was
selected to provide enough evidence to show the student has a solid understanding of
the content of the class. These pieces represent multiple practices that have received
feedback along the way. Students use the feedback given to them to enhance their work.
The writing pieces show their level of achievement related to objectives of the course.

3. Criteria

Meghan Wagner

The following should be demonstrated throughout each piece of the portfolio.

i.

ii.

iii.

Abundant evidence of an extensive understanding of historical concepts of the

course with authentic and nuanced writing
Multidimensional and correct analysis and
incorporation of documents and historical evidence
If sources are required, the paper accurately uses and correctly documents
credible source material to add insight, sophistication, and complexity to the
papers ideas.

The following should be demonstrated in the reflection.

i.

Response demonstrates an in-depth reflection on, and personalization of the writing

pieces

ii.

Viewpoints and interpretations are insightful and well supported.

iii.

Clear, detailed examples are provided, as applicable.

5. Connections of Criteria to Purpose

The purpose of the portfolio is to demonstrate achievement in historical writing
by providing proficient pieces of evidence that are historically accurate. The
criterion includes everything that is crucial when assessing a students achievement
of the portfolio and overall success in the course. The emphasis will be placed on the
writing pieces as these represent the course content and have the capacity to show
the understanding and skills necessary. The reflection demonstrates the process
students took and the justification of how they met the criteria.