The state of Minnesota attempted to utlize student portfolieos as part of the profiles of lerning assessment program. This was intended to allowe students to demonstrate attainment of learning standards and expectations through alterntaive means. The program lasted for only a few years because it was too complex, was poorly guided, and utilized by students who only wanted to get out of taking a standardized test. The state has since returned to standardized testing. Portfolios are now only allowed for students in Special Education. I taught in an alternative education program during the time when the Profile in Learning was still law. Students who were very hands on learners tended to utlize the portfolio approach. Traditional academic coursework which learns more heavily on reading, knowldge retention, writing, and communication were not well suited for these learners. Examining portolio outcomes did give me, as an instructor, a better understanding of the student's learning difficulties. For instance, it was easier for me as the instructor to determine the student's reading and language proficiency based on thier use of language. This then became the basis for determining if the student required futher services.
