ePortfolios as A Performance Tool Action Research Plan

The topic of the action research is to assess student work assignments using electronic portfolios (ePortfolios) in sixth grade English Language Arts (ELA). This is part of a disruptive innovation plan to implement ePortfolios as a norm in K-12 education at Lake Worth Independent School District. Students unfortunately graduate LWISD high school with little or no evidence of their work in their K-12 education. ePortfolios will provide ongoing evidence of their work, as well as allow students to reflect on their progress throughout the years.

Purpose of the Study 

This study is to determine if using an ePortfolio as a performance and assessment tool in ELA classes increases students performance in writing. For

many years, school districts have stopped requiring penmanship in classes

in elementary school. At the same time,

ELA essay grades have declined. The two

main reasons are poor penmanship,

which makes grading difficult and the

second is poor grammar usage, reading

and spelling. Students in my class, have

verbally expressed to me dismay at

writing assignments in my class, often

asking if they can type it instead because they have poor penmanship. This study

will compare ePortfolio submitted essays

compared to pen and paper essays of the

same topic to determine if there is

significant increase in students’

performance in ELA writing skills.

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To continue reading my action research plan, click the link below:

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​https://docs.google.com/document/d/1W7LLr9rt3wwJJGaEt2Vrn4wfmd5pbN8mEE2lk9IpsLw/edit?usp=sharing

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