What kind of assessment involves collecting a student's work over time to demonstrate growth and proficiency?

Portfolio assessment is a form of evaluation that involves the systematic collection of a student's work and achievements across a specific period. This method focuses on the process of learning rather than just the final product, allowing educators and stakeholders to observe a student's progress, development of skills, and mastery of content over time.

The primary advantage of portfolio assessment is that it provides a comprehensive view of a student's capabilities and growth. It can include various forms of work, such as essays, projects, artwork, and other assignments, which collectively showcase the learner's academic journey. This holistic approach not only highlights proficiency in specific content areas but also encourages reflection, self-evaluation, and critical thinking on the part of the student.

In contrast, standardized assessments are typically one-time tests that measure student performance against a uniform set of standards, which may not provide insight into individual growth over time. Summative assessments occur at the end of an instructional period to evaluate overall learning, offering a snapshot rather than a developmental trajectory. Behavioral assessments focus on specific actions or behaviors of students, often used in understanding developmental or psychological aspects, rather than their overall academic abilities.

Thus, portfolio assessment is uniquely suited for demonstrating growth and proficiency as it captures a breadth of student work and reflects their learning process over time.