Page 4 - Mini-Module 3

Foreword

What is a portfolio?

It is a document holder full of ‘bits of evidence’ pulled together to ‘prove a
point’.
Consider the following examples.
An artist has a portfolio of his or her art work. The ‘point’ the artist is trying
to prove is, “I am a good artist”. The portfolio would have evidence such as
photographs of their paintings, DVDs of their art installations and
references and testimonials from people who have bought or loved their
art. The artist would also have included some brief statements of
commentary or analysis / reflection on their work – when it was done, what
is important about each piece, perhaps even how it could have been
improved if the Artist had an opportunity to do it again.

Similarly, an actor trying to win a role in a film will have a portfolio to prove
that he or she is the right actor for the part. Their portfolio would contain
evidence such as DVD samples of their work, newspaper cuttings of critics’
comments and reflective pieces that describe what sort of roles they are
best at performing.
The question is: does a beginning principal need a portfolio and what is the
point of having one?
We say the answer is a resounding YES, principals do need a portfolio, and
in this M&M we try to explain why they need a portfolio - for the purpose of
having one.

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