An Assessment of the Perceived Value of Teacher Portfolios in the Early Years Enhancement (EYE) Program by Primary and Secondary Teachers in Utah's Schools

• Main Author: Denison, Teresa J.
• Format: Others
• Published: DigitalCommons@USU 2008
• Subjects: Early Years Enhancement Progam; Education Reform; Portfolio; Teacher Licensing; Educational Administration and Supervision; Teacher Education and Professional Development
• Online Access: https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/etd/175; https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1175&context=etd

The purpose of this study was to examine the use of the teacher portfolio as an evaluation of professional development in Utah's new teacher licensing--the Early Year's Enhancement (EYE) program. This study explored teacher perceptions of the value of the portfolio. Results of the study identified the perceived value of teacher portfolios related to: (a) accuracy as an evaluation tool, (b) usefulness with respect to teacher professional growth, (c) feasibility with regard to teacher time, and (d) appropriateness related to the effect of portfolios on teaching practices. It also identified the relationship of the teacher's perceived value and the required district portfolio format, teaching assignment, age of teacher, number of years teaching, district employed by, district training in portfolio development, and district use of the portfolio. Using a mixed method survey design, data were collected from the new teachers who had completed the EYE evaluation in the 40 school districts of Utah during the 4 years since its implementation. Teacher surveys developed by Tucker, Stronge, and Gareis were adapted, delivered electronically, and utilized to provide both quantitative and qualitative data. Telephone interviews with the district EYE contact provided additional information for the study. The results of the study indicated that new teachers perceived the EYE portfolio as minimally effective as an accurate, useful, feasible, and appropriate tool for measuring professional development. A relationship was found in the teacher's assignment, age, district, portfolio training level, and the district's use of the portfolio and their perception of value. Teachers identified self-reflection as an important advantage and the time requirement as a critical disadvantage of the portfolio process.