Licensing for educational administrators

The licensure program e-Folio serves as a portfolio for program reviews and, in addition, contains detailed instructions to create similar pages using e-Folio.

Portfolio development - Creating the portfolio

1. Compile examples for the behaviors specifically identified in each of the competencies. An expandable file is helpful to serve as a collection and sorting tool.
2. Complete the reflection sheet [.doc] describing, analyzing and assessing the leadership represented by each example or cluster of like examples.
3. Analyze all the examples gathered in step one considering the connection between the task and the competencies described on the reflection sheets in step two. Determine which competency areas, for the license desired, are missing, underdeveloped or simply not represented in your portfolio examples. Create a plan for compiling a complete portfolio based on the "holes" identified as a result of this process.
4. Assemble the portfolio.

1. Create your e-Folio Minnesota site [.pdf]

   Helpful tips in developing your e-portfolio

   Entering information into your e-Folio
   Make sure that you are in the site administration view of your e-Folio. Next, select the "Content Tools" section in the top left corner of your screen. Identify the section that you want to update. Then, select this section and select the "Edit" button. You can copy and paste information from a word processor document and paste it into your e-Folio. Finally, select the "Finish" and "Save" buttons to save your revisions.

   Uploading documents into your e-Folio
   Make sure that you are in the site administration view of your e-Folio. Next, select the "Content Tools" section in the top left corner of your screen. Identify the section that you want to update. Then, select this section and select the "Edit" button. Under the "Section Intro" box select "Document".

   Utilizing the Help features built into e-Folio (www.efoliomn.com)
   - Take a tour (interactive tour of the e-Folio process)
   - Call 1-877-348-0502 or submit an e-mail request
   - View the help index from the site administrator view
    

2. Portfolio content
   1. Select the "best" of the examples collected for each competency.
   2. The reflection sheet must accompany each exhibit including field experiences as well as related coursework and continuing education.
   3. In the first section of the portfolio include:
      1. License portfolio and evaluation form (provided)
         1. Table of contents
         2. Resume
         3. A summary of your beliefs and attitudes as an administrator
         4. Transcripts
   4. The main body of the portfolio contains the artifacts and reflection sheet for each.
   5. End your portfolio with your vita.

Length of portfolio: Comprehensive but succinct are the parameters to follow. If the portfolio is too lengthy the reviewer may not read it carefully.

Why include your belief statements and what should be included?
You start by clarifying your beliefs because the reflections for all other experiences included in your portfolio stem from that foundation. It allows you to compare your individual professional beliefs with those of the district to determine if you are a "fit" for that school or district. This is a key to professional satisfaction.

Brown and Irby, The Principal's Portfolio (1997), 15-16, suggest seven components in creating one's leadership framework:

1. Philosophy of education
2. Philosophy of leadership
3. Vision of learners
4. Vision of teachers
5. Vision for the organization
   • Climate
   • Community
   • Collaboration
   • Communication
6. Vision for professional growth
7. Method of vision attainment
   • Decision making
   • Encouragement, initiation, and facilitation of change
   • Support during change

What is the difference between a resume and a vita?
The resume includes one's personal objective (if used in an application for career advancement), certification, education, experiences, and areas of concentration or strength. A vita presents, at length, details of a professional career.

Excellent sources

Brown, Genevieve, & Irby, Beverly J., The Principal Portfolio. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press, Inc., 1997.
E-mail address: order@corwin.sagepub.com

National Policy Board for Educational Administration. Principals for our Changing Schools. Lancaster, PA: Technomic Publishing Company, Inc., 1993.

July 2004