Establish Communication SystemDescription
It is important that all members of the school community receive regular and comprehensive information about the graduation portfolio system. Special communications for classroom teachers, student support personnel, students, parents, school and district administrators, and community members will be the responsibility of the graduation portfolio coordinator or the planning committee.
Things to Consider
Early and ongoing communication with all stakeholders will strengthen support for implementing a graduation portfolio system. In addition to printed materials (flyers, brochures, letters etc.), a school's website should be used to post any and all materials relevant to the graduation portfolio system.
Tools
Digital Portfolio Handbook
Ponaganset High School developed this handbook to communicate information about their graduation portfolios. This graduation portfolio handbook is offered as a sample. Please note that this handbook is in draft form and was developed specifically for Ponaganset's graduation portfolio system; other schools should modify it to meet the needs of their own systems.
It is important to review several models when developing a school handbook for the graduation portfolio. Make sure that the information is clear, correct, and appropriate for the intended audience.
Presentation to Parents
Coventry High School developed this PowerPoint presentation to communicate information about their graduation requirements to students, parents, and others in the school community. This PowerPoint may be used with the understanding that it was developed for Coventry's graduation system and will need to be revised to fit the requirements of your school. It is a good example of one type of communication process used to inform members of the school community about a district/school's diploma system.
