The Total Talent Portfolio (TTP) is a pedagogical component of the School-wide Enrichment Model (SEM) that allows teachers to focus on student strengths rather than deficits. Information about a student’s talents, learning styles, interests, expression styles, etc. is collected using various assessment tools. This information is compiled into a folder specially designed for each student, and is used to make decisions about learning opportunities for the student.
The Total Talent Portfolio includes an interest inventory, which allows assessment and documentation of student interests so teachers and students can make important instructional and learning decisions. Examples of such interests might be fine arts, literature, history, musical composition, photography, technology, physical or life sciences, politics, etc. There are two ways for a teacher to think about student interests. The first method allows a teacher to get to know students and bring the classroom to them. Through the sharing of personal interests, the second method allows the teacher to create new potential interests in his or her students.
Another component of the Total Talent Portfolio is a learning style inventory. This inventory is a method of assessing and documenting a student’s learning styles (according to Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences) so that teachers and the student can use the information to make instructional and learning decisions.
The TTP may also contain sample student work added throughout the school year, either by the teacher or the student. The work samples demonstrate new learning and development in the student’s academic progress.
