Portfolios Playing Increasing Role in Teacher Hiring, Study Finds

Portfolios are becoming an important ingredient in the teacher-hiring process, according to a study by researchers at the University of Iowa.

Most of the more than 1,000 personnel administrators and superintendents who responded to the researchers' national survey said they don't require portfolios from applicants. But, the respondents said, more school officials are requesting them, finding that they provide important insight into a teacher's individual talents and beliefs about education.

"One of the main messages to job seekers in education is that portfolio items are extremely valuable," said Rebecca Anthony, a coordinator of teacher placement at the University of Iowa and one of the two authors of the new study, "Selecting...