The Inherent Tensions in the Multiple Uses of Portfolios in Teacher Education.

Educators of teachers have two essential ethical and legal responsibilities. One is to support the development of the teachers with whom they work. The other is fundamentally one of accountability and plays itself out in policy arrangements between the state and Jon Snyder is director of teacher education institutions (e.g., credential and teacher education and accreditation). These two responsibilities of any Ann Lippincott is teacher education program contain an inherent ten bilingual coordinator, sion: How to provide supportive opportunities for both with the Graduate learning while simultaneously being accountable to School of Education at the standards set forth by the licensing agencies? the University of The tension between support and accountability California, Santa in teacher education is manifested in the increasing Barbara; Doug Bower is use of teacher portfolios as an assessment tool. On an elementary school the one hand, portfolios can serve the function of teacher in the Montecito supporting the growth and development of teachers. Union Elementary In this regard, they become a reflective tool provid School District, Santa ing student teachers with opportunities to engage in Barbara, California. rigorous inquiry about their professional practice.