Formatting

It is permissible to single space, using 12-point Times New Roman, on the Contextual Information Sheet, the top of the Letter of Verification, and a response written directly on a Cover Sheet. All other materials including your Written Commentaries, Reflective Summary, and all other portfolio materials must be double spaced in 12-point Times New Roman

Quoted material should simply be referenced in parenthesis in the text. Footnotes are not required.

Although graphics incorporated into the Written Commentary are not prohibited, candidates should keep in mind that the page allowance set by the developers of this assessment was intended for text, not graphics. In other words, the assessment developers designated a page allowance for the Written Commentary that would allow for a complete and concise discussion of the sections within this component. It is important to also note how performances are scored—the weight of an entry lies principally in the analysis of the Written Commentary and, secondly, to artifacts, video recording, or photographs.

These are suggested page lengths provided as a guide for you to use as you prepare the commentary. If you find that you are able to complete a section using fewer pages than suggested, you can use the remaining page count from that section to complete another section of the commentary. Keep in mind that your commentary must not exceed the maximum total page allowances established. (Pages in excess of the maximum will not be scored.) However, you are not required to submit the maximum number of pages in order for your portfolio entries to be scored.

You may select to number in this way, but you are not required to do so. Some candidates find it easier to number each of the entry components separately. Some candidates choose to use one set of sequential numbers. Just remember not to exceed the page allowances for each component.

Your Written Commentaries must be typed; however, instructional materials may be submitted in the same form as they are presented in your classroom.

The questions in the Written Commentary section of the portfolio entry instructions should be responded to, but do not type the questions themselves as part of your actual response for the entry. Use the bolded section titles for your headings, and then type your answers to the questions for that section. It is not necessary to begin a new page for each bolded section. When the questions for one section have been completed, begin the next section.

Since these pages do not count toward the page allowance for the entry, they should not be numbered.

An entry that is written in a font that is smaller than 12 point is not generally disqualified. If the size of the font is smaller, the decision is made to score an equivalent amount of the original text translated into a 12-point font. This usually means that a few pages will not be scored. If a Written Commentary is typed in a compressed font, a similar solution is found. An entry with text in both a compressed and an undersized font may be disqualified.

Documentation may be submitted in the same manner in which it was received, provided it is clear and legible.

No. You must use double space formatting as instructed in the portfolio instructions. There is a process in place at the scoring site to ensure format specifications have been followed. Therefore, if a candidate has submitted a written commentary using the 24 pt line spacing instead of double spacing, it will affect the amount of evidence that is scored and may adversely affect a candidate's score.