British Columbia - High School portfolio

tweakerxp · July 24, 2005

Sorry it's been so long since I've posted in this thread (and sorry for bumping it again, but I feel that this is a matter that really needs some attention.) I had a sudden thought pop into my brain today that I'm just going to try and rush through the graduation portfolio as quickly as possible. I don't really care how good (or bad, as the case may be) the responses are, or the quality of work, I just want to get it done and over with as quickly as possible.

To tell you the truth, I absolutely believe they should just scrap the program altogether. We, as students have (MUCH) better things to do.

Kathleen · January 24, 2006

First off, I'd liketo apologize, I know this thread is old and I've just registered here. I came across this specific topic while searching for Portfolio information (Our school system is down, a hassle when we're trying to submit our projects!)

The Portfolio project is a two way street. On the one hand I think it is very valuble for us as students who are about to go out into the world to know our skills and already have ideas about what we want to do,how we can do it and what needs to be done to accomplish it! I believe the portfolio IS an important thing and it most certainly helps us BUT...

As for making is a graduation requirement? No, that was a mistake on someones part. We have to get 5/5 on every core aspect, these aspects which take up time and effort to complete (Not to mention the other choice aspects) We (I say this as the student body in my school, I cant speak for others) have been told that if we dont get 5/5 on all the choice aspects, we won't graduate. So instead of spending time studying for provincial exams and putting all our effort into our classes, our time is cut between the portfolios and studying. Now I can't speak for everyone else, but I'd much rather spend all of my time studying formy claseses than trying to work on my portfolio AND study.

Then back to the first hand, I am in grade 11 and we are trying to get the core aspects done THIS year instead of next, but that does leave the choice aspects for next year!

So I personally think, although the portfolio IS agood idea, it could be accomplished in a different way, but it's a new idea and nothing is perfect the first time around. Its just as stressful on us as the teachers. And I did get to take a media and current events course which I absolutely adored just because we needed a "Planning 10" class, you win some,you lose some, thats life.

Shakeyhands · January 24, 2006

I wonder how it all worked out for Fusilli_jerry89? Think he capitulated and completed the work or did he just sdit and work himself into a tither?

Hmmm?

geoffrey · January 27, 2006

Sorry it's been so long since I've posted in this thread (and sorry for bumping it again, but I feel that this is a matter that really needs some attention.) I had a sudden thought pop into my brain today that I'm just going to try and rush through the graduation portfolio as quickly as possible. I don't really care how good (or bad, as the case may be) the responses are, or the quality of work, I just want to get it done and over with as quickly as possible.
To tell you the truth, I absolutely believe they should just scrap the program altogether. We, as students have (MUCH) better things to do.

Heres the deal, and I'm going to be pretty straight-forward with ya.

You have nothing better to do then learn. Do the portfolio as well as you can. As someone that isn't too far out of high school, I regret not putting the effort in that I could have. I was always an honours student, but until university I had never worked as hard as I can. And now I know how rewarding (though somewhat tiring) that is now.

I'd really like to hear what you have better to do than a project that will make you think about careers you have never considered and maybe find some insight into yourself. I wish I had this kind of project so I wasn't stuck between career choices like I am right now (investment banking, economics, law, and somehow being an RCMP officer - towards something in financial/commerical crime). Learning about my choices in advance would have helped me pick one of these already, and not when I'm spending $50/hour in university classes.

Out of curiosity, what do you think you want to do for a career? Are you looking at post-secondary?

Pick your battles wisely, theres no point in going on strike or having a mass incompletion of the project. No one will care, you will not succeed in such an action. Maybe one day later on in your life you'll run for the school board and then you can make that choice.

You earn the ability and authority to make decisions, you don't just strongarm it.

The smallest projects and concerns in one's life is where you find the biggest reflection on someone's character.

ClearWest · February 21, 2006

This is why we need Libertarianism.

These Grad Portfolios are just another example of the gov't thinking they know what's best for us, and then enforcing it upon us.

The intention is good: The gov't is trying to get kids to apply what they've learned and to encourage them to be competitive in the economy with these super resumes known as portfolios.

But the result is not so good: "Mandatory Volunteer Hours" is one of the biggest oxymorons I've ever heard of. I don't believe in a centralized one-size-fits-all public school system anyways. We gave Big Brother the responsibility to educate us, and that's what he's doing. Let's stop asking the government to take care of everything for us!

geoffrey · February 21, 2006

This is why we need Libertarianism.
These Grad Portfolios are just another example of the gov't thinking they know what's best for us, and then enforcing it upon us.

The intention is good: The gov't is trying to get kids to apply what they've learned and to encourage them to be competitive in the economy with these super resumes known as portfolios.

But the result is not so good: "Mandatory Volunteer Hours" is one of the biggest oxymorons I've ever heard of. I don't believe in a centralized one-size-fits-all public school system anyways. We gave Big Brother the responsibility to educate us, and that's what he's doing. Let's stop asking the government to take care of everything for us!

Pay for your own school then.

Do your homework and stop being lazy, thats all this comes down to. It's a valuable experience, you know, how to do work, something 95% of high school grads have no comprehension of.

Hollus · February 21, 2006

This is why we need Libertarianism.
These Grad Portfolios are just another example of the gov't thinking they know what's best for us, and then enforcing it upon us.

The intention is good: The gov't is trying to get kids to apply what they've learned and to encourage them to be competitive in the economy with these super resumes known as portfolios.

But the result is not so good: "Mandatory Volunteer Hours" is one of the biggest oxymorons I've ever heard of. I don't believe in a centralized one-size-fits-all public school system anyways. We gave Big Brother the responsibility to educate us, and that's what he's doing. Let's stop asking the government to take care of everything for us!

I agree, the intention of this program is great and I think teacher and students recognize that. If we worked more on developing this idea, we could really improve our schools. Instead of forcing people through hoops, we should focus on providing the inspiration and encouragement to undertake these actions on they’re own. We should not be holding people back for not improving personal habits(such as job planning, exercise, volunteering) but we should do as much as possible to facilitate them.

ClearWest · February 25, 2006

Pay for your own school then.
Do your homework and stop being lazy, thats all this comes down to. It's a valuable experience, you know, how to do work, something 95% of high school grads have no comprehension of.

You talk about not being lazy, and then you expect other people to pay for you to go to school. You know what makes people lazy--It's when they never have to do anything for themselves--Like pay to go to school. Half the people in my public school didn't want to be there. Who's paying for them to be there and be baby-sat? The taxpayers.

Maybe if they knew that they were responsible for their own futures, then they would try harder in school, and actually want to be there.

geoffrey · February 25, 2006

Pay for your own school then.

Do your homework and stop being lazy, thats all this comes down to. It's a valuable experience, you know, how to do work, something 95% of high school grads have no comprehension of.

You talk about not being lazy, and then you expect other people to pay for you to go to school. You know what makes people lazy--It's when they never have to do anything for themselves--Like pay to go to school. Half the people in my public school don't want to be there. Who's paying for them to be there and be baby-sat? The taxpayers.

Maybe if they knew that they were responsible for their own futures, then they would try harder in school, and actually want to be there.

I don't expect anyone to pay for my school actually. Private schools are way better places of learning, but oh well, another issue for another time.

Half those people that don't want to be there don't have a choice because I don't want them sucking off welfare and my work for the rest of their life. Get your freakin diploma then sit on your ass all day. I can't believe that anyone honestly believes that high school should be a choice.

They are responsible for their own future, and thats what the portfolio program is furthering. But apparently the extra hour of work is beyond comprehension for most high school students. Do your homework please.

ClearWest · February 25, 2006

I don't expect anyone to pay for my school actually. Private schools are way better places of learning, but oh well, another issue for another time.
Half those people that don't want to be there don't have a choice because I don't want them sucking off welfare and my work for the rest of their life. Get your freakin diploma then sit on your ass all day. I can't believe that anyone honestly believes that high school should be a choice.

They are responsible for their own future, and thats what the portfolio program is furthering. But apparently the extra hour of work is beyond comprehension for most high school students. Do your homework please.

I guess the problem originally arose with Welfare--when the gov't decided it should take care of people who don't work. I agree with you! We shouldn't have to pay for someone to sit around all day. However, making school attendance mandatory doesn't solve the problem--ESPECIALLY when they don't want to be there. Because as you said, they'll get their diploma, and then sit around all day "sucking off welfare".

I agree that the portfolio was designed to encourage people to take charge of their own futures. That's wonderful. I hope everyone takes charge and does it and really cares about it. But let's face it--most people don't want to. And forcing them to isn't going to make their attitudes any better.

geoffrey · February 26, 2006

I guess the problem originally arose with Welfare--when the gov't decided it should take care of people who don't work. I agree with you! We shouldn't have to pay for someone to sit around all day. However, making school attendance mandatory doesn't solve the problem--ESPECIALLY when they don't want to be there. Because as you said, they'll get their diploma, and then sit around all day "sucking off welfare".
I agree that the portfolio was designed to encourage people to take charge of their own futures. That's wonderful. I hope everyone takes charge and does it and really cares about it. But let's face it--most people don't want to. And forcing them to isn't going to make their attitudes any better.

So we should just eliminate every school program that students don't want to do? No more mandatory English 30? Social 30? Math 20? If I don't want to do them I shouldn't have to? I don't think so.

A public education system is funded by the public in order to meet public expectations. The general public expects kids to come out of the system well-rounded and ready to enter the workforce. That means while your in it, you've got to follow the rules.

fryingpan · February 26, 2006

Okay I was checking out the program and well...
To fulfill the employability skills section of the Graduation Portfolio Assessment, all students must provide evidence that they have completed any of the following: A Ministry-authorized work experience course, a school-arranged 30 hour work placement, 30 hours of volunteer service, or 30 hours of paid student employment.

No offence but quit your bitching m8t, it sucks and I am a lazy person so I can understand why what you are being given is no fun that being said I am looking at my transcripts right now.....

Based on information provided by the school, this student has satisfied British Columbia credit based graduation requirements with Honours standing, as of june 2004. This student has participated in these programs: career Program career explorations.

If you are wondering "particapated in these programs" amounts to 100 hours of volounteer work expirence...trust me 30 hours will not kill you, yes it sucks but it is not the end of the world.

The only real question I have is how the province plans to implement this. Volunteer hours are not hard to do since there are always places looking for student volunteers, but the other 3 options start to get harder. I'm not sure what the average number of kids in a BC high school is, but finding work placements/paid student employment for all of them could be difficult. Most students would prefer paid employment or relevant work placements, so they would probably go for that option. Telling them no, we can't find one, go do some volunteer hours kind of defeats the purpose of giving them options.

I agree that the portfolio assignment will look good on a resume, but if every single kid has one, the only way you can get ahead is to do more volunteer work/work placements.

The written response part is kind of pointless. If students are forced into this program, it's pretty obvious what the response will be, regardless of what the students actually write. If the student has the hours, that should explain itself.

The idea itself is good, if they can get it to work properly.

ClearWest · February 27, 2006

So we should just eliminate every school program that students don't want to do? No more mandatory English 30? Social 30? Math 20? If I don't want to do them I shouldn't have to? I don't think so.
A public education system is funded by the public in order to meet public expectations. The general public expects kids to come out of the system well-rounded and ready to enter the workforce. That means while your in it, you've got to follow the rules.

I should be clear with you. I'm a Libertarian. I don't believe in publicly funded anything--Whether it serves the "Public Good" or not. There are too many different people with different interests within the country for there to be any single "Public Expectation."

Who is deciding what the 'public expectations' are, anyways? Is it collectively decided? Or is it decided by a majority? Yes, it is decided by a majority--That's democracy for you. Majority rules. And the minorities just have to go along with it. I don't believe in democracy if it means "Majority Rules", because there's always going to be someone who voted against the majority, but they are forced to go along with them anyways.

So, no. No one should have to do anything. No one should have to go to school. No one should have to go to war. No one should have to fund school or war with their taxes. No one should have to pay taxes, period.

A bunch of people want to get together and make a school at no cost to the student? By all means, go ahead. Just don't FORCE me to pay for it. And don't FORCE me to attend.

You can tell that this isn't just about portfolios anymore--It's about a much larger picture. Go to libertarian.ca if you want to learn more about this philosophy.

I don't mean to antagonize you Geoffrey, or to sound bold. I'm just trying to explain my views in a peaceful manner. Thanks for your input in response to my comments.

geoffrey · February 27, 2006

So we should just eliminate every school program that students don't want to do? No more mandatory English 30? Social 30? Math 20? If I don't want to do them I shouldn't have to? I don't think so.

A public education system is funded by the public in order to meet public expectations. The general public expects kids to come out of the system well-rounded and ready to enter the workforce. That means while your in it, you've got to follow the rules.

I should be clear with you. I'm a Libertarian. I don't believe in publicly funded anything--Whether it serves the "Public Good" or not. There are too many different people with different interests within the country for there to be any single "Public Expectation."

Who is deciding what the 'public expectations' are, anyways? Is it collectively decided? Or is it decided by a majority? Yes, it is decided by a majority--That's democracy for you. Majority rules. And the minorities just have to go along with it. I don't believe in democracy if it means "Majority Rules", because there's always going to be someone who voted against the majority, but they are forced to go along with them anyways.

So, no. No one should have to do anything. No one should have to go to school. No one should have to go to war. No one should have to fund school or war with their taxes. No one should have to pay taxes, period.

A bunch of people want to get together and make a school at no cost to the student? By all means, go ahead. Just don't FORCE me to pay for it. And don't FORCE me to attend.

You can tell that this isn't just about portfolios anymore--It's about a much larger picture. Go to libertarian.ca if you want to learn more about this philosophy.

I don't mean to antagonize you Geoffrey, or to sound bold. I'm just trying to explain my views in a peaceful manner. Thanks for your input in response to my comments.

Well I put anarchists in about the same cateogory as communists... extremists that don't really 'get it'.

These are kids that are instead of going to school, doing drugs, killing people, ect. ect... they need to be in class regardless. High school education can't be an option. We already have far too many idiots in society, the last thing we need is more.

I don't believe in democracy either, I think its insulting to us (politically knowledgable people, pretty much everyone on the forum would be an example) to have people that know nothing about the issues decide our future. However, I haven't figured out a better way to do things yet.

A taxless society though? No government at all? No police, no army, no anything? Not my cup of tea. Iraq or Afghanistan are good examples of anarchy if you'd like to go check them out.

I'll check out your website later tonight.

ClearWest · February 28, 2006

Well I put anarchists in about the same cateogory as communists... extremists that don't really 'get it'.
These are kids that are instead of going to school, doing drugs, killing people, ect. ect... they need to be in class regardless. High school education can't be an option. We already have far too many idiots in society, the last thing we need is more.

I don't believe in democracy either, I think its insulting to us (politically knowledgable people, pretty much everyone on the forum would be an example) to have people that know nothing about the issues decide our future. However, I haven't figured out a better way to do things yet.

A taxless society though? No government at all? No police, no army, no anything? Not my cup of tea. Iraq or Afghanistan are good examples of anarchy if you'd like to go check them out.

I'll check out your website later tonight.

Just because people don't have to go to school, doesn't mean they won't. In fact, I think it will be the preferred option for many people. Because those who go to school will really have a competetive edge in the free market. It means more competition, but I think that's a healthy thing. And if worst comes to worst, they can always go to a church or a charity for financial assistance.

Iraq and Afghanistan are in ruins because their countries are at war, not because of their own gov't's policy. They are being occupied by foreign invaders and they don't like it.

Libertarians will still have a government. It will be much smaller and much more focused than the current one. We will still have a national military and a public police force, but they will not be funded through a mandatory public tax. No income taxes, no sales taxes. However, people will voluntarily give pledges to help fund these services. (This is an issue that is in debate among libertarians. Some suggested demanding a flat rate of income tax--But I don't like this idea. The less we can tax people, the better. And I'm hopeful that we can still run services on voluntary donations. Afterall, that's how many non-profit groups work, like the Red Cross.)

I believe in freedom of the individual, so long as he/she doesn't interfere with another individual's freedom. And that's simply how it works. Taxes interfere with other individuals. It is not a voluntary exchange of goods and services. It is a government taking from people. Giving in return, yes, but without the citizen's individual consent.

Riverwind · February 28, 2006

We will still have a national military and a public police force, but they will not be funded through a mandatory public tax. No income taxes, no sales taxes. However, people will voluntarily give pledges to help fund these services.

Seems to be that is a rather niave thing to do. I am pretty sure the biggest 'doners' to the police services would be organized crime. Taxes are the price of civilization and, in moderation, are a good thing.

ClearWest · February 28, 2006

We will still have a national military and a public police force, but they will not be funded through a mandatory public tax. No income taxes, no sales taxes. However, people will voluntarily give pledges to help fund these services.
Seems to be that is a rather niave thing to do. I am pretty sure the biggest 'doners' to the police services would be organized crime. Taxes are the price of civilization and, in moderation, are a good thing.

That's another thing about libertarianism. Organized Crime would be practically at a 0 because we would legalize all 'victimless' crimes. Like drugs, alcohol, and prostitution. The gov't wouldn't try to stop these things, so they wouldn't be such 'underground' industries, and thus would not be linked to organized crime.

Riverwind · February 28, 2006

That's another thing about libertarianism. Organized Crime would be practically at a 0 because we would legalize all 'victimless' crimes. Like drugs, alcohol, and prostitution. The gov't wouldn't try to stop these things, so they wouldn't be such 'underground' industries, and thus would not be linked to organized crime.

Also an awfully niave perspective. If there is no money to made in drugs then the criminals will find some other profitable angle such as extortion, kidknapping or blackmail. Something that would be easy to do in a system that legalized the bribing of police forces.

geoffrey · February 28, 2006

That's another thing about libertarianism. Organized Crime would be practically at a 0 because we would legalize all 'victimless' crimes. Like drugs, alcohol, and prostitution. The gov't wouldn't try to stop these things, so they wouldn't be such 'underground' industries, and thus would not be linked to organized crime.
Also an awfully niave perspective. If there is no money to made in drugs then the criminals will find some other profitable angle such as extortion, kidknapping or blackmail. Something that would be easy to do in a system that legalized the bribing of police forces.

Completely agreed Sparhawk. Legalising criminal elements just pushes criminals into other areas. Drug dealers don't just smile, put on a suit and walk into an office the next day...

I'd hardly say that drugs and prostitution are victimless crimes as well...

Paying for police and military out of voluntary donations? Unbelievable...

You have too much faith in the general population.

ClearWest · March 2, 2006

Completely agreed Sparhawk. Legalising criminal elements just pushes criminals into other areas. Drug dealers don't just smile, put on a suit and walk into an office the next day...
I'd hardly say that drugs and prostitution are victimless crimes as well...

Paying for police and military out of voluntary donations? Unbelievable...

You have too much faith in the general population.

Hi, sorry I didn't respond earlier.

Anyways, in response to your comments: Yes, I do have faith in the general public. I believe that when people are faced with important choices that they will more-times-than-not choose what they think is best.

On the other hand I kind of agree with you that those aren't victemless crimes, persay. But the thing is that they are non-enforcable. I may personally be opposed to all of those things (which I am), but does that give me a right to tell others how to live? As long as they aren't hurting anybody else, or not using force or fraud to get someone else addicted (for example), then it should be none of my business. And none of government's business.

Another thing is this: Aren't we creating criminals by making certain things illegal? I mean, gangsterism boomed in the 1920's during the US prohibition of alcohol. And it's doing the same today during the prohibition of drugs.

Now, of course, I would cringe at the thought of a society on drugs. But I don't think that's going to happen. I'm optimistic that if you leave people alone, everything will work out okay.

mindwiz · August 10, 2006

The battle against the British Columbia Graduation Portfolio is not over yet! Although the government has suspended the portfolio requirements for the 2006-2007 grade 12 students, the portfolio requirement is still mandatory for grade 10, 11 and future grade 12 students. We have to take a stand and keep on fighting until the government dumps this burdensome requirement for students. You can make a difference by signing the online petition and forward this website to your friends, classmates, and family members. We’ll send this petition to the Ministry of Education once we get 1000 (or more) signatures!

Note: A recent petition “Students Against BC Graduation Portfolio,” which too initially aimed at getting 1000 signatures, received more than 10000 signatures. It forced the Ministry to cancel the graduation portfolio requirements for the 2006-2007 grade 12 students. As the saying goes, “Strength in Numbers!”

The full online petition is at: http://www.petitiononline.com/waive/petition.html

geoffrey · August 11, 2006

God help you in the real world.

bradco · September 6, 2006

it might be a good assignment to you, but you don't have to do it. This assignment puts tons of stress on kids, parents, and teachers, and none of us like it. Forced volunteer work sucks as well as many of the other aspects. You have to write on technology for example. Many kids don't know anything about this. It's just the idea that they are forcing this work up on us. The portfolio project isn't even completed yet, and they are already piling it up on us. If some one could just see where I'm coming from here, it's for the teachers as well. Where would Canada be if there were no rebellions? Tell me that.

If you consider this assignment to be too stressful dont pursue a post-secondary education, or a job, or a family I would imagine (have not got that far yet)

Forced volunteer work sucks? So do a lot of other things we have to do...better learn to deal with it now

Many kids don't know about technology so they should not have to write on it? Actually sounds to me they should be writing on it then. Unless I am mistaken that is the goal of education...to learn things you dont know anything about. Highschool should be about giving students a diverse education and opening them up to many fields so they can find what interests them and what does not. Highschools in BC do a poor job of this.

Don't be to shocked that you are having work forced on you because you have a whole life ahead of you where people will be doing that.

Teachers get paid (ok maybe not all that well) to assign and grade these assignments. That is their job so don't worry about trying to get them out of it.

Where would Canada be without rebellions? Curious as to what rebellions in Canadian history you put yours on par with in regards to its impact on the development of our nation...

Have fun with the assignment....It won't be nearly as bad as you think and won't be nearly as bad as ones you get in the future.

Rojo · October 12, 2006

I totally agree with the pro portfolio people in the forum on the issue of the amount of work. It is not that much work at all. The community volunteer work and the exercise is great. It will really benefit kids to get out and do stuff.

However my personal beef with the portfolio program is that it is still a work in progress. The impression that I am getting in my school is that no one knows what they are doing. Even the teachers. No one explains the workload to us students and therefore the majority naturally despises it because they think its a monster project.

And its not just the students who despise it its also the teachers. I have yet to hear one teacher express public support for the program. It seems that the Ministry has failed to educate the teachers on how to do Portfolio properly. For example my Portfolio advisor last year was the most uninspiring teacher in the whole school and my advisor this year is only an advisor because he wants to get more hours to become a full time faculty member. No teacher wants to touch this mess so they throw it to their companions who are not doing much in the first place.

Another problem with Portfolio is that does not promote creativity. I thought that this project would oppurtunity to express yourself. However in fact it is quite strict and requires you to answer tedious reflection questions again and again. It is a whole lot of documentation and not a whole lot of expressing. If only they could make it more openended so people could express themselves more freely.

For example one assignment in portfolio is respond to a work of art, sounds pretty free right. However instead of allowing people to respond to it anyway they want the Portfolio lays down 5 questions that have to be answered in paragraph form. Your typical English comprehension questions: What devices are being used? How does the art make you feel? etc. Now some people may enjoy this way of working because it lays down simple guidelines for you to follow. But if people want to express themselves in other ways (like creating their own work of art in response, writing a small essay, etc.) too bad because you have to follow all the guidlines or else you don't graduate.

Which brings me to my final qualm about portfolio. Nothing short of a miracle will prevent grad failure rates from rising across the province because of grad portfolio. With teachers still confused and students still admantly against it its guaranteed that some will fall through the cracks. Your average student with a 'B' or 'C+' will still finish the portfolio (although only with a token effort). However its the students that are just barely scraping through high school that will fail because of portfolio. These people will be set back because they will fail to notice Portfolio until it is too late.

Now again I'm not fully against portfolio. I believe after a good deal of modifications and reviewing it can be made into an excellent program but in its current form it is useless and is a detriment to the school system. One of the biggest problems with the opposition among us students against this program is that we are not making intelligent arguments (like the ones above). We are virtually saying "portfolio sucks because.....it sucks doing work". We need to do better than that.

Isthar · October 14, 2006

I was listening to the CBC radio on Wednesday, and heard about a new petition against the BC grad portfolio. I think this is the best one, because it unites those who are against and those who are for it. The author of this petition simply asks for a compromise: to let this portfolio be optional. I visited the petition and there are some 5400 signatures. Since this is not against nor for the grad portfolio I think that we, students from BC should all sign it, I already did. I also did some background check and saw the article about this petition in The Province and the reaction of the BC Education Minister on that. Seems to me that she likes the idea.

The petition is at: http://www.petitiononline.com/portgrad/petition.html