A framework is suggested for presenting a student portfolio in a coherent fashion. The Cognitive Model for Assessing Portfolios (CMAP) is an organizer that arranges the processes associated with portfolios into the following three dimensions: (1) the stakeholder dimension, which identifies the viewpoints of individuals or groups with an interest in the portfolio; (2) the activity dimension, which describes the actual process involved in building a purposeful, interrelated collection of student work; and (3) the historical dimension, which is sensitive to changes over time. The CMAP interrelates the processes of assembling a portfolio, but gives little guidance about the specific contents. Stakeholders must make these decisions in accordance with the stated rationale and issues to be examined. The activity dimension of the CMAP contains an evaluation component that requires stakeholders to examine the portfolio and make judgments about its contents. Portfolios illustrate educational outcomes in relation to conditions that affect learning. Using the CMAP model, teachers, students, and others can enhance the process of developing the portfolio. Three figures are included. (SLD)