Intended for new and experienced teachers in grades K-8, this book takes readers through a process of thinking about how to put portfolios into action. The book models a process for making decisions about the type of portfolio, what to place in it, how to structure the interactions with it, and how to use it to evaluate student progress and report to others. It also emphasizes using portfolios rather than simply collecting student work. Chapters in the book and authors are (1) "Why Portfolios? Assessment Principles and a Portfolio Definition" (Sheila W. Valencia); (2) "Designing a Portfolio System" (Sheila W. Valencia); (3) "Managing Portfolios: Moving from Collections to Portfolios" (Robin Carnahan); (4) "Collecting and Understanding Reading Performance" (Sue Bradley); (5)"Collecting and Understanding Writing Performance" (Lynn Beebe); (6) "Engaging Students in Self-Reflection and Self-Evaluation" (Sheila W. Valencia and Sue Bradley); (7) "Examining Growth over Time" (Nancy Place and Marla English); (8) "Engaging Teachers in Self-Reflection and Self-Evaluation" (Sheila W. Valencia); (9) "Communicating: Teachers, Families, and Students Together" (Phyllis Richardson); and (10) "Grading Practices and Portfolio Evaluation" (Sheila W. Valencia). (RS)