This guide explores the multitude of purposes and types of student portfolios as well as practical ideas for implementing them in classrooms. Following an introductory chapter discussing a rationale for portfolio use and the concept of authentic assessment, the first chapter of the guide explores the different purposes portfolios may serve and lists relevant portfolio characteristics. The remaining chapters present nine steps to portfolio development. Each chapter provides lesson options, examples, and suggestions for encouraging creative and critical thinking. Chapter 1, "Project Purposes", helps teachers to determine the uses of portfolios. Chapter 2, "Collect and Organize", describes ways for developing and organizing portfolios. Chapter 3, "Select Key Artifacts" offers guidelines on what items should be included; Chpater 4, "Interject Personality" proposes ideas pertaining the appearance, design, and texture of a portfolio. Chapter 5, "Reflect Metacognitively" explores ideas for metacognitive reflection. Chapter 6, "Inspect to Self-Assess" refers to students' reviewing their short- and long-term goals while thinking about how the portfolio reflects those goals. Chapter 7, "Perfect and Evaluate," and chapter 8, "Connect and Conferences" propose methods for evaluating portfolios and using them for meaningful feedback. Chapter 9, "Inject/Eject to Update", proposes ways for keeping portfolios updated. Finally, chapter 10, "Respect Accomplishments" is devoted to the art and skills of exhibiting a portfolio. A sample portfolio is presented in the concluding chapter. Contains 60 references. (AA)