This research project represents phase 1 of a longitudinal study involving sixth graders in an English-as-a-Second-Language middle school classroom. Research activities focus on the development and implementation of portfolio management strategies for these students. It was believed that developing an efficient system to teach these students how to create and maintain their own portfolios would help improve their English proficiency and develop skills that would help them become more self-directed, motivated, and more successful learners. Subjects were sixth-grade students from 6 different linguistic and cultural backgrounds. Each developed a working portfolio with teacher-collected material, student-collected material, student management tools, and goal cards. Once a week students selected materials for their showcase portfolios. Researchers found that the portfolio management system helped these students become actively involved in their own learning. Aspects of the portfolio process considered of particular value are highlighted. Five appendixes contain a data collection schedule and management tools such as forms for evaluating student portfolios and student techniques (story retelling and dialogue journals). (SLD)