Portfolio assessment serves as a meaningful alternative to standards-based testing in early childhood education. Rather than relying on one-time examinations, this approach compiles a collection of student work—such as drawings, projects, and written reflections—over time to demonstrate growth across developmental domains. Evaluation is conducted through rubrics, allowing for a more comprehensive and individualized picture of learning.

Key features of portfolio assessment include the systematic gathering of artifacts from daily classroom activities, which may be organized in either physical folders or digital formats. Importantly, learners are encouraged to select pieces that represent their progress and to reflect on their own development. This ongoing, low-stakes process captures growth in physical, social, emotional, and cognitive areas, contrasting sharply with the narrow focus of standardized tests.

The strengths of portfolio assessment lie in its ability to foster student self-reflection, enable teacher customization, and promote equity by embedding evaluation into play-based learning. It provides a holistic view of development and counters the limitations of top-down standards reforms. However, challenges remain. The process requires significant time for assembling and reviewing materials, and scoring may be subject to teacher interpretation, raising concerns about consistency and objectivity.

Overall, portfolio assessment highlights the value of continuous, authentic documentation of learning, positioning itself as a powerful tool for supporting both student growth and teacher practice in early childhood education.