The Antioch School relies on an extensive, robust portfolio assessment system to provide abundant and multi-layered evidence that its students deserve the degrees that are being granted. Although many competencies may be developed in conjunction with learning opportunities designed for that purpose (particularly in Leadership Series courses), we recognize that students develop in different ways and at difference times. Portfolios may include a wide variety of evidence from many learning experiences. For instance, a student may best demonstrate particular competencies associated with a Leadership Series course in a Ministry Strategy Plan rather than in the projects of a particular Leadership Series course.

Items contained in a portfolio:

Artifacts are things that the student has produced that demonstrate competency. All Leadership Series courses are designed with projects, large and small, that help students think through the main issues in terms of actual ministry contexts. Other projects, such as a collection of preaching/teaching recordings extend beyond single courses. A student's own journaling and formal evaluation of teaching experiences or personal assessment are valuable pieces of evidence of what has been learned.
Attestations are things that other people produce that demonstrate the competencies of the student. These include personal and ministry assessments by those who are close to the student, evaluations by others of a student's teaching in the practicum, and their Motivated Abilities Pattern.

How assessment takes place:

Certified leaders in each partner program have been trained to assist students in the building of their portfolios. The heart of the portfolio is the SIMA® Motivated Abilities Pattern (MAP) acquired at the outset of the program and a Life and Development Plan, which is updated on an ongoing basis through the mentoring of local leaders. Much of the most valuable assessment will take place in these ministry settings by those who are closest to the students. Certified leaders will also help students build portfolios that demonstrate the competencies required in the program. Artifacts and attestations should be placed in a secure e-portfolio provided on the Antioch School website or in another hard copy portfolio.
Antioch School Associate Faculty from outside the partner program will periodically review portfolios to validate that the necessary competencies have been demonstrated. This will happen at the beginning of the program to assure that students are on track, at various increments throughout the program, and toward the end to facilitate program completion and graduation.

The project for the final unit of each required Leadership Series course must be submitted as a proctored final exam with confirmation by the certified leader of the partner that the work has been done by the student.

Appeals of portfolio review should be made initially to the certified leader of the partner program. If not resolved, appeals can be made to the Academic Dean.