Starting May 21st thru May 23rd , 2024 , Manual Arts seniors started presenting their portfolio defense as a graduation requirement . According to research from a LAUSD Linked Learning bulletin, the defense portfolio is a presentation where students explain and defend their concept of academic development throughout high school. The goal is for students to defend and provide evidence of why they deserve to graduate through artifacts or projects. This is an opportunity to reflect the learning skills, academic potential, creativity, personal growth and demonstrate the dedication they have to graduate. Over thirty high schools in 12 districts have formed a network to promote performance-based assessments, including portfolios ,according to research. This is the final project to exemplify the student has met the LAUSD Graduate Profile standards.

As the portfolio is finalized in the senior year, students assemble the “artifacts” that they will use to demonstrate their ability to analyze complex concepts, their ability to persuasively advance an argument, and their skills in problem solving. Each portfolio should also include a piece that reflects student-directed inquiry, showcasing the student’s ability to pose a sophisticated question and organize a sustained search for the answer.Upon completion of the portfolio, a select number of “artifacts” are chosen to be part of an in-person presentation, called the “defense.” This final presentation is a culmination of their rigorous high school experience, in which students “defend” their knowledge, their dedication to community, and their ability to set and achieve measurable and actionable goals.