The following resources highlight best practices across LAUSD pathways that have implemented a portfolio and defense. Pathways and schools considering the portfolio defense should try to remain as true to the form as possible to maintain the integrity of the process as part of a graduate's culmination experience. However, educators should consider modifications and accommodations as appropriate for their student population.

DEFENSE SCORING PROTOCOL
The scoring protocol is a straight-forward way to guide the defense process and make sure all participants on the panel are on the same page.
SENIOR DEFENSE RUBRIC
The majority of pathways use this rubric to score their defenses, occasionally with minor adjustments. By using a common rubric, we can calibrate defenses across a district as large as LAUSD.
MIDDLE SCHOOL DEFENSE RUBRIC
The middle school defense rubric has fewer requirements than the senior defense rubric and does not include the split scores (i.e. emerging/developing, developing/proficient, etc).
DEFENSE NOTE-TAKING FORM
The note-taking form is a guide to ensure that defenses are scoring using evidence as seen and heard in the defense. The note-taking form is aligned to the defense rubric. Below are different formats of the note-taking form.
PANELIST QUESTION GUIDE
How can questions promote critical thinking and rigor in the portfolio defense? The purpose of the Questions & Comments section of the portfolio defense is not to "trick" the student but to provide the student with additional opportunities to push their thinking beyond their original presentation. This question guide can be a helpful tool for staff or panelists new to the portfolio defense. Additionally, it is acceptable to provide students with this question guide ahead of time to help them think more deeply about their portfolio defense.
DEFENSE STUDENT/AUDIENCE EVALUATION FORM
A great way to build a culture of defense at a school site is to have students be a part of the panel or audience. Below are some student evaluation forms that can be used for peer feedback as they practice in groups or during the defense itself. However, while students can participant on defense panels, student evaluations should not be used in the final score of a defense.
STUDENT LED CONFERENCE HANDBOOK
Student Led Conferences are a great way to develop student skills in presenting, sharing, and reflecting on their own work and learning before the defense. Many schools hold student led conferences annually as a way to help students reflect and share what they've learned and how they've grown with their parents, guardians, or a mentor.