Celebrating an Incredible 2025 Defense Design Studio!
On May 29th, 2025, we hosted a Defense Design Studio (DDS) at Envision Academy (EA) in Oakland, bringing together educators and school leaders from across the country to explore the question:
“How does portfolio defense shape teaching and learning, and prepare students for success in college, career, and life?”
Participants came prepared with their own questions about portfolio defense, explored scoring rubrics, and engaged with materials. They observed two real-time student portfolio defenses and visited inquiry stations with EA students, teachers, the school leadership team, and ELP coaches. They ended the day with an opportunity to discuss how to translate this nationally-recognized assessment model to your own educational context during the debrief.
The DDS was an enriching experience, showcasing the thoughtful preparation of students, the power of inquiry-driven learning, and the potential of portfolio defense to inform teaching practices. Thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to a day full of insight, reflection, and meaningful conversation.
Observe an entire Portfolio Defense, learn how the model works, and reflect on how you can apply the concepts in your own context.
The Portfolio Defense is the capstone activity of a whole-school performance assessment system. It is the culmination of a student’s 4-year journey. Similar to a masters defense, students stand before a panel of peers, educators, and mentors to demonstrate — to the panel and to themselves — that they are ready to graduate and ready for a successful future.
A Defense Design Studio consists of two parts:
- Observe a live student defense: Watch a student defend their learning in front of a panel.
- Debrief! Talk with an Envision coach and fellow educators about how to translate this nationally-recognized assessment model to your own educational context.
General Information:
- Each Defense Design Studio session is $175 per person or bring a team of four or more for $150 each.
- Coffee and lunch will be provided at each session. Please indicate any food allergies or dietary restrictions when registering.
- Additional wonderings? Email courtney@envisionlearning.org.