TaskStream (www.taskstream.com) is a customizable, electronic portfolio, assessment management and performance based instruction tool.  For National Council of Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) college accreditation, as well as Special Education Student Portfolio evaluation purposes, specific student assignments (Signature Assignments) are to be evaluated based on a faculty developed rubric associated with the CEC Standard(s) addressed by each assignment. 

The electronic submission of the Signature Assignments to TaskStream serves two purposes.  First, it serves as a college accreditation data collection and storage site, as instructors evaluate each student’s Signature Assignment in connection with the NCATE performance based outcomes.  The NCATE outcomes incorporate the CEC standards for special education teachers.  George Mason University’s College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) must collect this data every semester.  Therefore, EVERY student taking an EDSE course IS REQUIRED to upload and submit their assignment to TaskStream for evaluation (even if only one or two courses is being taken for professional recertification, as an elective, or part of an undergraduate minor).

Second, it provides a platform for those Special Education students seeking their M.Ed. degree and/or licensure to build an electronic portfolio for EDSE 791 (Midpoint Portfolio) and EDSE 792 (Final Portfolio).  

After each student submits their Signature Assignments to TaskStream, instructional faculty will use a 3 point rubric, separate from their individual grading rubrics (viewable on TaskStream), to jury individual electronic submissions.