Many students and teachers new to working with the LRO think that it is too different.

As discussed, the LRO is different and similar to other forms of assessment. If teachers and students approach it as such, the LRO will be different, exciting, and somewhat familiar. If teachers explain the differences and similarities and have students (in class) go through each component of the LRO as it is explained, it will not seem as intimidating.

In principle, the LRO is very similar to traditional portfolios; for example, the observations are similar to journal entries, and the LRO promotes writing as comprised of multiple and varied processes. In addition, the LRO looks at the quality and strengths of student work. Finally, the LRO asks students to show us what they know; the reason teachers give tests and quizzes is to make sure that students know the information, can demonstrate/use the skills, and in general, have learned. The LRO does so as well but asks students to account for different types of learning in different situations and to record and connect their learning and knowledge.