I encourage students to explore both traditional and non-traditional media that may be outside their comfort zone or seem unconventional. Working in this manner requires practice, experimentation, and revision that directly contributes to the requirements of the portfolio. Callee often experimented with a variety of materials and processes, resulting in both successes and failures. She extensively documented her process through initial sketches with notes on materials and surfaces, process photographs, and reflections on both in-progress and completed work. Through this documentation, she identified areas needing refinement or revision. Additionally, I could see what she was learning from what didn’t work. This documentation is a necessary part of a student’s understanding of their processes and ways of working. From the beginning of AP Art and Design instruction, I stress the importance of writing about the work. This writing asks students to be accountable by having them analyze the decisions that they make from beginning to end. Much of this writing is a required component of the portfolio, but also gives students a record of their journey that they can revisit throughout the year to better understand their choices and growth.