A research plan for investigating the effects of student portfolios on teaching and learning at three different school sites is described. The plan accommodates two categories of research questions: (1) broad, cross-site questions; and (2) site-specific questions generated by participants at each individual site. Data collection strategies include: (1) individual and focus group interviews with students, teachers, site administrators, and parents; (2) questionnaires; (3) classroom observations; and (4) analysis of the student portfolios. Data analysis will be ongoing and shared with participants in a cycle of collaboration that is intended to inform both the research process and portfolio implementation efforts at the sites. This information is intended to present researchers and practitioners with several models for using student portfolios, and also to provide information on the ways that student portfolios affect teaching and learning. The results of this year-long investigation will be reported in August of 1992 and yearly thereafter as the study is extended. (SLD)