Portfolios and Projects, while time-consuming, are primarily best described as:

Portfolios and projects serve primarily as assessments because they allow educators to evaluate a student's understanding, skills, and progress over time through comprehensive and varied work samples. Unlike traditional tests, which often focus on rote memorization or isolated skills, portfolios and projects provide a holistic view of a student's abilities and learning processes. They can showcase a range of competencies, including critical thinking, creativity, and application of knowledge in practical contexts.

Moreover, these assessment types engage students in meaningful tasks that often involve research, creation, reflection, and presentation, making learning more relevant and aligned with real-world applications. They also encourage self-assessment and goal setting, contributing to deeper learning experiences.

While it’s true that these assessments can be seen as part of a curriculum, they are not defined as curriculum themselves; rather, they are tools used within that curriculum. Similarly, they don't fit the definitions of a type of test or specific standards, as those concepts refer to different aspects of educational practices.