Rationale Statements

A rationale statement links a particular competency and the artifact that demonstrates the teacher
behavior (understanding or application) described by the competency statement.

The rationale statement is further demonstration of the candidate’s understanding of the
competency. It is a statement that includes the following parts:

1) Explicit naming of the competency

2) Statement of understanding of/appreciation for the behavior described by the competency
statement

3) Explicit naming of the artifact/artifact activity

4) Description of the artifact in which the candidate makes clears how the artifact documents his
or her understanding or application of the behavior described by the competency statement

A candidate may use an artifact for more than one competency. It is the rationale statement that
makes clear how the artifact demonstrates the candidate’s understanding or application of the
particular competency.

The ability to make the connection of competency and artifact activity represents higher level
learning. As the candidate moves through the Teacher Education Program, it is expected that the
candidate will show increased understanding of and appreciation for the teacher behaviors described
by the competencies.