Diversity, Democracy, & Literacy

Rationale Statements

When should I write a rationale statement?

You will write a rationale statement for each assignment that you complete for social studies this semester. This statement should be typed and attached to the front of each assignment when it is submitted or posted to your electronic portfolio if you are choosing to submit the task electronically.

What is a rationale?

1. Fundamental reasons; the basis. (Dictionary.com)

2. An explanation of controlling principles of opinion, belief, practice, or phenomena. (Merriam-Webster Online)

How do I write a rationale statement?

For each artifact/illustration you include in your portfolio you must write a brief rationale statement about why you chose it. A rationale begins with a description or summary of the artifact, provides an analysis of the essential elements of the artifact, and then provides a brief justification as to how the artifact demonstrates proficiency in the corresponding Florida Accomplished Practice(FAP). The rationale is an argument that you are building based on professional knowledge (i.e., literature, standards, personal practical knowledge). The rationale should discuss how and why your illustration exemplifies your best work. In other words, your rationale statement should show your reader that you understand the FAP, how you have chosen to illustrate that understanding, and what the illustrations demonstrates you are capable of doing.

When you write your rationale statement, answer the following questions:

*What is the artifact? (Describe or summarize the artifact)

*What are the key elements that made you select this artifact? (Provide an analysis of the essential elements of the artifact)

* What is your argument for the artifact based on professional knowledge? (Draw on professional literature and personal practical knowledge)

*What is (or are) the connection(s) to the Florida Accomplished Practice?

*What does the illustration say about your understanding and demonstration of the Florida Accomplished Practice?

Examples of Weak Rationale Statements:

Rationale:  I chose this illustration to show how I am able to apply the Cognitive Strategy Instruction approach to a group of diverse students.  There were many different learning styles within this group of kindergartners and the CSI lesson that we taught was very effective.

• How were you able to apply it?
• Why was this appropriate for different learning styles?
• How do we know the lesson was very effective? What does effective mean?

Examples of Strong Rationale Statements:

 

Home

Back