Evidence vs. Artifacts
Evidence:
Definition- Dictionary:
1a : an outward sign : indication
1b : something that furnishes proof : testimony; specifically : something legally
submitted to a tribunal to ascertain the truth of a matter
2a: one who bears witness; especially : one who voluntarily confesses a crime and
testifies for the prosecution against his accomplices
Definition- WAC 392-191A
"Evidence" means observed practice, products or results of a certificated classroom
teacher or certificated principal's work that demonstrates knowledge and skills of
the educator with respect to the four-level rating system.
Artifact:
Definition- Dictionary:
1a : something created by humans usually for a practical purpose; especially : an
object remaining from a particular period <caves containing prehistoric artifacts>
1b : something characteristic of or resulting from a particular human institution,
period, trend, or individual <self-consciousness … turns out to be an artifact of our
education system — Times Literary Supplement>
2a: a product of artificial character (as in a scientific test) due usually to extraneous
(as human) agency
Experience:
Examine the student work on display in the halls. Some of the work has augmented
labels to further describe the context, purpose and reflections of the students.
Discussion question: What characteristics of these displays constitute ‘artifacts of
learning’ and what characteristics of these displays constitute ‘evidence of student
learning’?
Clarifying Activity: With a partners compare and contrast evidence and artifacts in
the context of TPEP. How are these concepts similar, and how are they different?
What are the implications for your team’s work?