Benchmark Information

Benchmark I is the first level where candidate progress is reviewed. The purpose of the Benchmark I review process is to determine your readiness to become a teacher candidate in one of the programs within the School of Education at the UW-Stout Polytechnic.

Students need to have completed and/or met all the following before applying:

• Completed 30 semester credit hours at an accredited college (6 credits earned at UW-Stout Polytechnic)
• Earned a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 at UW-Stout Polytechnic OR have an approved alternative measures for program completion form on file
• Passed a State & National Background Check within 6 months of each Benchmark I application
• Completed course with a minimum grade of "C" required
  • ENGL-101
  • ENGL-102
  • COMST-100
  • Introduction to the major course or CTE-302 (3 credits)
  • EDUC-326 Foundations of Education or CTE-302 Principles of Career and Technical Education (3 credits)
• Create a portfolio within Anthology and upload a resume, a philosophy of education completed in EDUC-326 or CTE-302, and sign the statement of values and dispositions within Anthology

After application, the above items will be reviewed by the School of Education office and then passed onto the program faculty/staff for approval, which includes:

• Passing disposition review by program faculty/staff
• Approval of portfolio artifacts

Benchmark II is the second level of review of the candidate's progress in the SOE assessment system at UW-Stout Polytechnic. The purpose of the Benchmark II review process is to determine one's readiness for student teaching. The reviewers evaluate the candidate's ability to provide portfolio evidence of their higher-level knowledge, skills, and disposition aligned to the SOE Conceptual Framework and Wisconsin Teacher Standards, which are supported by the inTASC Teaching Standards. Candidates that successfully complete all Benchmark II requirements are eligible for student teaching placement.

Students should apply for Benchmark II one year prior to their student teaching semester, even if requirements below have not been completed. By the time student teaching begins, all requirements must be complete.

• Passed Benchmark I
• Cumulative GPA of 2.75 or better OR have a completed alternative measures for program completion on file
• Completed required courses with a C or better
  • EDUC 303 Educational Psychology
  • EDUC 330 Multiculturalism
  • SPED 430 Inclusion of Students with Exceptional Needs
  • Reading (RDGED) course specified by program
  • Classroom management course specified by program
  • Pre-student teaching course(s) specified by program
• Passing scores on the six Embedded Signature Assessments (ESAs) OR approved equivalent artifacts to provide evidence of educational pedagogy
• Evidence of content knowledge proficiency with either a content GPA of 3.0 or better OR a passing Praxis Subject Assessment score for the relevant content area
• Passing disposition review by program faculty/staff

Benchmark III and IV are the final reviews that occurs at the culmination of student teaching (clinical practice). Upon completion of all degree and licensure requirements, candidates are endorsed for appropriate Wisconsin licensure.

Benchmark III includes:

• Final student teaching evaluation from cooperating teacher(s) with no unsatisfactory ratings.
• Disposition review from cooperating teacher(s) with no unsatisfactory ratings.
• Two written observations per quarter or three written observations per semester from university supervisor.
• Benchmark III & IV Review Rubric from university supervisor

Benchmark IV includes:

• Pass the Wisconsin Foundation of Reading Test (FoRT) or complete the FoRT alternative assessment for those applicable licensure programs.