Undergraduate Teacher Preparation: Assessment System
When pursing teaching as an undergraduate at USM, you must maintain successful progress in
three areas: the USM Core Curriculum, a content major, and professional teacher preparation.
Successful completion of these will fulfill all requirements for teacher certification in Maine. The
Undergraduate Assessment System sets benchmarks for each step of your educational career at
USM.
Assessment Benchmark 1: end of year 1 or approximately 30 credits, prior to Education Cluster
You must:
 Pass Praxis I (Reading, Writing, and Math)
 Have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0
o A grade of C or better in all University Core and major coursework.
o A grade of B or better in all professional education coursework.
You will submit:
 A 300-word essay on your interest in the teaching field
 2 recommendation forms: one about your academic performance and one about your
work with school-aged students
 Documentation of finger printing and state CHRC
You will:
 Formally declare your teacher certification concentration (online in Tk20)
 Including a baseline preparedness and technology NETS-S survey
You will activate account in Tk20
Assessment Benchmark 2: end of year 2 or approximately 60 credits
You must:
 Have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0
o A grade of C or better in all University Core and major coursework.
o A grade of B or better in all professional education coursework.
Assessment Benchmark 3: end of year 3 or approximately 90 credits. This benchmark is called
candidacy and must be completed prior to your internship year.
You must:
 Pass Praxis II
 Have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0
o A grade of C or better in all University Core and major coursework.
o A grade of B or better in all professional education coursework.
 Have completed the Educational Cluster
 Submit and successfully complete a Candidacy Application, which includes:
o An essay documenting your dispositions toward teaching and content
Revised: 4/12/13
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o A catalog of knowledge and experiences
o An interview
You will complete a technology survey for program evaluation purposes
Assessment Benchmark 4: End of year 4, 120 credits, and completion of your internship year.
This benchmark marks program completion and certification recommendation.
You must:
 Have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0
o A grade of C or better in all University Core and major coursework.
o A grade of B or better in all professional education coursework.
 Demonstrate successful performance on the InTASC (teaching) standards
 Demonstrate successful performance on the NET-T (technology) standards
 Successfully complete your major, including capstone
 Successfully complete your professional sequence, including methods courses and
internship
Revised: 4/12/13
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