Science and Mathematics Teaching Center GRE Alternative Rubric Instructions:
Instead of GRE scores an alternative portfolio may be submitted as part of the
application to the MS in natural science (MSNS – MSC, MSNS – MMA, MSNS - NED).
All portfolios will be reviewed by a committee appointed by the SMTC Advisory Board.
There is no required design for the portfolio, but the presentation of evidence must be
clear, concise, and organized. The portfolio option does require the following:
 A writing sample consisting of 3 defined questions (same as the 3 questions on
the SMTC application)
 A minimum of 4 well-selected additional pieces of evidence that demonstrate
your ability to do graduate-level work*
 A letter of introduction to the portfolio which describes each piece of evidence
and provides a thoughtful rationale for its inclusion
 Copies of all transcripts
Your portfolio will be judged on the following criteria:
1. Communication: General
Applicant communicates ideas clearly in print. Applicant shows organization and
appropriate development of ideas in written form, with competent spelling, usage, and
grammar.
2. Communication: Portfolio
Applicant communicates ideas through multiple classroom-based documents or designs
(the portfolio) that explicitly presents the instructional rationale, as well as demonstrating
both how evidence is used and its intellectual relevance to the instructional rationale
that justifies the portfolio’s use in the science or math classroom.
Applicant provides evidence of communication skills beyond written communication.
Examples would be oral communication, technology, use of the arts, graphs/charts,
other.
3. Quantitative Competence**
Applicant provides reliable and valid evidence that the applicant has the quantitative
literacy needed to be successful in program work. This would include evidence of
statistical skills, mathematical skills, analysis skills, and advanced logical and reasoning
expertise.
4. Potential for Success as a Graduate Student
Applicant provides evidence that demonstrates initiative, creative thinking, intellectual
capacity, and the ability to work both individually as well as collaboratively.
5. Potential as an Educator***
Applicant provides evidence demonstrating that the applicant possesses an awareness
of the individuality of learners, is himself or herself a curious person and a life-long
learner, is reflective about instruction, and is able to adjust plans and real-time
classroom instruction according to needs voiced and presented by individual student
performance.
Grading Criteria
4 = beyond expectation
3 = expectation
2 = minimal
1 = not acceptable
Scoring Information:
 Maximum points possible = 20 points (4 points/5 categories)
 15 points or above – acceptable
 13-14 points – borderline (case-by-case)
 12 points or below – not acceptable
Scoring requirement per category:
 No category may be lower than a 2
 Within categories 1-3, the committee may assign a 2 and still accept
conditionally. This conditional acceptance would be based on a written
agreement with the applicant to remediate that area through a plan defined by
the committee. The agreement would include a timeline for completion which
would not go beyond the point where the applicant has earned 12 credits toward
the degree (MSNS - NED only: 15 credit hours).
 Categories 4-5 may not be lower than a 3
*Examples of evidence might include syllabi of graduate level classes that you have taken and passed
examples of research that you have conducted or papers you have written, or courses you have
developed.
**It is recommended that part of the evidence provided here is a transcript(s) demonstrating the variety of
mathematics courses and science courses involving mathematics that have been taken. It is very difficult
to prove quantitative competence on the basis of one project or lesson, although a project or lesson
provided in another category that involves data collection and analysis and/or other mathematics could be
referenced as additional evidence for the quantitative category.
*** If part of your evidence for this category or any other category is a video tape or DVD, provide a tape
with carefully selected segments that demonstrate what you want to show. In a portfolio, it is better to
show those portions in which you are involved rather than just segments of children doing activities. The
video should be no longer than 15 minutes and be accompanied by a written narrative that describes
what is being demonstrated in each segment.
Portfolios will be rated on a 1-4 scale rubric in the 5 categories described in this document.
Please mail to SMTC, 1000 E University Ave., Dept. 3992 Laramie, WY 82071