School of Education

The WI Department of Public Instruction (DPI) is specific in its requirements about the content of both general education and professional education. DPI requires teacher education candidates to complete a variety of benchmark assessments (tests) detailed below. Teacher candidates must have evidence of completion of all benchmark assessments except for the edTPA in order to be approved for student teaching. 

The WI State Superintendent of Public Instruction determines passing scores. Therefore, prospective teacher education candidates should work closely with an advisor from the outset of their studies at the university. Completion of DPI requirements for licensure may take longer than four academic years. 

Benchmark requirement due dates:

• Student Teaching Spring - October 1st*
• Student Teaching Fall - March 1st*

*Submission of requirements due by 4:00pm CST on the due date.  If the due date falls on a weekend, the requirements are due the following Monday.

Passing test scores, from the testing agency, must be on file in the School of Education Teacher Certification Officer’s office by the dates listed above.

Benchmark Extensions

In the case of an extenuating circumstance, students may request an extension to a benchmark deadline or application window. Examples of situations where this might occur include: 

• Demonstration of Content Knowledge (Praxis II, FORT, required classes) 

Requests for an extension should be made prior to the deadline whenever possible by completing this linked form. The form will ask students to provide the following information: 

• Indicate the request 

• Explain the extenuating circumstance  

• Explain why the benchmark could not be completed within the submission window. 

• Identify a UWL faculty/staff member who can speak to the extenuating circumstance  

An extension is NOT guaranteed to be granted. This could result in a delay of program, loss of field placement, or rescinded admission to the School of Education. 

The form received will be reviewed by a committee. The SOE Dean’s Office will follow up with the student regarding the next steps, typically a meeting. It is important to note that this extension request will automatically trigger a notice of concern to the TCPR committee.