A Benchmark is a structure or site through which the high school academic curriculum can best be interdisciplinarily related. A structure or site is chosen as a Benchmark because of its historic significance and relevance to the historic periods and places being studied in social studies grades 9-12. The academic value is assessed by its ability to be used as a tool to teach your city or state's curriculum across the curriculum.

As a teaching tool, a Benchmark can serve as the focal point of reference to integrate all subjects of the academic curriculum. It can serve as a spotlight for interdisciplinary, project-based learning to help reinforce curriculum based knowledge and skills. Benchmarks are the common frame of reference or context through which students can learn interdisciplanarily, all the academic subjects being taught.