What is the piece of wood that has been marked for course levels, sills, door, and window heads called?

The term for the piece of wood that is marked for course levels, sills, door, and window heads is known as a story pole. This tool is essential in masonry work as it provides a clear reference for setting masonry units at consistent heights. By marking important levels and features directly on the story pole, masons can efficiently transfer those measurements onto the walls being constructed, ensuring accuracy and uniformity throughout the project. The story pole serves as a practical guideline, helping to maintain alignment and prevent errors in elevation, which is crucial for structural integrity and aesthetic appearance.

Other terms like a level board or construction guide may relate to similar concepts of measurement, but they do not specifically serve the same purpose as a story pole. Height marker, while it might imply function related to indicating vertical measurements, lacks the specificity of being used in the layout process for sills and headers within masonry work.