Movement Science, Teacher of Physical Education (Elementary or Secondary) Concentration, B.S.

Teacher of Physical Education (Elementary or Secondary) Concentration

The Westfield State University program for licensure for teachers of Physical Education has received national recognition from the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE).

Westfield State University is nationally accredited by the national Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) at the initial and advanced levels.

Requirements for the Movement Science Major - 29 Credits

All majors in the department of Movement Science, Sports and Leisure Studies must complete the twenty-nine (29) credits of courses specified below. A minimum grade point average of 2.5 in the Major Core Classes is required to be eligible to graduate with a degree from the department.

Major Core Classes

MOVP 0100 - Introduction to Exercise Science Credits: 3
MOVP 0105 - Foundations of Movement Science I Credits: 3
MOVP 0106 - Foundations of Movement Science II Credits: 3
BIOL 0237 - Human Anatomy and Physiology I Credits: 4
BIOL 0239 - Human Anatomy and Physiology II Credits: 4
MOVP 0202 - Introduction to Motor Learning Credits: 3
MOVP 0203 - Motor Development and Behavior Credits: 3
MOVP 0204 - Kinesiology Credits: 3
MOVP 0205 - Physiology of Exercise Credits: 3

Note:

In order to progress through the major, students must meet the academic and professional development criteria necessary to earn intermediate and advanced standing in the department as outlined in the Professional Development section below.

Required Course List:

Select one of the following Lifetime Fitness skills courses:

MOVP 0113 - Fitness for Adults: Walking Credits: 1
MOVP 0118 - Step Aerobics Credits: 1
MOVP 0162 - Strength Training and Conditioning Credits: 1
MOVP 0181 - Aqua Aerobics Credits: 1
MOVP 0183 - Relaxation Techniques Credits: 1
MOVP 0185 - Swimming for Fitness Credits: 1
MOVP 0305 - Principles of Strength and Conditioning Credits: 3
With advisor permission the student may substitute any 3-credit wilderness concentration course.

Select one of the following Lifetime Pursuits skills courses:

MOVP 0138 - Boating and Canoeing Credits: 1
MOVP 0139 - Kayaking Credits: 1
MOVP 0140 - Square Dance Credits: 1
MOVP 0141 - Folk Dance Credits: 1
MOVP 0143 - Ballroom Dance Credits: 1
MOVP 0155 - Ski Touring and Snow Shoeing Credits: 1
MOVP 0165 - Racquetball and Handball Credits: 1
MOVP 0167 - Camping Skills Credits: 1
MOVP 0172 - Orienteering Credits: 1
MOVP 0173 - Initiative Games and Ropes Credits: 1
MOVP 0180 - Rock Climbing Credits: 1
MOVP 0312 - Interdisciplinary Learning Through Movement and Dance Credits: 3
With advisor permission the student may substitute any 3-credit wilderness concentraiton course.

Professional Development Procedures

In order to progress through the Movement Science and Athletic Training majors, students must meet the academic and professional development criteria necessary to earn intermediate and advanced standing in the department.

Intermediate Standing

Requirements for Intermediate Standing to progress through the Movement Science and Athletic Training majors.

Minimum GPA of 2.3 in the following courses:
MOVP 0100 - Introduction to Exercise Science Credits: 3
MOVP 0105 - Foundations of Movement Science I Credits: 3
MOVP 0106 - Foundations of Movement Science II Credits: 3
MOVP 0202 - Introduction to Motor Learning Credits: 3 or
MOVP 0203 - Motor Development and Behavior
Credits: 3
BIOL 0237 - Human Anatomy and Physiology I Credits: 4
BIOL 0239 - Human Anatomy and Physiology II Credits: 4
Additional Requirements (all Movement Science/Athletic Training majors):
- Personal Statement
- Resume
- First Aid / CPR Certification
- Membership in a professional organization
- Earn a minimum of 15 Professional Development Points
- Two (2) Faculty Recommendations
- Two (2) examples of best work
Additional Requirements (specific to Physical Education concentration):
- Students must show proof of registration and/ore scores for the Communication (Reading) and Literacy (Writing) portion of the MTEL tests
- Students must keep a monthly fitness log using a logging system approved by the Coordinator of the Physical Education program
- Keep a record of competencies met for NASPE standards
Students progress toward meeting Advanced Standing in Teacher Education is monitored at the end of the sophomore year (57 credits). All students must meet the requirements for Advanced Standing to achieve teacher candidacy. Please see section on Licensure for Teaching under Academic Policies.

Advanced Standing

Advanced Standing is required for those completing an internship, ATEP clinical experience, or student teaching practicum. The requirements are as follows:

Minimum GPA of 2.5 in the major core area (29 credits)
Minimum GPA of 2.7 in the courses in the concentration (Placement in the Teaching Practicum requires a 2.8)
Minimum overall GPA of 2.8
Personal Statement
Resume
First Aid / CPR Certification
Membership in a professional organization
Earn a minimum of 15 Professional Development Points (in addition to those earned for Intermediate Standing)
Three (3) Faculty Recommendations and two (2) additional recommendations from outside the department
Five (5) samples of best written work
Supervising Practitioner Recommendations

Additional information can be found in the MSSLS Department manual.

Note:

Students must satisfy the following requirements prior to practicum placement:

A 2.7 average in English Composition I and II
A 2.8 overall GPA (including transfer work)
MSSLS advanced standing status and a minimum grade of 2.7 in MOVP 0314
A passing grade on all required Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure.
Keep a record of competencies met for NASPE standards.
Show evidence of meeting 3 our of the 5 components of fitness as defined by FITNESSGRAM.
Must meet the competencies defined in all skill testing.
Students must keep a monthly fitness log using a logging system approved by the Physical Education Program Coordinator.

Additional Graduation Requirements

All students must meet the University Graduation Requirements and complete a common core of studies, distributed among the different academic areas as detailed in the Common Core .