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

Requirements for Physical Education Concentration

The Westfield State University program for licensure for teachers of Physical Education has received national recognition from the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) and Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).

Physical Education Core Requirements (27 credits)

Scientific Foundations
MOVP 0100 - Science of Physical Activity and Health Credits: 3
MOVP 0194 - Musculoskeletal Structure and Function Credits: 3
MOVP 0202 - Introduction to Motor Learning Credits: 3
MOVP 0204 - Kinesiology Credits: 3
MOVP 0205 - Physiology of Exercise Credits: 3
MOVP 0212 - Concepts of Nutrition Credits: 3
MOVP 0302 - Measurement & Evaluation in Physical Education Credits: 3
Cultural Competence
EDUC 0215 - Theory of Critical Multicultural Education Credits: 3

Required Course List (44 credits)

Skills Courses (2-6 credits)

Select two of the following skills courses:

MOVP 0162 - Strength Training and Conditioning Credits: 1
MOVP 0167 - Camping Skills Credits: 1
MOVP 0173 - Initiative Games and Ropes Credits: 1
MOVP 0180 - Rock Climbing Credits: 1
MOVP 0183 - Relaxation Techniques Credits: 1

Professional Development Procedures

Physical Education students have to meet Intermediate and Advanced Standings in order to progress through their field of study. The Physical Education requirements for these standings are different than other Movement Science concentrations.

Intermediate Standing

Requirements for Intermediate Standing to progress through the Physical Education program:

Minimum GPA of 2.5 in the following courses:
MOVP 0100 - Science of Physical Activity and Health Credits: 3
MOVP 0194 - Musculoskeletal Structure and Function Credits: 3
Additional Requirements (specific to Physical Education concentration):
- Evidence of met/passed state and national competencies (signed/verified log of observation hours, skill assessment scores, Gateway Assessment lesson plans, teaching evaluations, reflections) and MTEL scores in Communication and Literacy (001).
- Student Acknowledgement Form/Advisement Form
- Copy of Degree Evaluation (2.5 minimum GPA in MOVP 0100 and MOVP 0194 )
- Current First Aid / CPR certification card
- Two (2) faculty recommendations
- Writing sample from ENGL 0101 , graded B- or higher
- Earn a minimum of 12 Professional Development Points across four (4) different areas (Academic, Clinical, Professional, Social Justice; 3 from each area)

Advanced Standing

Student progress towards meeting Advanced Standing in Teacher Education is monitored at the end of the sophomore year (min. 54 credits earned). All students must meet the requirements for Advanced Standing to achieve teacher candidacy. For more information about requirements, see Licensure for Teaching found in the Academic Policies page.

Advanced Standing is required for 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 (27 credits)
Minimum GPA of 3.0 in Physical Education Certification courses, and a minimum GPA of 2.7 in the PE concentration
Minimum overall GPA of 2.8
Personal Statement
Resume
First Aid / CPR Certification
Membership in a professional organization
Earn a minimum of 16 Professional Development Points across four (4) different areas (Academic, Clinical, Professional, Social Justice; 4 in each area)
Three (3) faculty recommendations and two (2) additional recommendations from outside the department
Evidence of met/passed state and national competencies (signed/verification log of observation hours, skill assessment scores, Gateway Assignments, lesson plan scores, fitness assessments, passed licensure exam scores for reading, writing, and Physical Education)

Additional information can be found in the SMHP Department manual.

Practicum Eligibility

Students must satisfy the following requirements prior to practicum placement:

Overall GPA of 2.8
GPA of 3.0 in PE Certification courses, and a 2.7 GPA in the PE concentration
SMHP Advanced Standing Status
A minimum grade of B- (2.7) in MOVP 0314 - Physical Education Teaching Methodology: Elementary and Secondary
Passing scores on all required licensure exams (example: Reading, Writing, and Physical Education MTELs)
Evidence of meeting/passing state and national competencies (verified/signed observation logs, skills assessments, Gateway Assessments, lesson planning assessments, fitness assessments, passing licensure examination)

Additional Graduation Requirements

All students must meet the University Graduation Requirements and complete a general education or common core of studies, distributed among the different academic areas as detailed in General Education: WISE or Common Core .