Physics Minor with Teaching Electives Advisee Information Sheet
Welcome to the Physics Teaching program in the Department of Physics at Central Washington University.
Our rigorous and engaging program will provide you with excellent preparation to be an effective Physics
teacher in K-12 schools.
As you begin the program, there are several important reminders:

Keep all assignments (paper and electronic) from all courses in your CWU program. If you are a
transfer or post-baccalaureate student, be sure to keep files from previous institutions. You will need
them to provide evidence of your academic and professional growth.

Back up computer files regularly to prevent loss. Each student will be required to provide evidence of
their learning in an end of program electronic portfolio. It is each student’s individual responsibility to
keep their files safe and accessible.

Meet with your advisor early and often. Your advisor is here to help efficiently guide you through the
teaching program. Regular meetings will prevent miscommunication and ensure timely completion of
your program.
Each student is individually responsible for meeting program requirements. These requirements should be
integrated into your academic planning to ensure efficient progress through the Physics Teaching program.
These requirements include:

An active LiveText account with access to the Physics Teaching Portfolio and minor portfolios. Your
LiveText account is first set up during admission to the Professional Education Program. The same
account will be used for the Physics Teaching Program. Templates for all major and minor science
teaching portfolios are provided in LiveText.

Completion of the SCED Entry to Program assessment. Please complete the SCED Entry to Program
survey in your science teaching major portfolio.

Evidence of proficiency for all Physics Teaching Minor Portfolio a dimensions. Students admitted to the
Physics Teaching minor program should assemble evidence for their Physics Teaching Minor Portfolios
now, and as they progress through their coursework. Portfolio work may be integrated into some
courses. Each student must complete their portfolio(s) and demonstrate knowledge, skill, and
disposition proficiency for each portfolio dimension prior to approval to student teach. Students who
are not proficient will not be released to student teach.

Completion of the SCED Exit Program Evaluation survey. This survey will also be completed as a section
in the science teaching major portfolio along with a comparative reflection of entry and exit surveys

Completion of the WEST-E content exam. Each student must take the WEST-E for each endorsement
they are seeking prior to student teaching. Candidates must successfully pass the WEST-E exam prior to
receiving endorsement from WA State. Note: Students who fail the exam are required to meet with the
Physics Teaching advisor.
For Faculty Use:
 Portfolio shared with student
 Academic Plan Completed
Read and Complete All Pages.
 Entry to major survey completed
Revised: 09/24/14
Physics Minor with Teaching Electives Advising Form (5-12th)
This minor is designed for students who wish to teach physics at the high school level. The coursework
provides experiences in physics content and pedagogy including field experience and addresses the
Washington State competencies for Physics Teachers. Using this minor for earning teaching endorsement is
restricted to students working on a teaching major in biology, chemistry, earth science, general science or
secondary mathematics teaching. Students completing this minor are required to demonstrate knowledge,
skill, and dispositions proficiency through a program portfolio prior to student teaching. Student who
complete this minor and receive a passing score on the WEST-E exam for Physics will receive a Physics
Endorsement.
Required Courses
Physics major courses
PHYS 181/181LAB, 182/182LAB, 183/183LAB – General Physics I, II, III
MATH 172, 173 – Calculus I, II
PHYS 317, 318 - Modern Physics I, II
PHYS 333 – Experimental Physics I
PHYS 492 – Laboratory Experience in Teaching Physics
SCED 324 – Science Education in Secondary Schools I
Total Credits
Credits
Plan
Completed
15
10
8
3
2
3
41
Physics Teaching Minor Program and Plan Approvals
Student Name: _________________________ Signature ______________________________Date________
Physics Advisor Signature: _______________________________________Date: _________
Read and Complete All Pages.
Revised: 09/24/14