Biology Teaching Minor Advisee Information Sheet

Welcome to the Biology Teaching program in the Department of Biological Sciences at Central Washington University. Our rigorous and engaging program will provide you with excellent preparation to be an effective biology 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 the Biology Teaching advisors early and often. Your advisorsare here to help efficiently guide you through the Biology 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 Biology Teaching program. These requirements include:

  • An active LiveText account with access to the Biology 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 Biology Teaching Program. Templates forallmajor and minor science teaching portfolios areprovided inLiveText.
  • Completion of the SCED Entry to Program assessment. Please complete the SCED Entry to Program surveyin your science teaching major portfolio.
  • Evidence of proficiency for all Biology Teaching Minor Portfolio dimensions. Students admitted to the Biology Teaching minor program shouldassembleevidence for their Biology 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 dispositionproficiencyfor 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 completedas 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 musttake 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 Biology Teaching advisor.

For Faculty Use:

Portfolio shared with student  Academic Plan CompletedEntry to major survey completed

Biology Teaching Minor Advising Form (5-12th)

This minor is designed for students who wish to teach biology at the high school level. The coursework provides experiences in biology content and pedagogy including field experience and addresses the Washington State competencies for Biology Teachers. This minor is restricted to students working on a teaching major in chemistry, earth science, general science or physics. 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 exams for Biology will receive a Biology Endorsement.

MATH 153 Prerequisite Competency Completed:

Required Courses / Credits / Plan / Completed
Biology major courses
BIOL 181, 182, 183 – General Biology I, II, III / 15
BIOL 213 – Quantitative Methods in Biology / 4
BIOL 321 - Genetics / 5
BIOL 360 – General Ecology / 5
CHEM 181/181LAB, 182/LAB, 183/LAB– General Chemistry I, II, III / 15
Total Credits / 44

Biology Teaching Minor Program and Plan Approvals

Student Name: ______Signature ______Date: ______

Ed. Found. & Curric. Advisor Signature: ______Date: ______

Biology Advisor Signature: ______Date: ______

Read and complete all pages.Revised: 09/24/14