To gain a Social Studies endorsement, you must demonstrate your subject–matter knowledge in multiple ways.
Prior to your admission to the MAT program, you need to complete Social Studies coursework and state-required content exams. While enrolled in the MAT program, you will complete coursework and have school-based placements to prepare you to teach Social Studies.
1. CONTENT PREPARATION
One part of preparing to teach Social Studies is a strong preparation in the subject. The best content preparation is a major in Social Studies. If you cannot major in Social Studies, you can still teach Social Studies if you prepare carefully.
You must have taken coursework that prepares you for teaching secondary Social Studies. In Washington State, Social Studies includes history, civics, economics, and geography. Review the Social Studies Competency. These units should include:
- Coursework in U.S. History. At Puget Sound, take History 152 and 153: The American Experience.
- Coursework in Politics and Government. At Puget Sound, take P & G 101: Introduction to U.S. Politics.
- Coursework in Economics. At Puget Sound, take Economics 170: Contemporary Economics.
- Coursework in Geography.
2. TESTING
You must pass the National Evaluations System's exam (NES) in Social Studies and submit scores from an approved basic skills test. No specific passing score is required for basic skills. Scores are used as a formative instrument to determine a candidate's basic skill level in reading, writing, and mathematics.
Please see our Testing Overview page for information on testing deadlines.
| BASIC SKILLS TESTING | CONTENT AREA TESTING | |
|---|---|---|
| SOCIAL STUDIES |
TEST: WEST–B or Alternative* Math, Reading, & Writing |
TEST: WEST–E 028 Social Studies |
*Out-of-state applicants may substitute either the PRAXIS I or CBEST for the WEST-B. Additionally, scores from the SAT or ACT after 2005 may be used to meet the basic skills requirement.
3. SCHOOL-BASED PLACEMENTS & COURSEWORK
You will complete middle school and high school teaching methods coursework and Social Studies-related school-based experiences during the academic year.
For additional information, contact Karen Stump at the School of Education.