The SPEAK Test
UW System policy requires non-native English speakers to demonstrate proficiency in spoken English before they are assigned classroom duties as teaching assistants.
Departments are responsible for ensuring that all potential non-native English speaking TAs have the English skills necessary to be effective teachers. We recognize and value the contribution that International Teaching Assistants (ITAs) make to our university. This requirement is not intended to be punitive, but rather is necessary to ensure that students are able to understand their TAs and have a positive learning experience. For more information on university policies related to TA spoken English proficiency see: https://kb.wisc.edu/page.php?id=25268 .
The SPEAK test is used to evaluate the spoken English of International TAs. The test is available only to students holding or under consideration for a teaching assistantship. SPEAK test scores cannot be sent to or accepted from other educational institutions.
Important Note: International students who score a 26/30 or higher on the speaking section of the iBt TOEFL test, or 8.0 or higher in the speaking section of IELTS, may be exempt from taking the SPEAK test, and may be eligible to teach with no further English language testing requirements, at the discretion of the employing unit.
Registration Procedures:
1) Students who wish to take the test should contact their department. Departments must authorize their teaching assistants or potential teaching assistants to take the SPEAK test by pre-registering them with the ESL Program.
2) To authorize a student, the department should email the SPEAK administrator (speaktest@english.wisc.edu) with the information below. Please register your student by Thursday, end of business day, before the published SPEAK test dates as only students who are registered on time will be tested.
Subject line: SPEAK test scheduling
Please include:
-
- Test taker’s name
- Campus ID number
- Department
- Department contact with email
3) An ESL administrator/staff will contact the student to arrange the time and date for the test.
Note: The test can be taken only once in any three-month period.
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Interpretation of Results
Each college or school determines its own policy for the hiring of teaching assistants, in accordance with general university guidelines. The general guidelines for the use of SPEAK test scores follow.
Students with a score greater than or equal to 50 may teach with no further English language testing requirements.
Students with a score of 45 can perform instructional duties that require spoken English only if also enrolled in a program to improve English skills.
Students with a score lower than 45 cannot perform instructional duties that require spoken English.
Reporting of Results
SPEAK tests will be scored within five working days and results will be sent to both the student and the department, accompanied by a recommendation for those with scores of 45 or lower. Scores will be sent by e-mail. On request, a PDF copy can be sent.
What's the test like?
Download this sample SPEAK test to practice. Students will take the test through a SPEAK Test Canvas course in a computer lab on campus. Students will be given access to the Canvas course in advance to access a practice test. The test will take about 30 minutes.
What should I do to prepare for the test?
You MUST take the Canvas practice SPEAK Test in advance. You will be added to the Canvas SPEAK Test course a few days before your test day.
What do I need to do on the day of the test?
Arrive 5-10 minutes early for check-in. Bring your student ID (or your passport if you do not yet have your student ID since a photo ID is required).
2022 SPEAK TEST
The SPEAK Test will be held in Room 274 Van Hise. Only students who have been registered by their departments in advance will be tested. Please bring your student ID and arrive at least 5 minutes early for check-in.
Upcoming test dates:
- Monday, February 28 3:30PM
- Monday, March 28 3:30PM
- Monday, April 25 2:45PM
See Registration Procedures for how to register students for the test.
SPRING 2022 SPEAK Test Dates:
The SPEAK Test will be held in Room 274 Van Hise. Only students who have been registered by their departments in advance will be tested. Please bring your student ID and arrive at least 5 minutes early for check-in.
- Tuesday, January 18 9:00AM
- Tuesday, January 19 10:00AM
- Wednesday, January 19 9:00 AM
- Monday, February 28 3:30PM
- Monday, March 28 3:30PM
- Monday, April 25 2:45PM
SUMMER 2022 SPEAK Test Dates:
The details for the SPEAK test for Summer 2022 remain to be decided. Please check back at a later date.
Fall 2022 SPEAK Test Dates:
The details for the SPEAK test for Fall 2022 remain to be decided. Please check back at a later date.