The Purpose of 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. The SPEAK test is used to evaluate the spoken English of International TAs. The test is available only to enrolled students holding or under consideration for a teaching assistantship.
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.
Exemption from the SPEAK Test
International students who meet one of the criteria below 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.
- 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,
Please note that SPEAK test scores cannot be sent to or accepted from other educational institutions.
For more information
For more information on university policies related to TA spoken English proficiency see: https://kb.wisc.edu/page.php?id=25268 .
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.
SPEAK Test FAQ
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What is the SPEAK test?
The SPEAK test is an in-person 20-minute recorded oral examination (total testing time from check-in to completion is about 45 minutes). The 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.
What score is required to pass the SPEAK test?
UW System policy requires that non-native English speakers demonstrate proficiency in spoken English before they are assigned classroom duties as teaching assistants.
Departments may utilize the following mechanisms to demonstrate spoken English proficiency by potential TAs:
- A satisfactory score greater than or equal to 50 on the SPEAK test
- A score of 26/30 or higher on the speaking section of the iBt TOEFL test
- A score of 8.0 or higher on the speaking section of the IELTS
How are results intrepreted?
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.
*Note: Students are required to re-take the SPEAK test until they have earned a score of 50 or above to teach without further English Language testing requirements.
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 SPEAK test experience like?
Students will take the test through a SPEAK Test Canvas course in a computer lab on campus. The test is recorded and timed on a computer in a computer classroom with several other examinees. Examinees listen to the test through headphones and speak into a microphone on their headset to record their responses.
Download this sample SPEAK test for examples of the types of questions you will be asked on the test.
What should I do to prepare for the test?
You MUST take the Canvas Practice SPEAK Test in advance. You will be enrolled in the SPEAK Test Canvas course a few days before your test date. You can retake the Practice Test as many times as you like to familiarize yourself with the test format.
How soon can I retake the SPEAK test?
The test can be taken only once in any three-month period.
How do I register for the SPEAK test
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. (See registration Procedures above for more detailed instructions.)
What do I need to do on the day of the test?
Arrive 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).
While masks are not required, you are welcome to wear one if you feel more comfortable being masked. Wearing a mask will not affect the quality of the recording.
How is the SPEAK test rated?
The SPEAK test is rated by qualified and trained language specialists for pronunciation and how well the student addresses the question being asked. Two graders independently score each test, and their scores are averaged. The scoring guide used to evaluate the SPEAK test is indicated below.
The SPEAK rating scale: Link
Adapted from the SPEAK Band Descriptor Chart in SPEAK Rater Training Guide, published by Educational Testing Service. (1996). Princeton, New Jersey.
2023 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:
- Tuesday, January 17 9:00am
- Wednesday, January 18th 9:00am
- Monday, February 27th 3:30pm
- Monday, March 27th 3:30pm
- Monday, April 24th 2:45pm
- Monday, July 24th 1:00pm
- Monday, August 7th 1:00pm
See Registration Procedures for how to register students for the test.
SPRING 2023 SPEAK Test Dates:
- Tuesday, January 17 9:00am
- Wednesday, January 18th 9:00am
- Monday, February 27th 3:30pm
- Monday, March 27th 3:30pm
- Monday, April 24th 2:45pm
SUMMER 2023 SPEAK Test Dates:
- Monday, July 24th 1:00pm
- Monday, August 7th 1:00pm
Fall 2023 SPEAK Test Dates:
The details for the SPEAK test for Fall 2023 remain to be decided. Please check back at a later date.