Non-native English Speaking Teaching Assistants
The UW-Madison campus policy and UW System policy require that all departments have in place a plan for assessing the English proficiency of potential non-native English speaking teaching assistants. Such proficiency must be demonstrated before non-native English speaking TAs are allowed to assume classroom-teaching duties (Regent policy 91-13).
Most departments in L&S, including the Psychology Department, use the SPEAK test for this purpose and the guidelines are as follows (Note: The SPEAK Test schedule is available at: https://esl.wisc.edu/ita-training/speak/)
Requirements: Individual students do not need to pre-register. Call 263-3780 for groups of six or more for a single testing session. Students must bring a picture ID and a letter of authorization from their department. Students may take the test only once in a three-month period.
Interpretation of Results:
| Score | Student Result |
| Greater than or equal to 50 | May teach with no further English language testing requirements. |
| 45 | Can perform instructional duties that require spoken English only if also enrolled in a program to improve English skills. |
| Lower than 45 | Cannot perform instructional duties that require spoken English. |
Reporting of Results:
SPEAK tests will be scored within five days and will be sent to both the student and the department, accompanied by a recommendation for those with scores of 45 or lower. Upon request, scores will be sent by E-mail, followed by a paper copy. If you are a non-native English speaking teaching assistant with teaching responsibilities, please check with Melanie Jones, mjones@wisc.edu, to make arrangements for the SPEAK test.