Testing and Training Policy for International GTA's

All international GTAs (IGTAs) whose native language is not English are required to take the Speaking Proficiency English Assessment Kit (SPEAK) test, administered by the English Language Institute, before serving as graduate teaching assistants. Test scores will be furnished by the Graduate School to the academic unit employing the IGTA.

The Test of Spoken English (TSE) taken within 2 years prior to the start of the IGTA appointment can be used as a substitute for the SPEAK test. The SPEAK Test is the same test as the TSE, except that it is a retired version and is administered institutionally rather than by ETS. The TSE is the preferred test, but is not available in all countries and must be taken at least six weeks prior to admission to allow sufficient time for grading and reporting of scores by the Educational Testing Service.

The SPEAK test can be taken only once by any student. Subsequent evaluation will be based on other considerations, such as through individual assessment provided at the end of further English language training.

SPEAK scores will be reported in increments of 5. Test results will be evaluated independently by two raters, with each rater assigning scores in increments of 10. The final score will be derived from the average of the combined ratings. Thus, scores ending in 5 indicate the individual ratings differed by an increment of 10.

IGTAs with SPEAK scores at 50 or above should have no significant language difficulties. It is anticipated that the English language proficiency of IGTAs in this category should allow for competent delivery of assignment employing most levels of student-teacher interaction.

IGTAs scoring below 50 demonstrate progressively more language limitations. Using the Guidelines for the Assignment of International GTAs, academic departments will be responsible for making assignments commensurate with the level of English language proficiency,and will be responsible for monitoring and ensuring ongoing effectiveness and competence in the IGTA's fulfillment of assignment.

Departments employing IGTAs shall maintain on file records of assignments and any remedial action taken should there be questions or complaints about IGTA performance at some subsequent date.

IGTAs scoring below 50 will be required to undertake further English language training, the level of which will be determined by the original score received. Departments are expected to pay for the course designed specifically for IGTAs scoring 40 or 45. This course will be offered only Fall term.

Students receiving scores of less than 40 must enroll in further English language training, the level of which will be determined by the original SPEAK score received, ELI's course recommendation, and course availability during the term in which further training is required. In the absence of alternate courses, ELI may recommend the IGTA course be taken. IGTAs enrolling in ELI courses other than the IGTA course, should notify their ELI instructors that they are potential GTAs and will need to be evaluated as such. They should also request that the instructor fill out the GTA evaluation form at the end of the term. Students scoring below 40 will be responsible personally for the enrollment costs associated with further English language training although departments may wish to pay these costs on behalf of the student.

IGTAs will be evaluated by the ELI staff at the end of the term in which further language training has been undertaken. ELI will make a recommendation as to whether English language proficiency is sufficient, limited, or that further training is necessary. ELI will take into consideration the training policy and Guidelines for the Assignment of International GTAs when making its recommendation.

Departments are advised to include in their offers of graduate teaching assistantships the specification that students receiving scores of less than 50 on the TSE or SPEAK test will be required to undertake further English language training and that the cost of such training may be the responsibility of the student.

Students who perceive unsatisfactory performance by graduate teaching assistants should present their complaints to the department chair/head employing the GTA. A complaint can also be given to the student's advisor, head advisor, or academic dean of the college offering the course, who in turn will forward it to the appropriate department chair/head.

The performance of the reporting GTA will be investigated by the department chair/head and, if a problem is found to exist, appropriate action will be taken. The department chair/head will report complaints and actions taken to the academic dean and the graduate dean.

Guidelines for the Assignment of International GTAs