SPEAK Test
SPEAK Test Schedule
The SPEAK test is the institutional version of the Test of Spoken
English (TSE), a test designed by the Educational Testing Service
to assess speaking skills. The SPEAK test is frequently used to
evaluate the spoken English of international TAs. This 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.
Testing Schedule:
The SPEAK test will be given at the following times in Room 250
Van Hise. Students should arrive at least 10 minutes before the
test starts to check in.
Spring 2013
Monday, January 14 9:30 am
Wednesday, January 16 9:30 am
Monday, February 25 3:30 pm
Monday, March 18 3:30 pm
Monday, April 22 3:30 pm, 4:15 pm or 5:00 pm. You will receive an email confirmation indicating the time you are signed up to take the test. Please come only at your designated time.
Summer 2013
Monday, July 22 1:00 pm
Monday, August 5 1:00 pm
Fall 2013
Monday, August 26 9:30 am and 10:15 am
Wednesday, August 28 9:30 am and 10:15 am
Monday, September 23 3:30 pm
Monday, October 28 3:30 pm
Monday, November 25 3:30 pm
Requirements
Departments must authorize their teaching assistants or potential
teaching assistants to take the SPEAK test by pre-registering them
with the ESL Program. To do this, e-mail the completed registration
form to speaktest@english.wisc.edu.
Students must bring a picture ID and may take the test
only once in a three-month period.
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.
1) Students with a score greater than or equal to 50 may teach with
no further English language testing requirements.
2) 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.
3) 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 paper copy can be sent.
What’s the test like?
Download this sample
SPEAK test to practice. On the day of the test, you will not need a pencil, paper, or any other materials. You will sit at a computer terminal and wear headphones with a microphone. You will listen to the test questions as you follow along reading a test booklet. You will speak into the microphone and your voice will be recorded. You will not have to write anything. You will not be able to make any notes during the test. The test will take about 20 minutes.