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314 Yon Hall
University of Florida
Gainesville FL 32611-5454
Phone: (352) 392-3286
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Oral Proficiency Testing At UF

Why Take The SPEAK Test?

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Florida law requires international teaching assistants (ITAs) to demonstrate oral proficiency in English. Adequate proficiency is indicated by a score of 55 on the SPEAK (Speaking Proficiency English Assessment Kit) or the TSE (Test of Spoken English). For ITAs teaching their native language, the minimum score is 45.
UF permits a provisional teaching assignment for students scoring 45 - 50 if they concurrently enroll in ASE2 (EAP5836). Students from certain English-speaking countries are exempt from testing. Consult the Graduate School for state and university requirements.
ASE administers and rates the SPEAK test monthly. Fee payment and advance registration are required. The SPEAK test should be taken well in advance of any possible teaching appointment. Scores are reported within two weeks and online shortly after the test has been rated.

Check your score: 16 April 2008 SPEAK

SPEAK Registration, Test Procedures & Test Preparation
Registration:
  • Test dates are listed in the Online Registration Form
  • Sign up with the Online Registration Form. NOTE: You must have a GatorLink ID to register for the SPEAK.
  • If automatic, online registration is disabled, contact ASE in Yon 314 between 9:30 - 11:30 a.m., or telephone (352)392-3286. Registration for the SPEAK test is on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Departments wishing to register for their students should contact ASE, with the GatorLink ID of a department representative.
  • The test fee is $60.00. You will not be allowed to take the test without prior payment.
  • If you are unable to take a test you have registered for, cancel your registration using the same Registration Form or notify the Academic Spoken English Office, (352)392-3286, or Email ASE twenty-four hours in advance.
Test Procedures:
On the date of the UF SPEAK Test, regardless of the test section you think you are in, arrive at the Language Learning Center (Turlington 1317) at 5:30 pm (17:30). Bring the following things with you to the test:
  • A check for $60.00, made out to the University of Florida -- or $60.00 in cash
  • Your UF ID Card (i.e. your Gator1 Card)
  • Your local mailing address
  • A pen
If there are any changes to these requirements (including the time of the test) you will be notified by email at least 24 hours in advance. The registration software we use generates a list of testees and puts a number next to your name on the list. This number can change based upon registration and cancellations. Therefore, do not assume that you are in a particular section based upon this number. Check in for the SPEAK at 5:30 pm (17:30) anyway. If fewer students show up than appear on the list, we will only give one section of the SPEAK instead of two (or more).
Test Preparation:
It is advisable to be familiar with the test format and question types. A sample test with practice tape is available for use at the Language Learning Center, 1317 Turlington Hall. ETS also offers a sample test you can access online.
Please be aware that you cannot "study" for the SPEAK. It is a test of spoken English. SPEAK scores generally do not improve significantly without further language development. If you need to pass the SPEAK, you should not be speaking your native language for most of the day. Before re-testing it is advisable to take an English course, get tutoring with a native speaker, or engage in other guided practice. For this reason, UF policy permits taking the SPEAK test a MAXIMUM of two times a semester and three times in a year.

Overview Of ASE Courses For International Teaching Assistants
After reviewing SPEAK scores, the UF Graduate School, colleges, or departments recommend or require ASE courses for graduate students who want to be teaching assistants.
Under 45
EAP5835: Students preparing for teaching
45-50
EAP5836: ITAs in their first semester of teaching (required)
45-60
EAP5837: Graders and tutors
55-60
No requirement

Courses For General Improvement Of Spoken English
For graduate students who do not plan to teach.
Students new to UF usually enroll in EAP5835. EAP 5837 is for advanced learners, individuals preparing to grade or tutor, or students who wish to focus mainly on interpersonal communication.
Students needing English to strengthen their academic performance may consult the ASE office for placement assistance. The office is located at: Yon 314 (East side of UF Stadium.) Office hours are 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. Or call the office at: (352)392-3286.

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Copyright © 2008 Academic Spoken English UF

Last modified 17 April 2008
Programming: drjdg <drjdg(at)ufl(dot)edu>