Spoken English Testing of International Teaching Assistants

In compliance with State law, Cleveland State University (CSU) requires that all non-native English speaking graduate assistants be assessed and certified as proficient in spoken English before being assigned to direct instructional activities.

Cleveland State University has two ways to demonstrate proficiency.

1. Take and pass the internet-based TOEFL (iBT) offered by Educational Testing Service (ETS) at testing centers overseas and in the United States (one in northern Ohio at Testing Services at Case Western Reserve University). The minimum score required for a teaching assistantship is 23 in the Speaking section. This score would require concurrent enrolment in ESL 504. The speaking section score needed for a teaching assistantship with no further ESL course work is 26.

See the ETS web site for more information: http://www.toefl.org/toefl. The Speaking section score will be used for evaluation of proficiency.

2. Take and pass the SPEAK test at the CSU Testing Center. The minimum score required in order to hold a teaching assistantship is 45 with concurrent enrollment in ESL 504. A score of 50 on the SPEAK test allows a student to have a teaching assistantship with no further restrictions. Students are required to pay a $125 fee.

It will take about 6 weeks to get results from iBT or about 2 weeks to get the results of the CSU SPEAK test.  The evaluation of the SPEAK test is managed through the English as a Second Language Program, but the test is taken at the Testing Center.

SPEAK Test Procedures

1. Pay the $125 fee at the Cashier’s office of Treasury Services (MC 1st floor) and get payment receipt for SPEAK test.
2. Take your payment receipt and make an appointment for the SPEAK test by calling the Testing Center x2272 or stopping by the Testing Center office (RT 1237).
3. Complete the SPEAK test form at the Testing Center when making the appointment. You must include the name of your Graduate Program Director and your contact information.
4. Take the SPEAK test at your appointment time.

The ESL office will receive a call to pick up your tape. It will be rated by two raters. Please do not call the ESL office. We will complete the rating as quickly as possible. Depending on the student's score, the student will be cleared to accept a teaching assistantship without restriction or will need to participate in a class before doing so. Two courses are offered for graduate credit (2 credits): ESL 503, Intermediate English as a Second Language Speaking Skills, and ESL 504, Communication Skills for International Teaching Assistants (ITAs). ITAs may teach concurrently if registered for ESL 504. The expenses for these classes are the students' responsibility. Tuition waivers can be used, upon approval. If you have any questions about the courses or the procedure, please contact the ESL Program.

Official SPEAK Test Cancellation/Refund Policy

In order to receive 100% refund for the SPEAK test, you must cancel your appointment with the Testing Center at least 48 hours before your scheduled test. If you cancel your appointment before the scheduled time, but less than 48 hours, you will receive a 50% refund. If you request a refund, but did not cancel before the appointment, no refund will be issued. All refunds will be issued as a reversal of charges to your account. Refunds are not available in cash or check. There is also a Graduate ESL Writing course (ESL 502). Any questions must be directed to Michele Bowman, the ESL Program Director.
 

Questions about the SPEAK test should be directed to:

Michele S. Bowman
ESL Program Director
Continuing Education CE 103
2121 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland State University
Cleveland, OH 44115

Campus Phone:
(216) 875-9669

email: esl@csuohio.edu