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International Teaching Assistant Program
Why should I take the SPEAK & ITA test?
It is the policy of Oklahoma State University that all persons employed as members
of the faculty, as teaching assistants or teaching associates, or for
any other assignments involving oral instruction be proficient in spoken
English. Hence there are two tests that you
must pass before you will be eligible
to teach at Oklahoma State University. The first test that you must pass is
the Test of Spoken English (TSE)
or its institutional equivalent-- the SPEAK Test, or have a passing score on the Speaking Skills section of the TOEFL iBT. After you pass the SPEAK (the TSE or the Speaking Skills section of the TOEFL iBT) you must take the ITA test.
When are the SPEAK and ITA Tests scheduled?
Please refer to the Schedules for
your answer.
What preparation should I undertake for my SPEAK test?
When you take the SPEAK test, you will be given a test book and asked to
read a set of general directions before you begin. Each section of the test
has
special instructions... It is a good idea to become familiar with the instructions
before the day of the test. The whole test is recorded. The voices on the test
tape will ask you various questions. When you answer, you speak into a microphone,
and answer will be recorded digitally. To help you overcome any nervousness,
you may wish to practice recording your voice before the day of the test.
When can I know the results of my SPEAK test?
The results will be posted on the SPEAK Test Results webpage. When the results have been posted, a noification will be sent to the e-mail that you provided us during the SPEAK
registration. You will need the Exam ID number that you receive when you take the test to check your score.
I have taken the TSE test, do I have to take the SPEAK test ?
If you have a score of 50 or higher on the TSE test you do not have to take the SPEAK test. In this case, contact Dr. Halleck to provide proof of the score and be included on the schedule for the ITA test.
I have taken the new TOEFL iBT which includes a speaking section, do I have to take the SPEAK test ?
If you have a score of 26 or higher on the Speaking Skills section of the TOEFL iBT, you do not have to take the SPEAK test. In this case, contact Dr. Halleck to provide proof of the score and be included on the schedule for the ITA test.
What should I do if I fail to obtain a passing score in the SPEAK test?
You should consider enrolling in the Language Skills course (GRAD 5990).
The Language Skills class focuses on pronunciation, fluency, grammar and comprehensibility,
with particular emphasis on extensive pronunciation practice outside of
class. You can find more information about this course on the GRAD 5990 page.
What should I do if I fail to obtain a passing score in the ITA exam?
You will be required to register for at least one credit in GRAD 5990 before
you are able to take the ITA Test again. The Teaching Skills course prepares
you for a special administration of the ITA Test (held mid-semester, only
for students registered in GRAD 5990).
Is it mandatory to attend the ITA orientation?
Yes, it is mandatory to attend all orientation sessions to be eligible
to take the ITA exam.
I am a transfer student from a US University having passed a similar kind
of ITA program. Should I retake the SPEAK and ITA Tests?
If you have a passing score on the TSE (50,55 or 60) or on the Speaking Skills section of the TOEFL iBT (26 or higher) then you don’t have
to take SPEAK. SPEAK scores do not transfer from one institution to another. The
SPEAK is an institutional form of the TSE. Regardless of the score you
obtained on a SPEAK test at another institution, you must pass the SPEAK test
at OSU (unless you have already passed the TSE or have a passing score on the Speaking Skills section of the TOEFL iBT). Similarly, ITA Test
results do not transfer from one institution to another, since requirements
may vary. If you did well at another institution, then you shouldn’t
worry about taking the test again!
What is the Tuition fee for the GRAD 5990
Course?
You must register for one credit. The fee will depend on your status – the
GRAD 5990 credit will be the same amount that you pay for other credits.
What topic (subject content) should I present in the ITA exam?
This will be discussed in the Orientation. The topic should be appropriate
for an undergraduate course in your department. (Consult undergrad texts
used in your department).
If I attend the Orientation sessions this semester, do I have to take
the ITA Test too, or can I wait until next semester?
You don’t have to take the ITA Test the same semester that you attend
the Orientation. Just keep your card as proof of attendance, and you
can use it when you are ready to take the ITA Test.
How can I contact the Director of the ITA Program?
You can either e-mail Dr. Halleck or
call 405-744-9474 to reach her office.
English Department
College of Arts & Sciences
Oklahoma State University
205 Morrill Hall
Stillwater, OK 74078
Phone: 405-744-9474
For Information about English Programs: english.information@okstate.edu
Webmaster: engweb@okstate.edu