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English Language Proficiency Rating Scale

All nonnative English speaking TAs must demonstrate proficiency in spoken English appropriate to the demands of their teaching assistantship. Levels of proficiency are rated on a 1 to 5 scale based on SPEAK Test scores or successful completion of GRAD 5102 and GRAD 5105. The chart below illustrates the various TA duties appropriate to each level.

Duties ELP Rating Eligibility
Teaching 1 Eligible to hold position
2 Eligible to hold position while enrolled in GRAD 5105
3 Eligible to hold position while enrolled in GRAD 5105
4 Not eligible to hold position at this time
5 Not eligible to hold position at this time
Leading Lab or Recitation 1 Eligible to hold position
2 Eligible to hold position while enrolled in GRAD 5105
3 Eligible to hold position while enrolled in GRAD 5105
4 Not eligible to hold position at this time
5 Not eligible to hold position at this time
Tutoring or holding office hours 1 Eligible to hold position
2 Eligible to hold position
3 Eligible to hold position
4 Eligible to hold positionwhile enrolled in GRAD 5102
5 Not eligible to hold position at this time
Grading 1 Eligible to hold position
2 Eligible to hold position
3 Eligible to hold position
4 Eligible to hold position while enrolled in GRAD 5102
5 Not eligible to hold position at this time

Improve Your ELP Rating

Graduate students can improve their English Language Proficiency rating in two ways:

By taking the SPEAK test. Test scores correspond to ELP ratings thusly:

SPEAK Score ELP rating
Less than 45 5
45 4
50 3
55 1

By satisfactory completion of classroom communication courses with the Center for Teaching and Learning Services:

Course ELP rating
GRAD 5102 2
GRAD 5105 1

 

Center for Teaching and Learning