Important TAPE Program Procedures
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TAPE Testing
Procedures
All students for whom English is not a first language and who have first-time
appointments as TAs are required to take a test to assess their effectiveness
in speaking English before
they are assigned assistantship responsibilities. The SPEAK
is a test that assesses students' oral language and listening
skills. To
participate in this program, students must be enrolled in a graduate
program at The University of Iowa, and an academic department must
be considering hiring them as teaching assistants.
All
students to be tested must first register for the
SPEAK test through their departments. When a department offers
(or is thinking about offering) a teaching assistantship to a student
who has never before been a TA at the University, the department
sends a three-part carbonless Request
for Evaluation form to the ESL Programs Office. (To obtain additional
forms, departments should contact the ESL Programs Office.) The ESL
Coordinator sends the student (via the department) a letter indicating
the time and place of the appropriate SPEAK testing.
Students who would like to see sample SPEAK test questions
should visit the ETS
website.
Students take the SPEAK test in the audio classroom
of the Language Media Center, where their answers are recorded. Their
performance on the test is evaluated by two certified ESL raters. At
the SPEAK testing, students are given a time when they should go to the
ESL Programs Office (1112 University Capitol Centre) to find out if they
have attained an acceptable SPEAK score (50 or higher) and if they are
therefore eligible to take the ELPT (English Language Performance Test).
Students who score 50 or 55 must then sign up to take the ELPT. At registration
for the ELPT, each examinee is given detailed instructions on how to
prepare for the test. Students who score 60 on the SPEAK are fully certified
and are not required to take the ELPT (see flowchart below).
Testing takes place at various times throughout the
year. When the testing is held the week before the start of fall and
spring semesters, all results for TA nominees new to campus are sent
to the department liaison by the end of the week of testing. SPEAK test
results are sent within two days. ELPT results are sent to the students
through their departments within a day of taking that test.
SPEAK and ELPT result forms contain the following information:
-
the Level of Certification achieved by the examinee
(fully certified, partially certified, or not certified);
-
the types of teaching assistant responsibilities
the student has language proficiency to perform; and
- the
TAPE program courses, if any, which the student is required to complete.
Retesting
Students who fail the SPEAK test can retest only if
1) they take one of the required TAPE classes (in which case they will be
automatically retested at the end of the class),
OR
2) they wait an entire year (students may only do this once).
Please see the flowchart below for a clear explanation of the process.
All ESL programs, testing, and policies
are administered by the Department
of Linguistics.
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TAPE dates for Spring 2010 will be announced
shortly
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'Understanding
SPEAK/ELPT Results
Students
who take the SPEAK/ELPT receive a report indicating one of the following
teaching classifications:
A = Take
full responsibility for a lecture or discussion class
- Either
the student scored 60 on the SPEAK test and does not have to take the
ELPT or the student scored 50 or 55 on the SPEAK test, and her ELPT
performance indicated that she should be able to take full responsibility
for a class. No retesting or TAPE classes are required, although the
student is required to register for the TAPE Orientation Workshop during
the first semester that she teaches.
-
B = Handle
a discussion section or supervise a lab section with minimal
supervision
- The
student scored 50 or higher on the SPEAK test, and the ELPT performance
has indicated that the student's proficiency is at a level sufficient
to teach a discussion section or lab with some faculty supervision.
TAPE classes and another ELPT are required if the student wishes to
raise his certification to the A level. The student will be required
to register for the TAPE Orientation Workshop during the first semester
that he teaches.
-
C = Assist
in a lab situation with immediate supervision
- The
student scored 50 or higher on the SPEAK test. The ELPT performance
indicated that the student's proficiency is at a level sufficient to
assume duties such as assisting in a lab; however, immediate supervision
of a faculty member is required. TAPE classes and an additional ELPT
are required if the student wishes to raise her certification to the
A or B level.
-
D = Conduct
office hours (one-on-one interaction only)
- If a student scores at least 45 on the SPEAK, he may assume teaching
assistantship responsibilities which allow for one-on-one interaction
with students, such as conducting office hours. The student cannot
assume teaching assistantship responsibilities in a classroom setting.
TAPE classes are required before the student is allowed to retake the
SPEAK test.
-
E = Grade
papers or handle other duties that do not require direct contact with
students
- The
student scored less than 45 on the SPEAK test and must not be assigned
duties that require direct contact with students. TAPE classes are
required before the student is allowed to retake the SPEAK test. If
the student's score is below 40, she is required to take ESL Conversation
Skills or ESL Pronunciation before enrolling in TAPE classes.
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Classroom
Follow-Up
The final component of the TAPE Program
is the follow-up classroom observation. The observations are conducted
in the fall and spring semesters, when the majority of teaching assistants
are in the classroom. It is designed to provide TAs whose first language
is not English with support and assistance during their first semester
in a UI classroom.
Here's how it works:
An instructor from ESL Programs meets with a first-time TA after class to suggest
ways to improve her language or ways to use language compensation skills.
The TA is invited to discuss problems or questions which have arisen during
the semester. Finally, a written report of the visit is later sent to the
TA.
Recertification
In some cases, TAs who are certified at
level B ("handle a discussion section or supervise a lab section with
minimal supervision") will have their certification level raised to
an A ("take full responsibility for a lecture/discussion class"),
based on the classroom observation. Students with a B certification who
have been teaching for more than one semester and who were observed in
their first semester of teaching may contact the ESL Programs office and
request a recertification observation with the hope of raising their certification
to the A level.
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Guidelines
for the SPEAK Test
If
you would like to become a TA, your first step is to contact the department
where you wish to be a TA. If they are interested in hiring you, they
will complete a three-part carbonless Request
for Evaluation for TA Certification form and send it to ESL Programs.
(Request forms can be obtained by contacting the ESL Programs Office.)
If the ESL Programs office has received the necessary form from your department,
you will receive a letter informing you that you need to officially register
for the SPEAK test. The letter will be sent
to your department mailbox, not to your home. You will be told to come to 1112
University Capitol Centre the day before your
scheduled SPEAK test to register for a specific
time to take the test.
On the day before the test, you will sign up for a specific time and we will
inform you of the location of the test and answer questions you may have.
If you would like to see sample SPEAK test questions, please visit
the ETS
website.
Click here for detailed
information about the SPEAK test and how it is scored.
When you take the SPEAK test, you will be told when the results will be available.
Come to 1112 University Capitol Centre on that day to check your results. The
ELPT is given on the day after you receive your results. If
you score 50 or 55 on the SPEAK test but do not come in on the assigned day
to check your results, you will miss the ELPT and have to wait until the next
test date.
If you score a 50 or 55 on the SPEAK test, sign up immediately
for the ELPT. (The ELPT is a lecture test during which a student
gives a ten- to fifteen-minute presentation on the topic of his
or her choice). If it is important that you take the ELPT at
a certain time of day, come as early as possible to check your
results, as more time slots will be available.
A photo ID is required to register for the tests, to take the tests, and to
pick up results. NO EXCEPTIONS will be made. If you do not bring an ID, you
will not be allowed to test or pick up results. A student ID, driver's license,
and passport are all acceptable forms of ID.
Students who score 60 on the SPEAK test are not required to take the ELPT.
They are fully certified TAs and are able to assume full responsibility for
a lecture or discussion class.
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Guidelines
for the ELPT
The English Language Performance Test (ELPT) is a supplement
to the SPEAK test and is given to students who have scored 50 or 55 on
the SPEAK. (Students who score 60 on the SPEAK are not required to take
the ELPT.)
The ELPT is designed to measure the prospective teaching assistant’s
ability to communicate in English in a classroom context in their own field
of study. The ELPT attempts to identify specific aspects of language likely
to present problems in communication for the new teaching assistant (TA)
whose first language is not English.
TESTING PROCEDURES
(You will receive this same information when you register for the ELPT.)
The entire test takes approximately fifteen minutes.
All ELPTs are videotaped and administered in typical University classrooms
with a chalkboard or whiteboard and an overhead projector.
You may distribute handouts to the audience if you choose.
You may use notes or a copy of the textbook, but do not memorize or read
the presentation. PowerPoint and similar computer applications are not allowed.
The ELPT consists of three parts.
(1) For the first two minutes, you will become familiar
with your physical surroundings, meet your audience (three or four
ESL professionals), and, if you like, write a few terms, formulae,
etc., on the board before you begin your presentation.
(2) You will then have seven to ten
minutes to present your chosen topic clearly, in words that an undergraduate class
could understand, and to answer questions which might be asked of you
during your presentation;
(3) You will be given two to three
minutes to answer additional questions.
As you prepare for your presentation, you should keep
in mind the following points:
1. Your lesson is happening sometime in the middle
of the semester rather than at the beginning. You should not begin your
presentation by saying, "Welcome to this course. My name is ..."
2. You should choose a topic suitable for undergraduates
in an introductory level class in your discipline. You could explain
a concept, define a term, describe a process or demonstrate a procedure.
It might be helpful to look through some of the undergraduate textbooks
used in your department for ideas.
3. When you choose a topic to present, be sure that
it allows you to use enough language so that you can demonstrate your
level of language proficiency. If the material you choose is too simple,
and does not allow you to use enough language, the evaluators will need
to ask questions designed to more accurately determine your language
proficiency level.
4. Members of your audience will ask you questions
related to the topic you present.
RATING YOUR PERFORMANCE
Although one or two students may act as questioners during your
presentation, the evaluators of your performance will be a team of professionals
in the field of teaching English as a Second Language. Two of these evaluators
will rate each ELPT performance; if there is any doubt about the rating,
a third evaluator will view the videotape.
Your performance will be rated in each of the following
areas:
1. Overall effectiveness and comprehensibility in spoken
English (the degree to which you are understood by most listeners with
only a little effort). This includes your ability:
- to select precise vocabulary;
- to demonstrate control of grammatical structures;
- to use accurate pronunciation;
- to provide a smooth delivery; and
- to control word and sentence stress, intonation and voice to convey
information and signal important points.
2. Ability to understand and answer student questions.
3. Ability to develop and organize information according
to accepted discourse patterns of the English language. This includes
your ability:
- to develop ideas;
- to stay focused on the topic; and
- to convey ideas without misrepresentation and confusion.
4. Ability, when necessary, to use non-linguistic information
(for example, gestures) to maximize comprehensibility.
REPORTING RESULTS OF THE ELPT
Results will be reported to the department that is
considering you for a teaching assistantship as soon as the results can
be determined. Please go to your department to receive your
results. If you have questions about your results or would
like to discuss future courses, you may talk to someone in ESL Programs after
receiving the results from your department.
ORIENTATION
A 6-hour orientation program is required of all students
who 1) have been certified at level A or B and 2) are
teaching a University class for the first time. If this requirement applies
to you, be sure to make arrangements with ESL Programs to attend the
orientation during your first semester in the classroom.
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Guidelines
for TAPE Classes
If you score lower than 60 on the SPEAK test, sign up immediately for
a TAPE class, as classes fill up quickly.
If you wait too long to sign up, the classes will be full.
If you have taken the SPEAK test at least once and are eligible to take TAPE
classes the following semester, it is highly recommended that you sign up
the first day of registration. If you are currently taking a TAPE class
and will be taking the SPEAK test or ELPT after the first day of registration,
you should still sign up while spaces are available. If you wait until
you receive the results of your test, it is likely that the classes will
be full. If you pass the test, you can simply drop the class.
If classes are full, you should put your name on a waiting list, and as spaces
become available (because of drops or no-shows), students from the waiting
list will be offered a place in class.
If a you sign up for a class in a timely manner after taking the SPEAK test
for the first time but you get put on a waiting list and no space becomes
available in the class, you will be allowed to retake the SPEAK test the
following semester without taking a class. This rule only applies one time.
If we offer you a space in a class and you turn it down, you lose the chance
to be retested.
If you are in the TAPE program because you have previously taken the
SPEAK test or you are in a TAPE class and you do not sign up early enough
to get into a TAPE class, you will NOT be allowed to be retested if your
name is on the waiting list.
If you choose not to take a TAPE class, you will not
be allowed to retake the SPEAK test until you have taken a TAPE class
or until one year has passed since your last test.
If you have been given permission to register by the ESL Programs Office,
a seat is reserved for you in a TAPE class. However, this is a reservation
only; you are not registered until you do it yourself through ISIS or go
to the Registration Center. Also, please note that this reservation is only
held until two weeks before the start of the semester. If you have not registered
by that date, your spot will be given to a student on the waiting list.
In most cases, students who have not scored at least 50 on the SPEAK test
will be required to take the TA Preparation: Fluency Building and Culture
and/or TA Preparation: Pronunciation class. Students who have scored 50 or
above on the SPEAK and received a C or above on the ELPT are eligible to
take the Presentations course. Due to limited space availability, students
are usually allowed to take only one TAPE class per semester.
Students who have taken the ELPT and received a certification level of A
or B, who are teaching for the first time and whose teaching responsibilities
include conducting a discussion section or taking full responsibility for
a lecture class are required to attend an Orientation workshop. You should
attend the Orientation class the first semester that you teach. Sign up for
this class at the ESL office.
If you drop a TAPE class two semesters in a row, you will
not be allowed to register for a class the next semester. You will have to
wait one semester before registering for another class.
If you receive a U in a TAPE class, you will not be allowed
to register for a class the following semester.
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TAPE
Course Descriptions & Schedules
The
current semester course schedule is available on ISIS
Students: To
register for a TAPE course, first you must come to the ESL Programs Office
at 1112 University Capitol Centre. After we approve you for the class,
you will be able to register on ISIS. Remember, you must have taken the
SPEAK test to enroll in a TAPE class.
course Descriptions
103:006 TA PREPARATION: FLUENCY BUILDING AND CULTURE
Fluency
Building and Culture gives students the opportunity not only to attain
greater conversational fluency by participating in natural interactions
in U.S. culture, but also to continue to improve their pronunciation.
This class meets four times per week for 50 minutes.
103:007 TA PREPARATION: PRONUNCIATION
Pronunciation
provides intensive work on pronunciation and is designed to help future
teaching assistants attain maximum intelligibility. It includes special
emphasis on stress, timing, and intonation. This class meets four times
per week for 50 minutes.
103:008 TA PREPARATION: PRESENTATION SKILLS
Presentations
emphasizes intelligibility of speech and clarity of expression in presenting
material and responding to questions. Students practice giving lectures
and improve their language skills by viewing and critiquing themselves
and others on videotape. Content material familiarizes foreign students
with the culture of the U.S. classroom. This class meets three times
per week for 50 minutes.
103:009 TA PREPARATION: ORIENTATION PROGRAM
A
six-hour orientation program will be required of all students who are
certified at level A or B and are teaching for the first time.
This
orientation helps new teaching assistants understand the culture of the
U.S. classroom and treats topics such as student expectations, teacher-student
relationships, and understanding and answering student questions. Discussion
focuses on suggestions for maximizing comprehensibility in spoken English.
This course meets twice for 3 hours early in the semester. All meetings
are held in the evening.
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Important
TAPE Program Procedures
Because some of the costs of the University’s
TAPE Program courses are now being assessed to the colleges in which the
prospective teaching assistants are enrolled on a per student basis, the
TAPE Program is initiating new procedures designed to avoid billing errors
and minimize confusion about the course fees.
Payment of TAPE Course Fees
Colleges/departments must pay TAPE course fees for students
who are
1. employed by the University as a Graduate Teaching
or Research Assistant;
2. covered by the COGS Agreement; and
3. required to take the courses as a condition of employment.
It is the responsibility of each college/department
to inform the ESL Office of any student not being supported by the college/department.
This should be done when the TAPE Program departmental liaison submits
a “Request for Evaluation” form to the ESL Office. It is
also the responsibility of the college or department to inform the student
that he or she must pay the full cost of the TAPE course should the student
choose to enroll.
Colleges/departments are not required to pay for prospective
teaching assistants who are tested, but have not been awarded either
a teaching assistantship or a research assistantship (those not covered
by the COGS Agreement). In this circumstance, the student is personally
responsible for the full cost of any TAPE courses unless the student’s
college or department chooses to pay.
Early Registration for TAPE Courses
Experience has shown that students who receive special
permission to enroll in TAPE courses often fail to register despite published
deadlines and e-mail reminders. This causes difficulty for the ESL Office
in trying to determine space availability, and frustration for new students
required to take TAPE courses and trying to register. Any student who
has been given special permission to enroll in a TAPE course during early
registration must register for the course on ISIS at least two weeks
before the start of the semester. Failure to register by the date specified
by the TAPE Program will result in revocation of the student’s
special permission, and the student’s place will be given to someone
else.
Dropping TAPE Courses
The ESL Office is committed to a fair policy on dropping
courses and to communicating clearly with departments about all student
requests to drop a TAPE course. Therefore, the following procedures are
to be followed.
To drop a TAPE course without charge,
the drop must be processed no later than the end of the
first week of classes. The full cost of the course will
be assessed for any drops processed after the first week
of classes.
The ESL Office will not process any
TAPE course drops without the consent of the DEO or departmental
TAPE Program liaison. Consent must be sent to the ESL Office
either by e-mail (esl-program@uiowa.edu)
or on departmental letterhead with the appropriate signature.
Please feel free to contact the ESL Programs
office should you have questions about any aspect of the
TAPE Program.
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ESL Tutors
The ESL Programs Office maintains a list of tutors who are specially certified to teach English as a second language. (Remember, not everyone who speaks English is qualified to teach it!) Private tutoring is $25 per hour. Please check with the ESL Office before you hire a tutor, as we can help you find one who best fits your needs.
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