Memos

In the past, the University has used the Test of Spoken English (TSE) or the Speaking Proficiency English Assessment Kit (SPEAK) to assess spoken English competency of prospective graduate teaching assistants who are non-native speakers of English. The new Internet-based TOEFL (iBT) has a spoken English component. In countries where the iBT has been introduced, the TSE is being phased out. Another test that is widely available is the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), which also has a spoken English component.

The University is beginning to receive iBT and IELTS scores in lieu of TSE scores for prospective graduate students. The attached statement describes how the University of Kansas will use iBT and IELTS scores to assess spoken English competency during this transition period.