International Teaching Assistant (ITA) Language Screening

Answer: 

General Tips for Success

ITA Language Screening Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Language screenings are a way to assure that International Teaching Assistants (ITAs) have the needed English language abilities to present information and interact successfully with undergraduate students at the University of Kentucky. They do not screen for teaching ability.

Language screening protects ITAs from the stresses and frustrations of being in an inappropriate teaching situation, and from students who blame the ITAs' language skills for their difficulties in class.

Language screening protects departments by decreasing student complaints about instruction and providing a mechanism for documenting ITA language proficiency, by providing a neutral evaluation of language skills not subject to departmental issues and pressures, and by sending the message to ITAs and undergraduates that ITA language skills and undergraduate instruction are important.

Language screening protects undergraduate students by assuring a basic level of English language skills in instruction/grading, and by providing ITAs with resources and support for improving their language skills and developing pedagogy skills to account for any language/accent difficulties.

Language assessment scores determine the types of duties ITAs can perform (teaching, recitation or laboratory instructor, grader, non-instructional roles).

For more information please visit the ITA Language Screening Website