The score determines the type of duties the TA may perform:
- A rating of 3.5 or higher: a TA may have ANY assignment, including teaching a course as primary instructor
- A rating of 3.0-3.49: recitation instructor or laboratory instructor who interacts with students, or a grader who makes subjective decisions about written work. The TA may NOT teach a course as primary instructor.
- A rating of 1.5-2.9: a laboratory instructor who does NOT interact with students or a grader of solely objective texts. Status allowed for TWO semesters only.
- A rating below 1.5: non-teaching duties only; to be funded by the department.
In addition to determining a TA’s assignment, these categories mean that the TA MUST enroll in the ESL class for TAs the first semester of their TAship and be screened again at the end of the student's first semester. TAs may work under the "conditional approval" category for a maximum of two semesters. A teaching assistantship cannot be offered for a second year unless the category "approved" (i.e., 3.0 and above) is achieved on the second screening.
The TA language screenings fall under the "Policies on International Teaching Assistants" (AR 5.3) and as such are binding for all departments. The current criteria were approved January 2019.
TA language screenings occur via Zoom, so a strong, reliable internet connection is imperative for all participants. TAs will also need a computer with a camera, microphone, and speakers. Phones and tablets present problems with limited visibility and screen sharing, so they should not be used.
TAs should be certain that their screening location is quiet and free of distractions. TAs should also test their equipment several days before the screening to ensure that everything is working correctly and the audio quality is good (loud enough, no echo, etc.) TAs are also encouraged to practice sharing their screens on Zoom before the testing date.
If a tech-related problem occurs during the screening, a committee member will describe the problem in the screening report. TA language screening administrators will review the notes and recording to determine if the technology has significantly impeded the screening. A second screening may be scheduled if testing administrators determine that technology challenges prevented the committee from getting a sufficient language sample during the initial screening. TAs can deliver the same lesson during this second screening.
TAs whose primary language is not English may enroll in ESL speaking/listening courses, specifically ESL 090 and/or ENG 098, courses designed for international teaching assistants, or in other programs offered through the Center for English as a Second Language. They may also participate in ESL Conversation Groups in the community. ESL classes and conversation groups available off campus are often provided through the Lexington Public Library, the Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning, and Bluegrass Community and Technical College. (Other local programs may also be available.) Departments should take an active role in helping TAs for whom English is not the primary language gain a professional level of linguistic competency.
The screening committee may make a recommendation or a requirement that a TA engage with one or more of these resources.