Policy on Selection, Training, and Evaluation of Teaching Assistants
amended July 2000 to include new SPEAK test scores

A. UW-Madison General Policies

All new teaching assistants will have training opportunities, assistance, and supervision appropriate to their academic discipline and duties. Schools and colleges are responsible for the implementation of [these] policies. . . [They] may delegate this responsibility to departments, but must certify that department plans meet the standards of the university policy. A detailed statement of this policy was reported to UW System Administration on May 28, 1992.

B. L&S Policies--Selection and Training

1. Each department or program that employs teaching assistants has a statement of criteria for use in making teaching assistant appointments.
2. Each department or program will identify a training program appropriate to its disciplinary and curricular needs. This program may be based entirely at the department/program level, or it may make use of programs sponsored by other departments or by the College.
3. Teaching assistants from another country will be provided with training in educational and cultural expectations for both teaching assistants and students at the UW-Madison. Departmental programs are expected to ensure that this training is incorporated in offerings for their international teaching assistants.
4. Teaching assistants whose native language is not English are required to demonstrate competency in English. This competency may be demonstrated by:
   • passing the SPEAK test at a level of at least 50 (in which case no further screening or attention is required)

   or

   • passing the SPEAK test at a level of at least 45 (in which case they may perform instructional duties that require spoken English only if also enrolled in a program to improve spoken English skills. Students with scores less than 45 cannot perform instructional duties that require spoken English.

   or

   • meeting the standards set forth in a written and empirically defensible departmental policy (such as student or faculty panels, or a combination of SPEAK test scores and other evaluations) that will ensure competency in English communication at least equivalent to the above SPEAK-based process.

   Departmental policy was to be reported to the Dean in the spring of 1992 for certification that the program meets the standards of the campus policy; any changes in departmental policy must also be reported to the Dean for approval.

C. L&S Policies--Evaluation

1. Each department or program will evaluate each teaching assistant each semester. The form of this evaluation is set by the department.
2. Each department or program will provide for direct observation of new teaching assistants early in the semester for the purpose of teaching improvement, feedback and guidance.
3. Each department or program will provide a mechanism for students to evaluate teaching assistants and will consider these evaluations along with faculty/staff evaluations of teaching performance in making reappointments and assignments.
4. Departmental programs under Standards 1-3 above must be reported to the Dean who will certify them if they meet the standards of this policy.

D. L&S Policies--Special Concerns

Each department or program will identify and publicize to students a mechanism for receiving and addressing student concerns about teaching assistants. If problems are identified during a semester, the department will provide assistance and guidance to the teaching assistant. Departmental programs under this standard must be reported to the Dean who will certify them if they meet the standards of this policy.

Reaffirmed by L&S Academic Planning Council May 20, 1994, revised July 2000