 A. Purpose of Policy Since the nurse is a professional who deals with human lives, it is mandatory that a higher level of English fluency be met in order to ensure the safety of clients and students. The English as a Second Language Requirement is higher in the College of Nursing than those of other colleges in the University. The Department of Nursing Student Services and advisors of students must be aware of the English literacy requirements for students whose primary language is not English. It is imperative that students who deal with healthcare of humans be very fluent in English verbally as well as nonverbally. Please refer to the technical standards of communication in the Nursing Student Handbook. Students whose primary language is not English should be encouraged to live in the dorms with a student whose primary language is English. This will assist the non-English student to acclimate themselves more quickly to the language skills that they will need. B. South Dakota State University - English as a Second Language Requirement Students who come from other countries whose native language is not English are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Exam. They are required to complete the TOEFL before being accepted as a student at South Dakota State University. As an undergraduate student, the requirement for the TOEFL score is a minimum of 500 (paper-based). If the student’s TOEFL score is between 500 and 600 (paper-based), the student is then required to take the Michigan Test. The Michigan Test not only assesses reading and writing skills but also the level of the understanding of the English language. The Michigan Test consists of three parts: a. The Michigan Test of English Language
Proficiency,
These tests must be passed before a student is allowed to enter English 101. If the score of the Michigan Test is not passing, then the student is directed to take either: 1. Engl 003 English as a Second Language:
Grammar Review and Intermediate Composition
The College of Nursing has set further requirements of those students for whom English is a second language. The term, English as a Second Language, is defined as a student who was instructed and spoke primarily in a language other than English in the K-12 grades or primary and secondary schooling. The College of Nursing requires all students who meet the definition of English as a Second Language to complete the English as a Second Language Requirements as set forth by the College of Nursing. The following requirements cannot be required of a naturalized United States citizen. However, students who are naturalized citizens may be encouraged to seek assistance in improving their written/oral English fluency skills as needed. C. The College of Nursing English Literacy Requirements will include a Test of English as a Second Language (TOEFL) score of 560 with no section below a score of 56 and English Language Teaching Association (ELTA) Oral Interview Exam score of 3.25 with no section score below a 3. These scores are required before the student will be accepted into the major. The student is responsible for all testing fees (TOEFL, ELTA, and any other testing). If a passing score is not obtained on the first attempt the student will be referred to other course work, which will assist them to obtain a passing score. The student may take each test twice to obtain a passing score. If the student is not successful on the second attempt at the TOEFL and/or the ELTA, the student may write a letter of petition to the Dean of the College of Nursing to be allowed another attempt at either exam. Students are advised to have completed the tests during the second semester of their freshman year. This will allow time for the student to be referred for assistance before making an application for acceptance into the major. Acceptance into the major usually occurs during the first semester of the sophomore year as the student completes nursing prerequisite courses. D. Current Students Accepted into the Major If a student has been admitted into the major and is determined to be unsafe in clinical or laboratory experiences, the Semester Coordinator is to contact the College of Nursing, Nursing Student Services Department Head and discuss any English proficiency or fluency concerns. If there are English proficiency concerns then the College of Nursing, Nursing Student Services Department Head will consult with the English and Speech Departments to determine the needs of the student. Further testing may be required of the student to identify the English proficiency needs. The student and the student advisor will be notified in writing of the determination of needs and the requirements that will be expected before the student may return to clinical experiences in the nursing major. The College of Nursing then reserves the right to design new requirements for each student on an individual basis. The student is responsible for all testing fees. Revised 12/18/00
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