Accent Modification Evaluation (AME) FAQs

Helping you succeed when your academic and professional future depends on your spoken English skills.

The AME is given only on Thursdays from 10 a.m.-10:50 a.m. or 11 a.m.-11:50 a.m.

There are TWO sessions needed for an accent modification evaluation. The two sessions are NOT in the ESOL office. Come to the ISU Speech and Hearing Clinic (Building #68 on the campus map) in the Life Science Complex on upper campus next to Turner Hall and across from Portneuf Medical Center. You will be met in the waiting room to the right of the entrance.

Who conducts the AME?

Graduate students in Speech, Language Pathology in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, and Education of the Deaf, under the supervision of Janene Willer, Clinical Associate Professor, along with ESOL Instructor, Sue Akersten, meet with you privately for two sessions. You will receive a detailed written report on your spoken English skills, identifying strengths and problems, with practical suggestions for improvement.

What do you have to do?

Fill out the student background information form and return to the ESOL office.
Record a brief audio tape interview (2-3 minutes) at a meeting with ESOL staff.
Schedule an AME time and date. (Two Thursday sessions, at 10 am or 11 am)

Session #1: You will provide information and data and also have a hearing test.

Session #2: You will receive a written outline of the results and recommendations based on the analysis of assessment results to be followed by a detailed written report in the mail.

Select a follow-up option:

Serious problems: Speech clinic option/fee based on income/6 to 8 sessions

Modest problems: ESOL assistance in the Student Success Center--no fee/4 to 6 sessions

Mild problems: ESOL assistance in the Student Success Center/3 sessions

Re-assessment: Every 4 to 6 months to check on progress and changes

Agree to cancel only in the case of emergency and to inform Sue Akersten at 282-3662 (office) at least 48 hours in advance of any conflict.

What is the fee?

The fee pays for your testing materials, technology support and photocopies needed for your evaluation and final report. The clinical team assisting you is NOT paid. ISU students selected for this service pay a reduced fee of $12.50 per session or $25 total. Ask about applying for a fee waiver; it is possible that you are eligible for 1/2 price reduction. Sorry, no credit cards accepted.

English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)

American Culture Class

ACAD 1106 -- American Culture and the University Experience

3 credit course

This course provides a study of American cultural values and expectations and how they manifest in the structure and functioning of a university. The emphasis is on effective cross-cultural communication and navigating daily student tasks both on and off campus. You will better understand American culture and the language used by your professors and classmates. This course is intended primarily for entering international students.

Tutoring and Workshops

One-on-one tutoring appointments:

Receive feedback on all assignments and projects
Practice oral presentations
Refine pronunciation and develop skills for class discussions and interviews
Improve your documentation skills for academic writing and speaking
Strengthen your grammar and vocabulary for better writing and easier reading
Develop an individualized self-improvement plan
Take an Accent Modification Evaluation and follow-up for those who need professional level of spoken American English
SPEAK assessment and follow-up for International Teaching Assistants

Workshops provided by us and our campus partners:

Orientation to Research and Library Database Use — Learn how to use the Oboler Library and its databases.
Keys to Avoiding Plagiarism in Academic Papers and Presentations — Learn why plagiarism is a serious offense, how to avoid it through summarizing, paraphrasing, citing and documentation, how to create a Works Cited or References page, and where to find online resources.
Efficient Reading for Scholars — Learn "mapping" to increase your reading speed and comprehension.
Sounding American — Professional actors from many language backgrounds learn how to "sound American" and you can too. Learn strategies to lower the accent barrier and reduce the dreaded response, "Sorry, I don't understand."
Surviving Multiple Choice Tests — Success depends on your understanding of the logic used in constructing questions and on your knowledge of grammar, culture, idioms and synonyms. Get some surprising strategies.
Grammar Clinic — Tired of teachers marking you down for grammar, spelling, punctuation, or sentence structure errors? Bring your problem to any of these workshops and get the solution!