A survey of 32 Japanese and 44 native English-speaking teachers of English as a Second Language investigated how the two groups evaluate the English speech skills of Japanese students. A 59-item questionnaire was designed to elicit comparative information on definition of oral proficiency, criteria (including newer ones derived from instruction focusing on communicative competence) used to assess oral skills, and the relative importance attached to these criteria. Results suggest significant differences overall between Japanese and native English-speakers' standards in two main assessment categories, fluency and discourse factors, although no significant differences appeared within subcategories of these criterion groups. The questionnaire is appended. (MSE)