CLB-Based Assessment Tools Centre for Education & Training

Canadian Language Benchmark Assessment CLBA

CLBA Background/Overview Government sponsored initiative CLBA development completed in 1996 Task-based assessment of language proficiency Aligned with CCLB Addresses Benchmarks 1-8 in Stages I and II Targets three skill areas: Listening and Speaking, Reading, and Writing

CLBA Features Relevance to newcomers User friendly Cultural accessibility Personalization and smooth flow Varied visual prompts Range of item types

CLBA Components Listening and Speaking (if literacy in question, administer the CLBLA) Reading – Stage I – 45 minutes – Stage II (if eligible) – 1 hour Writing – Stage I – 45 minutes – Stage II (if eligible) – 1 hour

Milestones CLBA is a validated tool Trainer facilitated CLBA training, Certification, Recertification, and Recalibration Development of self-study materials for assessors to use when required Assessors Annual Conference Ongoing support for assessors

Canadian Language Benchmark Literacy Assessment CLBLA

Features of the CLBLA The CLBLA is a first language literacy skills assessment The purpose is to identify clients who have needs uniquely related to their previous lack of formal education Semi-adaptive model

Components of the CLBLA The CLBLA assesses Reading, Writing and basic Numeracy The CLBLA is a complement to the CLBA and will never be administered in isolation

Milestones Trainer facilitated CLBA training, and Certification Workshops offered during assessors conference Ongoing support for assessors

Enhanced Language Training Placement Assessment ELTPA

ELTPA Overview/ Background National launch of high-level proficiency ELT programs Funded by the Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration Developed by the Centre for Education & Training

ELTPA Features Workforce-oriented, primarily for internationally trained professionals and trades people Time efficient and reliable Four language skills addressed Four scores ranging from Benchmark 6 or lower to Benchmark 10 or higher For assessment of clients with prior CLB scores at Benchmark 6 or higher

ELTPA Components Speaking 15 min, interview Task 1 and 2: introduce oneself and describe/narrate an experience Task 3: conduct an analysis Task 4: deliver a presentation Task 5: participate in a discussion Listening 20 min, assessor facilitated Task 1: follow a phone message Task 2: listen to a semi-formal presentation Task 3: listen to an informal conversation Task 4: follow a formal discussion

ELTPA Components Reading 60 min; multiple choice Task 1: read an instructional Task 2: read a company policy Task 3: read and compare ideas in two opinion passages Writing 45 minutes Task 1: write a memo/report Task 2: write a formal letter

Milestones Trainer-facilitated ELTPA training and calibration Development of self-study materials for assessors to use when required Inter-rater Reliability Study (2010) – 93.7% reliability Ongoing support for assessors

Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks Developed by: Funded by: Canadian Language Benchmarks – Online Self Assessment Centre des niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens – autoévaluation en ligne

Overview/ Background CIC funded & collaborated with the CCLB Implemented nationally followed by international launch Task-based, low stakes self-assessment instrument Addresses Benchmarks 1-9 Addresses two(2) language skill areas: Reading and Listening Provides information to users regarding language proficiency

Features Web-based and accessible worldwide Learners can test their receptive skills Provides immediate benchmark results The website provides links to resources where benchmarks can be applied to suit individual goals and objectives. Learners are required to complete a short survey at the end of each test

Who are the Users? Intended users of the self-assessment tool: Prospective immigrants Adult learners of English Instructors and trainers of language learners Counselors working with newcomers

Current Status Continuous support and maintenance of CLB-OSA and NCLC-AEL Promotional materials available Ongoing system generated survey of test users

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