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

AssessmentCLBLA

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

AssessmentELTPA

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 ComponentsSpeaking

15 min, interview

Task 1 and 2: introduce oneself and describe/narrate an experienceTask 3: conduct an analysis

Task 4: deliver a presentationTask 5: participate in a discussion

Listening20 min, assessor

facilitatedTask 1: follow a phone messageTask 2: listen to a semi-formal presentationTask 3: listen to an informal conversation

Task 4:follow a formal discussion

ELTPA ComponentsReading

60 min; multiple choice

Task 1: read an instructional emailTask 2: read a company policyTask 3: read and compare ideas in two opinion passages

Writing45 minutes

Task 1: write a memo/reportTask 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

Happy Assessing!

For more information please contact:

clb-osasupport@tcet.com

info@language.ca