This 250-page guide is referenced to CLBs (1–3) and has instructions for adapting units and lessons to PBLA. It contains teaching strategies and language goals for English learners. The teacher’s guide and student materials contain background information, lesson plans and learner activities. Skill building (listening, speaking, reading and writing) and language building (grammar, sentence structure and vocabulary) activities are provided. The objective is to assist learners with trauma to see themselves as belonging to the wider community.
Free access:
http://cmascanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/1467063427_01_beyond_trauma_complete_1.pdf
The Can Do Statements are easy-to-read posters, intended for instructors to post in classrooms and for learners to access individually. The statements are based on the CLB (Canadian Language Benchmarks) and provide a description for what learners can do at each benchmark from 1–12, in listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. The statements present key information from the CLB document in accessible language, informing students about what they have accomplished and what skills they must still develop.
You need to "Add to Cart" in order to download, which means registering to order.
The Can Do Statements for Employment are intended for immigrants seeking employment, employment counsellors, and employers. The Can Do Statements are based on the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB); they have been simplified and given a narrower focus to support their use in an employment context. The statements cover CLB levels 4–10, and offer an overview of each level from a workplace perspective. They provide examples of English-language tasks in a variety of workplace-related contexts:
You need to "Add to Cart" in order to download, which means registering to order.
By Drew Smith (hard copy and Kindle e-book)
This study guide is based on the Canadian citizenship study guide and has been adapted for CLB 4–5 learners. The contents align with the official study guide and provide multiple-choice comprehension questions followed by review exercises. Presented in a format that is easily accessible for language learners who are preparing for their citizenship test. The text can be used in a classroom setting or for self-study. Worksheets and an answer key are included. The book also provides a link to additional video quizzes for the citizenship test.
ISBN-10: 1519121296
ISBN-13: 978-1519121295
Available for purchase through Amazon:
https://www.amazon.ca/Canadian-Citizenship-Made-Easy-English/dp/1519121296
This 235-page book describes CLB as follows: “The Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) standard is a descriptive scale of language ability in English as a Second Language (ESL) written as 12 benchmarks or reference points along a continuum from basic to advanced. The CLB standard reflects the progression of the knowledge and skills that underlie basic, intermediate and advanced ability among adult ESL learners. The book takes learners through stages 1 to 3 in listening, speaking, reading and writing.
The Canadian Language Benchmarks are:
- a set of descriptive statements about successive levels on the continuum of language ability,
- a description of communicative competencies and performance tasks through which learners demonstrate application of language knowledge (i.e., competence) and skill (i.e., ability),
- a national standard for planning curricula for language instruction in a variety of contexts,
- a framework of reference for learning, teaching, programming and assessing adult ESL in Canada.”
The Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks acts as a repository for all things CLB that have been funded, produced and shared to ensure national consistency in language delivery.
It supports the following areas:
- CLB
- PBLA
- Language learners
- Immigration or citizenship
- Language teachers
- Volunteers working with refugees
- Language assessors
- Literacy
- TESL training
- Employers, counsellors and workers
- Regulatory bodies
Note: The site is updated to reflect the changing needs of the language community.
Most resources are free access:
www.language.ca
This resource is a validated assessment tool for exit tests that assess learning outcomes of adult ESL learners in intermediate to advanced levels, CLB 5-10. The tests cover three areas: employment, community and academic. It is available on order for $60 (plus HST).
CLB Bootcamp is a 10-hour self-study course divided into three modules:
- CLB Basics covers an introduction to the Canadian Language Benchmarks. It includes the theoretical framework, the revised CLB document and the CLB ESL for Adult Literacy Learners document.
- Planning and the CLB provides instruction in needs assessment, and how to use a task-based approach to planning modules and lessons.
- Assessment and the CLB covers on-going learner assessment and provides an introduction to Portfolio-Based Language Assessment (PBLA).
Free access (through the CCLB E-learning Portal): http://learning.language.ca
This resource is intended to be used in conjunction with two key documents:
- the Canadian Language Benchmarks: ESL for Adult Literacy Learners (ALL), which supports instructors working with adult ESL learners who have literacy needs; and
- the Canadian Language Benchmarks: ESL for Adults, which is the national standard for English as a second language for adult immigrants (including those with literacy needs) living, working and studying in Canada.
The purpose of this Support Kit is to show instructors how the CLB and ALL documents are used for planning and assessing ESL learners with literacy needs in CLB-referenced classrooms. To download you need to "Add to Cart" and register. The PDF will be emailed to you.
The Kit includes:
- Orientations to the CLB: ESL for ALL and the CLB: ESL for Adults documents;
- Information and examples for planning literacy instruction, including needs;
- Assessment and goal-setting, module/unit planning and lesson planning;
- Information and examples on assessing ESL Literacy learners’ progress in a way that is compatible with Portfolio-Based Language Assessment (PBLA);
- Suggestions for supporting ESL Literacy learners in multi-level literacy classes and mainstream ESL classes;
- Ideas for using the Continuum of Literacy Skills found in the CLB: ESL for ALL document; and
- Sample resources for literacy instruction and assessment.” (www.language.ca)
The CLB Support Kit contains background information for ESL practitioners, with detailed discussions on incorporating grammar, pronunciation and pragmatics into CLB-based programs. There are sections that address using the CLBs in multilevel classes, with special needs learners, and in teaching English for Academic Purposes (EAP) and workplace ESL.
It includes sample program planning tools such as needs assessment, sample rubrics, tracking forms, self-assessment and feedback forms.
References are listed at the end of each section, as well as additional resources developed by the Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks, including SAM for CLB 1-4, and the CLB 5-10 Exit Assessment Tasks for community, employment and academic programs.
You need to "Add to Cart" in order to download, which means registering to order.
This Canadian website sells classroom materials for a variety of purposes. The texts are written for ESL learners from Literacy to CLB 6. The books range in cost from about $30 to $80, for teacher or school. CDs are provided. Texts are skill and theme based (health, food, family), also includes Canadian holidays, vocabulary activities and games. New texts contain PBLA resources.
Subscription required:
http://www.eslresources.com/
Additional Resources:
Lessons are task-based for PBLA:
http://www.eslresources.com/Foof-Related-Tasks-Shopping-and-Beyond.html
Outcomes: Assessment 4-book series for CLB 1–4, based on CLB 2000, can be adapted for PBLA tasks:
http://www.eslresources.com/search.php?mode=search&page=1
From the Copian library, this document provides easy access to exemplars for writing. There are four samples for each benchmark, from CLB 1 - 12. This is downloadable document is section 3 part 4 of the CLB Support Kit.
The Toolkit is a comprehensive guide for teaching financial literacy and numeracy to ESL Literacy and low-level learners. The guide contains assessment materials, instructional and planning content, thematic units with sample lesson plans and classroom resources, with instructions for three learner stages: Emerging, Building and Expanding, which have been developed for multi-level settings.
Thematic units cover: goal setting, money, grocery shopping, budgeting, banking, credit/debt/loans. Follow-up and homework activities are suggested, along with teaching tips. The Toolkit emphasizes that there is not necessarily a correlation between a learner’s literacy and numeracy skills.
Free access:
https://centre.bowvalleycollege.ca/sites/default/files/Financial-ESL-Literacy-Toolkit_1.pdf
This website offers academic English learners practice and preparation materials for the IELTS exam. The materials are designed for test-takers entering undergraduate or post-graduate programs.The practice reading tests containing authentic materials from journals, newspapers and books. The tests also provide practice reading and interpreting diagrams, illustrations and graphs. A glossary is provided. Marking sheets are included as well. There is a computer simulated IELTS reading test available for free. The website also offers practice activities for academic listening, speaking and writing.
Free access:
https://www.ieltsessentials.com/prepare/free-practice-tests/academic-reading
National Language Placement and Progression Guidelines clearly guides the placement of learners in classes. It is intended for language assessors, instructors and coordinators. The guidelines are clearly articulated and transparent. The guidelines are mandatory for all CIC-funded programs.
The Online Learner CLB Assessment is a tool that provides learners with a means to gauge their language proficiency by assessing reading and listening skills and assigning an unofficial CLB level. The tool creates an approximate benchmark range following the assessment. (The page also contains a breakdown of each CLB). The results are intended for personal information only. Teachers may find this tool useful as a classroom activity or an individual activity for a learner who is anxious to determine her/his progress in reading and listening. There is no cost for the assessment.
The Canadian Centre for Language Benchmarks (CCLB) has developed several modules for CLB 1-2, CLB 3-4, and CLB 5-6. The packages include lesson plans, skill-building activities, skill-using and assessment tasks. Each module contains listening texts in separate audio files. Module packages for Literacy (CLB 1L and CLB 2L) have also been developed for three topics.
Bow Valley College and Conestoga College have developed tools for creating PBLA rubrics.
Many teachers have found Conestoga's LINC Assessment Generating Tool helpful. The tool includes a complete list of competency statements, indicators and profiles of ability, all in one place. Also included - a guide to question levels by CLB, features of communication, and sample assessment tasks for instructional reference. You must have a Tutela account to access this resource.
Bow Valley College has developed clear, easy-to-use assessments and templates for Portfolio-Based language Assessment (PBLA). Their toolbox contains:
- Tool 1: Assessment Templates
- Tool 2: Instructor Administered Templates
- Tool 3: Learner Reflections
- Tool 4: Self-Assessments
PBLA modules have been added to the OCBSB's Real World Assessment Task Bank. The bank contains 300 "real world" assessments for use by ESL and LINC instructors. The bank also contains 16 modules built around 8 topics. The modules cover CLB 1 and CLB 1L up to CLB 7. Each module includes integrated vocabulary, skill-building, skill-using and assessment tasks for each skill. Students may be assessed using either the skill-using or the formal assessment task.
Search by CLB level (Literacy Foundation to CLB 7), skill (Listening, Speaking, Reading or Writing) and theme. The site is password protected. (use password: instructor):
Topics on this website will introduce participants to CLARS. These include:
- CLARS Orientation Slide Show
- Briefing Handout Package
- Readiness Checklist (CLARS)
- Readiness Checklist (LTPS)
- Action Plan Template
- CLARS Centre Operating Guidelines
- LTP Guidelines for CLARS
- CLARS Training Deck
- National Language Placement Guidelines
Free access:
https://www.hartsystem.ca/CLARSorientation/CLARSOrientation.htm
This is a digital app that makes use of learners' cell phones (or other devices) for formative assessment through quizzes, multiple choice, T/F, polls, a "space game" and out-of-the-door “exit ticket” reviews. Games can be played individually or in teams. The app shows results in real time, charting answers of individual student results for each question, as well as a detailed chart of learner results for further review. Instructors can create rooms/groups students and classes for up to 150 students.
Free access:
https://www.socrative.com/
This website contains a range of resources to aid in delivering instruction to children and adults who have had their formal education interrupted. Includes teaching resources and essential learning indicators for language, literacy and numeracy.
Resources for more intensive intervention:
This resource informs practitioners, administrators and assessors of the priorities in each level of government. Managers and administrators would find it useful in short- and long-term planning.
This event occurs at the yearly provincial TESL conference and is open to managers and administrators.
Free access:
http://www.teslontario.net/publication/annual-panel
There is a large collection on Tutela relating to literacy. While the full collection has not been reviewed, it is an excellent starting point for developing literacy curriculum and assessment.
Topics:
- Literacy Tools and Templates
- Listening Assessments
- Speaking Assessments
- Reading Assessments
- Writing Assessments
- Literacy Goal Setting
- Module and Lesson Planning
- Literacy Webinars
Free to join. Free access nationally. Must register before accessing information. Search Tutela Collections.
Register at:
https://tutela.ca/
There are eight collections on Tutela relating to PBLA. While not all have been reviewed, it is an excellent starting point for developing CLB levels 1-8 rubrics.
Free to join. Free access nationally. Must register then search Tutela Collections.
Register at:
https://tutela.ca/
