Standardized training and support for language assessment organizations.

LANGUAGE ASSESSMENT TRAINING & SUPPORT

Language Assessment Training and Support (LATS) provides all Language Assessment and Referral Centres across Canada with functional guidance and training, program delivery materials and tools, information sharing and best practices.

Our ultimate objective is to ensure that newcomer clients receive accurate language assessments and referrals in accordance with the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) and National Language Placement and Progression Guidelines (NLPPG).

SERVICES

• Assessor Training, Certification and Recalibration: Canadian Language Benchmarks Placement Assessment (CLBPA)
• Distribution of CLBPA, CLBA, CLBA-LL Assessment Forms
• Information Resources for Assessors and Managers/Coordinators
• Input to Guidelines and Updates for Language Assessment Centres in Canada

Achēv Language Assessment Tools

All assessments owned by Achēv are low-stakes placement tests specifically designed to assess language abilities to refer IRCC and/or MLITSD language clients to appropriate settlement language training; and cannot be used as an entrance test for high-stakes purposes such as citizenship, immigration, employment or education/academic programs. These tools should not be used for purposes other than placement into settlement language programming. 

Canadian Language Benchmarks Placement Assessment (CLBPA)
Canadian Language Benchmarks Assessment (CLBA)
Canadian Language Benchmarks Assessment for Literacy Learners (CLBA-LL)
Enhanced Language Training Placement Assessment (ELTPA)

To learn more about programs like Language Assessment Training & Support (LATS) that Achēv offers, please visit our Language Services page here. 

Requests for assessor training must be received from a sponsoring organization/centre, as assessor training is not offered to individuals. Training is delivered to federally and provincially contracted assessors in CLARS Centres across Ontario and in assessment and referral centres across Canada.

All agencies are responsible for ensuring that candidates for CLB assessment instrument training demonstrate competencies in six core areas. Criteria for candidates relate to the following areas and all assessors using CCLB-recognized assessment instruments should demonstrate:

1. Adult Second Language Acquisition

• Theoretical understanding of and practical experience working with appropriate stages of the Canadian Language Benchmarks and ESL for Adult Literacy Learners (ESL for ALL)

2. Assessment in Adult ESL

• Theoretical and practical experience in assessing second language proficiency
• An ability to comment orally and in writing on the effectiveness of client’s communication

3. Cultural Sensitivity

• Have knowledge of factors that may affect client performance in testing situations
• Be sensitive to diverse needs of clients
• Demonstrate tact, diplomacy and respect when dealing with clients

4. Interview Skills

• Demonstrate effective listening and elicitation strategies
• Demonstrate level-appropriate speech for clients with language proficiencies covering all stages of the CLB 2012
• Demonstrate awareness of educational counselling principles

5. Decision-making Skills

• Demonstrate the ability to make appropriate assessment decisions in the absence of clear indicators
• Demonstrate the ability to apply policies and procedures effectively
• Demonstrate use of personal judgement to effectively use CCLB-recognized instruments

6. English Language Proficiency

• Demonstrate advanced proficiency in all four English language skills (Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing)

Forms

Assessment Forms – CLBA-LL
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Assessment Forms – CLBPA
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