[NIFL-ASSESSMENT:272] RE: Why did you join?

From: Pauline Mcnaughton (pmcnaughton@language.ca)
Date: Thu Jun 05 2003 - 09:45:32 EDT


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From: "Pauline Mcnaughton" <pmcnaughton@language.ca>
To: Multiple recipients of list <nifl-assessment@literacy.nifl.gov>
Subject: [NIFL-ASSESSMENT:272] RE: Why did you join?
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In response to the discussion about the need for a national vs. state-based
standard and assessment I'd like to mention that in Canada - although
education is a provincial responsibility - not federal - the federal
government has developed national language standards for adult settlement
and integration purposes - the Canadian Language Benchmarks.  I work at the
Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks which is responsible for developing
and supporting this standard.

In Canada there is a federal language training program as well as
provincially funded language training programs.

The model used for the development of this national standard to ensure
federal and provincial buy in is very interesting.  - just a brief recap for
those interested in reading further:
- federal government realized it needed a standard for assessment for its
federal Language Instruction for Newcomers program because inconsistencies
across the country meant some newcomers could be barred from one LINC
program and accepted in another
- a survey of assessment tools was done across the country to determine if
such a tool existed that would serve this purpose
- national consultations were held across the country with the ESL community
and learners to determine the needs related to standards
- a National Working Group on Language Benchmarks was formed made of of a
variety of experts, but most notably members of the ESL community
- this group coordinated the development of the Canadian Language Benchmarks
- the federal government also funded the establishment of assessment centres
across the country and funded  the training and certification process for
CLB assessors
- then federal and provincial government members and members of TESL Canada
decided to work together to establish the Centre for Canadian Language
Benchmarks to take of the standard (i.e. research, development, support,
policy development) - the board of directors includes federal and provincial
government members as well as members from the TESL community from every
province as well as 3 from TESL Canada, as well as assessment experts

-----Original Message-----
From: nifl-assessment@nifl.gov [mailto:nifl-assessment@nifl.gov]On
Behalf Of Dianna Baycich
Sent: June 4, 2003 12:03 PM
To: Multiple recipients of list
Subject: [NIFL-ASSESSMENT:265] RE: Why did you join?


Hello All,
I joined the list because I help coordinate the LINCS Assessment Special
Collection. I am always on the lookout for sites that will help
practitioners use and understand assessment and its relationship to
accountabiblity. I also look for feedback about the collection so we can
make adjustments - take out bad stuff, fill gaps. Right now I'm on the
lookout for info based on research. Being on this list keeps me informed of
what practitioners need and what their assessment interests are.
Dianna Baycich
OLRC

-----Original Message-----
From: nifl-assessment@nifl.gov [mailto:nifl-assessment@nifl.gov]On
Behalf Of Dirose7@aol.com
Sent: Monday, June 02, 2003 10:41 PM
To: Multiple recipients of list
Subject: [NIFL-ASSESSMENT:251] Why did you join?


Dear List Participants:

Just returned from an informative meeting of the NIFL list moderators.  I am
eager to try to energize activity and dialogue.  It would be enormously
helpful if you could take a moment and respond to the question:
 Why did I join the assessment list?

Your answers will help generate new topics for discussion and opportunities
to exchange ideas and practice about assessment with your colleagues across
the country. Thank you for your help and support.

Best,
Diane Rosenthal
NIFL Assessment Moderator
Executive Director
LVSG
(203)324-5214



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