What are the CLB and PBLA?

The Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) are a standardized system for measuring an adult language learner’s listening, speaking, reading and writing abilities. At one time, students were given final grades for each of the four skills based on end-of-term exam results. Now, students must demonstrate their abilities for each skill , in four different competency areas, multiple times over the course of a term. They are to collect evidence of Portfolio-Based Language Assessments (PBLA), be able to produce a minimum of eight “artefacts” per skill.

This means each adult student across Canada is now required to present their Instructor with

at least 32 items (4 skills x 4 competency areas x 2 artefacts)

for review, before being given any updated scores.

Doing this when you are teaching one group one level each day is manageable. It’s a very different story when you have students with abilities spanning 3-8 levels…

This Blog is dedicated to the men and women doing their best to help students build the lives they have always dreamed of, while trying to implement PBLA in the Canadian classroom. 

CLB 2012 - The Canadian Language Benchmarks are a national standardized system used for  measuring language proficiency of adult learners in Canada. There are three "stages" spanning 12 levels for each of the four skills: Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing. Citizenship and Immigration Canada require applicants for citizenship demonstrate a minimum CLB 4 in Speaking and Listening.

Download CLB 2012

      

       

Portfolio-Based Language Assessment (PBLA): Guide for Teachers and Programs provides an outline of roles and responsibilities, expectations and targets.

Download PBLA Guide 2014