1. Portfolio Based Language Assessment: What works for us
TESL Ontario Conference 2018
Portfolio Based Language Assessment: What works for us

2. Who is ISANS?
ISANS is the leading deliverer of settlement services in Atlantic Canada
We are the primary contact in Nova Scotia on refugee, settlement and immigration issues for 2,000+ organizations, employers, government departments and individuals annually

3. Vision and Mission A community where all can belong and grow
Helping immigrants build a future in Nova Scotia

4. ISANS Programs & Services
‘One-stop Shop’
English
Settlement
Employment
Business
Community
Employer Support
Online and Pre-arrival

5. PBLA and ISANS 2015 2018 8 LINC instructors ~16 classes
Daytime only; Literacy 1L + CLB 1-4
One PBLA Lead
48 LINC instructors
~90 classes
Daytime and evening; Literacy, CLB 1-7, & special programs
1 PBLA Head Instructor and 5 PBLA Leads

6. Orientation for New Instructors
1-2 hours
PBLA overview
Main components of PBLA
Cycle of PBLA in the classroom
Language Companion (LC)

7. Links to the Past: How does PBLA fit into your current practice?
You may already:
So you already know:
Ask learners what they want to study
Set goals for the class and for individuals
Plan lessons with real-world communication in mind
Assess learners
Track learner progress
Gather feedback
Needs assessments
Goals
Real-world, task-based
Lesson & module plans
Formative assessments
Student portfolios
Learner reflections

8. PBLA Workshops 2 full-day workshops
In-depth look at all aspects of PBLA
Uses CCLB-provided resources for training
Prepares instructors for full implementation in their classes

9. Flexible Implementation
Orientation to Workshop
Instructors get comfortable with their classes
Introductions and survey of learners’ needs and wants
No use of PBLA or limited use of PBLA framework
Workshop to Prep Sessions
Instructors begin implementing aspects of PBLA at their own pace
Adjustment of LCs to achieve a class standard
Begin module planning

10. PBLA Prep Sessions 1 hour in length Held once a month
Instructors grouped by level they teach
¾ of the session focused on one aspect of PBLA
¼ set aside for collaboration on the following month’s topic
Facilitated by PBLA Leads of similar levels

11. Drop Ins: Drop by and ask away!
Regularly scheduled
Covers all days of the week
Times before and after class, when instructors most need support
Across all 3 ISANS locations

12. Share and Share Alike!
Space on shared drive provided for collaboration and sharing
Curated PBLA-specific space
Digital staffroom for sharing with others
Open space for group-specific sharing
Materials from other institutions sourced and shared as examples for new and developing instructors
Instructors encouraged to share as much as possible

13. Surveying the Field
Feedback on PBLA solicited both formally and informally
Formally
Questionnaire
PD feedback
Coming soon: PBLA Practice Review Framework
Informally
Prep sessions
PBLA Leads’ drop-ins

14. PBLA Lead Group Meets once a month
Sets schedule and topics for PBLA prep sessions
Discusses issues that come up around PBLA
Recommends policy affecting use of PBLA
Supports instructors with portfolio reviews and benchmark decisions

15. PBLA Head Instructor Coordinates PBLA Leads’ activities
Sets agenda for, and chairs, the PBLA Lead meetings
Creates original material to support PBLA instructors
Sources materials made available by other institutions
Plans and delivers PD, especially on PBLA-related topics
Organizes and delivers PBLA orientation for clients

16. Orientation for New Clients (ONC)
For all new clients in LINC classes between L1 (developing) and CLB 7
Interpreters provided to clients with lower levels of English
ONC content
What is PBLA and why do we use it?
How the portfolio works
The Language Companion
Initial About Me, inventories,
and other PBLA-related documents

17. PBLA and Literacy
Special considerations in the introduction of aspects of PBLA
Greater need for explicit learning strategy development
Greater emphasis on R/W over L/S
Gradual introduction of the LC as a learning tool
Document handling->binder->document organization->LC
Explicit use of “intent”

18. Reaching Out Engaging with Tutela 3.0
Creation of PBLA Working Group under the umbrella organization Atlantic Region Association of Immigrant Serving Agencies (ARAISA)
Share best practices
Compare solutions to common issues
Engaging with CCLB
Piloting test modules
On-going training via webinars
PBLA Emerging Practice Guidelines

19. Thank you for listening!
Anthony Caldwell – PBLA Head Instructor –
Thank you for listening!