Report of Programs and
Services
For the Period April 1, 2004, to March 31, 2005
Assessment-Language Instruction for Newcomers (LINC)
Program
Canadian Language Benchmarks assessors test newcomer language
skills and recommend placement in a LINC program suitable to the
learners abilities and needs. Assessments are conducted
individually and privately, and clients are given a written record
of their assessment results. They are referred to the Balmoral
Centre for Adult Studies, or to the LINC Home Study Program, for
placement in the appropriate LINC class.
Program Achievements
Seventy-eight (78) newcomers were assessed during the 2004-2005
contract year. These clients arrived in Thunder Bay from
Afghanistan, Bulgaria, Burma, Chechnya, Chile, China, Colombia,
Egypt, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, India, Iran, Italy, Libya,
Mexico, Pakistan, Peru, Poland, Romania, Russia, Sierra Leone,
Slovakia, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Thailand, Ukraine, and
Vietnam.
At the time of assessment, clients were also referred by the
CLBA assessor to our Host, ISAP, and Job Search programs for
additional settlement assistance.
LINC Home Study
This distance education program, which is operated out of the
Centre for Language Training and Assessment in Mississauga, enables
eligible newcomers to study English at home using either a computer
with internet connection or a tape player. Clients who are unable
to attend regualr LINC classes for such reasons as health issues,
employment, having young children at home, or living in communities
in the District of thunder Bay, make use of this program.
Speaking practice is conducted during weekly telephone
conversations with a LINC instructor.
Six (6) clients were referred to LINC Home Study in
2004-2005.
Automated Reservation System
The TBMA LINC Assessment Centre, along with all LINC assessment
centres and LINC providers in Ontario, is connected to the
Automated Reservation System, a central data bank of client
assessment and education information. The CLB Assessor initiates
the data entry (personal statistics, assessment results) and refers
the client to the appropriate class at Balmoral School for Adult
Studies, or LINC Home Study. The LINC provider maintains the client
record by entering registration, attendance, and student
progress.
In addition to producing month-end statistical reports, the ARS
is a valuable tool for the seamless transfer of LINC students from
one area of Ontario to another.
Promotion
The TBMA LINC Assessment program is advertised to the public and
community agencies via The Key, brochure displays at Intercity,
Lakehead University, and Folklore, and through networking with
refugee sponsors and ethnic groups in the city. Clients are
referred to us from Balmoral Centre, community agencies, family and
friends.
Professional Development
The CLBA Assessor attended the 12th Annual LINC Conference in
Toronto in February, 2005. Assessors learned about the efforts of
the Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture to assist refugees, and
attended re-calibration workshops to review and discuss the
assigning of Benchmarks to Writing assessment at various
levels.
In Thunder Bay, the Assessor attended a one-day workshop on
Survivors of Torture, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Compassion
Fatigue and Dealing with Stress; and a two-day training session on
Information and Referral.
In February, 2005, the Assessor was recertified by The Centre
for Language Training and Assessment to administer the CLBA.
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