A-LINC Program Report
For the period April 1, 2005, to March 31, 2006.

Assessment – Language Instruction for Newcomers (A-LINC) Program

Canadian Language Benchmarks assessors test newcomer language skills and recommend placement in a LINC program suitable to the learner’s abilities and needs. Assessments are conducted individually and privately, and clients are given a written record of their assessment results. Clients are referred to the TBMA LINC School, or to the LINC Home Study Program, for placement in the appropriate LINC classes.

Program Achievements

Sixty-four (64) newcomers were assessed during the 2005-2006 contract year. These clients arrived in Thunder Bay from Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Burma, Chechnya, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, El Salvador, India, Iran, Italy, Japan, Nepal, Nicaragua, Philippines, Poland, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Thailand, Ukraine, Venezuela, 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. The home study program is an important option for clients who are unable to attend regular LINC classes for such reasons as health issues, employment, having young children at home, or living in communities outside the city of Thunder Bay. Four (4) clients were referred to LINC Home Study in 2005-2006. Six (6) clients were enrolled in the Program in 2005-2006.

Promotion

The TBMA LINC Assessment Program is advertised to the public and community agencies via the TBMA Web page, The Key, brochure displays at Intercity, Lakehead University, and Folklore, and through networking with refugee sponsors and ethnocultural groups in the city. Clients are referred to us from community agencies, newcomer family and friends.

Professional Development

In March, 2006, the Assessor was recertified by The Centre for Language Training and Assessment to administer the CLBA.

Also in March, 2006, the Assessor travelled to Toronto for training in the administration of the CLBPT Assessment Forms 2 and 3.

In May, 2005, the Assessor attended a two-day workshop on Settlement Information and Referral.

In May, 2005, the Assessor attended Settlement Information and Referral Training.

In November, 2005, the Assessor participated in a one-day front-line staff training project presented by METRAC (Metropolitan Action Committee on Violence Against Women and Children) of Toronto.