NATIONAL SETTLEMENT LANGUAGE PROGRAM: DIRECTIONS FORWARD 2013-2016 Lillian Thomas TESL Ontario Conference October 25, 2013
Purpose of the Presentation This presentation will highlight recent and upcoming developments in: CIC Policy and Program Landscape: 2013-14 Performance Measurement and ICARE Directions Forward: Language Program, 2013-2016 2
CIC Policy and Program Landscape Shifting policies at Citizenship and Immigration Canada will result in changes that will influence who immigrates, the skills they contribute, the communities they settle in and the services we provide to support them before and after their arrival. A common thread to modernization: language proficiency. Language requirements have been introduced or strengthened in the economic stream for Immigration and in Citizenship. Canadian and international research confirms that language is a key factor in gaining better employment rates, appropriate employment, and higher earnings. Settlement services and language programs oriented towards the evolving client landscape will support the new reality for immigrants to Canada. As CIC moves towards the future, it s relationship with diverse partners is key: settlement and language will transition to a national program; placement and outcomes assessment will be strengthened; and the reach of language services will be broadened to include diverse online options. 3
CIC Policy and Program Landscape Immigration Settlement Citizenship Economic stream programs within Immigration have undergone significant change recently. Requirements range from CLB/NCLC 4 to CLB/NCLC 7. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) Education Credential Assessment (ECA) Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) Canadian Experience Class (CEC) Expression of Interest (EOI) With the exception of certain streams, applicants can no longer qualify for economic permanent resident programs without meeting minimum language thresholds. 4
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) Immigration Settlement Citizenship Canadian and International research confirm that language is a key factor in gaining better employment rates, appropriate employment, and higher earnings. FSWP evaluation found that principal applicants (PAs) who receive maximum points for language have earnings 38% higher than FSWs without high proficiency. On May 4 of this year, CIC began accepting applications to the new, modernized Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) Changes to the FSWP points grid have given greater emphasis than before to language proficiency and age important factors in economic success and rapid integration Of the six selection criteria in the points system, language accounts for 28 out of 100 points. The minimum language threshold is set at CLB/NCLC 7 in all four skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing) 5
Education Credential Assessment (ECA) Immigration Settlement Citizenship Additionally, as part of the FSWP, Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) was also introduced on May 4 th. Determines if foreign educational credential is authentic and equivalent to a completed credential in Canada. CIC will award points for education under the FSWP selection grid according to the results of the ECA report i.e., must equate to at least a completed Canadian secondary school credential to be eligible for the FSWP. Benefits: gives prospective immigrants a clearer idea of how their education credentials will be regarded in the labour market ; gives employers, particularly in non-regulated professions, an equivalency of an applicants foreign educational credentials in relation to Canadian educational standards In regulated professions, language testing may still be part of a series of licensing requirements that applicants will have to satisfy separately as part of the process of licensure. 6
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) Immigration Settlement Citizenship CIC opened new Federal Skilled Trades Program in January of this year. Program targets serious labour shortages in parts of Canada In year 1, CIC will accept up to 3,000 applications for specific trades (43 eligible occupations) Criteria for the program includes: arranged employment or a P/T certificate of qualification; 2 years of relevant work experience in the last 5 years, education or qualifications which satisfy applicable NOC code employment requirements meeting the language threshold. Mandatory language requirement has been set at CLB/NCLC 5 for listening and speaking and CLB/NCLC 4 for reading and writing. Purpose is to ensure that health and safety standards are upheld and to bolster socio-economic integration 7
Canadian Experience Class (CEC) Immigration Settlement Citizenship Canadian Experience Class (CEC) allows those with Canadian work experience to apply to stay permanently in the country. One program objective: retain those with intermediate language skills who have demonstrated successful employment in Canada in a skilled job Since January 2013, changes have included: Work experience requirement reduced from 24 to 12 months Standardized eligibility for all applicants (foreign and TFWs) Language thresholds set in all 4 skills: CLB/NCLC 7 for managerial and professional occupations and CLB/NCLC 5 for technical occupations In 2013, 20,000 individuals admitted to Canada through CEC 8
Expression of Interest (EOI) Immigration Settlement Citizenship EOI model aims to transform the immigration system into one that is more responsive to labour market demand. Application process has two main stages: Stage 1 EOI application submitted and ranked, Stage 2 Invitation to Apply and Processing of Applications. EOI will become a required pre-application stage for several existing CIC programs. Phase one of EOI will likely encompass FSWP, FSTP, and CEC. Proficiency in language will play an important role. Benefits: select candidates for a pool who best meet immediate and future economic needs, involves governments (FPT) and employers Launch expected in 2014 9
National Settlement Program: transition for B.C. and Manitoba Immigration Settlement Citizenship Resumed management of federally-funded settlement programs in Manitoba (April 2013) and B.C. (April 2014) New partnership models are being developed with provinces including in Ontario. Transition creates numerous opportunities for the sharing of innovative programming by Manitoba and B.C.: English At Work, online approaches, and professional development. Areas for collaboration and alignment in language include: creating national consistency in LINC provincial issuance of LINC certificates, Portfolio-Based Language Assessment (PBLA) new National Language Placement and Progression Guidelines By 2016 CIC will have synchronized the Call For Proposal cycle across all provinces 10
National Settlement Conference Immigration Settlement Citizenship 2013 National Settlement Conference (NSC-2013): first opportunity in a decade to unite major stakeholders in a visioning discussion about the CIC-funded Settlement Program The five major themes being explored during the 2.5 day conference: Changing Client Profile Responsive Programming & Delivery New & Renewed Partnerships Accountability New Funding Mechanisms Workshop Opportunity: considering future directions for language, the workshop titled Creating Greater Opportunities to Serve Clients in Areas of Limited or No Services will consider key questions around clients who are not being served and innovative means to broaden access 11
Citizenship Language Requirements Immigration Settlement Citizenship CIC amended Citizenship Regulations (Nov. 2012) which affect the way in which the language requirement for Citizenship is assessed. Regulations now clarify language requirements for proficiency applicants (18 54) are required to provide objective proof of their language ability CLB /NCLC 4 in speaking and listening or its equivalent is the established benchmark Language ability can be demonstrated through: Results of a CIC-approved third party language test Transcripts or a diploma showing completion of a secondary or post-secondary education program in English or French, in Canada or abroad Evidence of achieving CLB/NCLC 4 in certain government-funded language training programs LINC/CLIC certificates introduced in 2012, are issued by federally funded SPOs to learners upon completion of a CLB/NCLC level in at least one of the four skills (reading, writing, listening, speaking). Discussions under way with certain provinces to issues these certificates 12
Citizenship Language Requirements: Post Implementation Immigration Settlement Citizenship CIC has found that as public awareness has increased, compliance with regulatory requirements has improved. The number of applications received without sufficient language evidence and returned to the client has declined significantly since regulations came into force. Some clients are still submitting evidence not included on the list of acceptable evidence, which results in their application being returned. CIC continues to monitor the results of implementing the new regulatory changes. 13
Performance Measurement and ICARE icare Reporting In service: January 2014 APPR In service: Dec. 2012 In service: March 2014 In service: TBD 2014 Overseas (incl. TOSG) Client Survey In service: April 2, 2013 Language Training Community Connections Language Assessment Resettlement Assistance Program Waitlist Employment Related SPOrtal Client Profile 14 Information and Orientation Needs Assessment and Referrals Security Functionality Citizenship language verification (ilove)
ICARE Roll-Out: to January 2014 Components in January Launch Language Training Language Assessment Waitlist Training ICARE training is scheduled for parts of Ontario in early December (not yet finalized) Training comprises: explanation of modules, training to use online system, follow-up webinars, and monthly check-ins by ICARE staff Ongoing and Upcoming CIC is collaborating with CET regarding the HARTS and ICARE interface and future directions March launch components are expected to include Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP) and Community Connections 15
Directions Forward: Language Program, 2013-2016 Transition to a National Language Program B.C./MB Transition Program Standards Bolster Placement and Outcomes Assessment New Language Placement and Progression Guidelines Portfolio Based Language Assessment Milestones/ BTR Harnessing the Power of the Web Tutela Online Learning Working with Partners CLARS NLAB 16
Transition to a National Language Program CIC management of federally funded settlement services in B.C. and MB is a key element to an aligned approach to language: consistency and comparability at its core. CFPs: B.C - CFP decisions to be released in November, Manitoba CFP issued this month, applications are due by November 8 th. To bring greater consistency to our language programs, CIC will be pursuing a number of priorities over the next three years, for example: Transitioning from the broad usage of LINC levels to CLBs Consulting on evolving professional development needs in language Examining a streamlined approach to language assessment Updating CLB literacy benchmarks - CLB 2000: ESL for Literacy Learners 17
New National Language Placement and Progression New National Language Placement and Progression Guidelines Guidelines Guidelines intended for language assessors, instructors and coordinators to: ensure a common understanding and interpretation of assessment results based on the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) establish national guidelines for placement and progression in language classes Consultation: evolved over the last decade of discussions regarding interpretation of test results and about placement and progression practices. CIC consulted the Newcomer Language Advisory Board (NLAB) and other key stakeholders Introduced through the Co-ordinated Language Assessment and Referral System (CLARS) initiative in Ontario. It will be rolled out across Canada in phases. Transition: incorporating the guidelines into practice have been facilitated through training, but will also include Qs and As and other initiatives through CLARS. 18
Portfolio-Based Language Assessment (PBLA): Portfolio-Based Language Assessment (PBLA): Rolling-Out Rolling-Out An in-class language assessment approach directly aligned to the CLB framework, which: brings teachers to a common standard of practice; provides a consistent approach to measure student advancement; supports better learning results for students. Main Elements: teachers and students collaborate on language learning goals, compile numerous examples of language proficiency and learning in a variety of contexts over time, analyze the data, and reflect on progress Program-wide implementation of PBLA began June 2013 Training online training of regional coaches began in October, in-person training in December training first cohort of lead teachers in January Workshops Several workshops have taken place and are taking place on PBLA implementation as well as reflections on the PBLA field test in Ottawa, at the research symposium later today. 19
CLB Milestones Test and NCLC Batterie de tests de rendement (BTR) Milestones test commissioned by CIC in 2009: the development of a new CLB based, standardized test designed independently of language training programs to measure and certify English language proficiency from CLB 3- to 9+ and French language proficiency from NCLC 3- to 9+ Versions: 2 versions of the English test developed and 4 additional ones are expected to be completed by 2015. Two versions of the BTR expected by April 1 st, 2014. Applications: suited for CIC s routine evaluations of its language training programs. Other potential uses: research into language acquisition in relation to various types of training potential credential for foreign credential/qualification recognition for employment part of an application process to CIC programs CIC is currently exploring options for piloting the test. 20
Tutela s 1 Tutela s 1 st st Anniversary Anniversary This fall, CIC celebrates Tutela s 1 st anniversary. The site has grown into a vibrant community of practice, with over 5,000 users and 1300 resources New and improved version of the site, Tutela 2.0, is launching this fall. Site improvements include: An improved search function with significant increases to performance, search ability and analytics An upgrade of Tutela s open source platform (Tik) and webinar system (BigBlueButton) A Help section with how to videos, question forum and success stories all in one There are many opportunities at the conference to learn more about using Tutela and the experience of others using it. Later today there is a session in the Technology Lab entitled Learning to Use Tutela.ca ESL Repository/Community. 21
Online Learning CIC currently serves less than 5% of students through online program offerings across all provinces where LINC and CLIC are offered. Goal is to ensure broad access to language training by renewing and expanding online and blended training options. Work is underway on an e-learning strategy that will incorporate online learning into language training to varying degrees, to flexibly meet the unique needs of learners at all levels. A Strong Start: LearnIT2teach The LearnIT2teach project provides Ontario LINC teachers with the technology tools they need to implement blended learning in their programs Offers four free stages of mentored teacher training on how to integrate free e- learning materials and courseware into classroom training Over 1000 instructors in Ontario have received training to date. The teacher training model has proven successful in Ontario, and was recently expanded across Canada. 22
Working with Partners Relationship with stakeholders is important to CIC s ability to meet the evolving needs of clients. Partners for consultation and delivery. CIC welcomes opportunities for collaboration with a diversity of partners. Collaborating with Ontario: Co-ordinated Language Assessment and Referral System (CLARS) is a jointly funded and administered pilot project between CIC and Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration (ON). CLARS creates a seamless approach to language assessment, referral and training for adult newcomers in Ontario eligible for federally or provincially funded language training. Evaluation of the CLARS pilot will be discussed at CIC in order to consider it as a possible model for other parts of the country. ** Other Consultation: The Newcomer Language Advisory Body (NLAB), comprised of language delivery partners from across the country, has had a successful year of consultation, planning and collaboration. Key work last year: contributions to new ICARE modules, development of the National Language Placement and Progression Guidelines NLAB is currently participating in consultations on an online learning strategy 23
Contact Lillian Thomas Senior Advisor, Policy and Programs Information, Language and Community Program Policy Division Integration-FCRO Branch Citizenship and Immigration Canada Lillian.Thomas@cic.gc.ca Yves Saint-Germain Director Information, Language and Community Program Policy Division Integration-FCRO Branch Citizenship and Immigration Canada yves.saint-germain@cic.gc.ca 24