PBLA Accountability – Sharing Responsibility for Success
Funder Role
Funders are responsible for monitoring programs including PBLA implementation.
In LINC programs, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has established guidelines and supports to assist programs to create conditions that support PBLA success7. They include the following:
Table 6: Guidelines for Funders
| Class levels | Programs should have classes that are organized according to the National Placement Guidelines and do not cover a range of more than two benchmarks where possible, with teachers not expected to assess a range of more than three levels. |
| Class sizes | Maximum class size guidelines
ESL/FSL Literacy: 8 – 10 CLB/NCLC 1 to 4: 20* CLB/NCLC 5+: 25 – 30 *If there is a mixed class, Literacy and non-literacy, a literacy learner = 2 learners. |
| Lead Teachers | Programs should ensure a sufficient number of certified lead teachers – the equivalent of five hours per week of lead teacher support for every ten classroom teachers. |
| Prep time | Programs should build compensated preparation time into the instructional cycle. |
| Support for learner conferences | Learner Progress Conferences (individual learner conference with teacher) are scheduled at least once each reporting period. Classes may be cancelled for these Learner Progress Conferences. |
| Support for meeting time | Meeting time is provided each semester in accordance with IRCC guidelines to support portfolio review and/or other assessment activities. |
