Curriculum

Aside from clarifying the tools to be used, consideration will need to be given to examining and possibly aligning curriculum to the TRP skills as well as exit assessments.

Reporting Results

Although evident at the onset of the project, the current practice of reporting movement from one LBS level to the next is not effective in measuring learners’ skill attainment as it does not demonstrate the actual learning that is taking pace. In addition, there are different reporting requirements in tracking and reporting progress to learners as opposed to tracking and reporting progress to the MTCU. Currently, LBS goal achievement is tracked with respect to the number of learners who achieved their goals of employment, training and education, and independence. However, it is generally agreed that this information lacks validity.

The MTCU needs to consider how the assessment results will be used and to review and revise its “reporting requirements” as part of the paradigm shift with consideration for the following two concepts already mentioned:

• Incorporating a percentage change in the critical mass of skills within each TRP using a pre and post-test. This will allow the MTCU to compare agency performance within each TRP over time; and
• Incorporating a measure or measures that reflect literacy agencies’ linkages and referrals to other organizations.

Governance

In the long term, Ontario’s literacy agencies and sectors will need to be supported with an overarching, provincial coordination function that ensures:

• a common language is used to describe learner attainment in each TRP;
• the new assessment approach is straightforward, meaningful and manageable;
• all sectors are linked and coordinated with respect to the exit criteria from one TRP and its relationship to the entrance criteria for another;
• appropriate training for assessment is delivered;
• learners’ assessment are being done consistently within each TRP and sector;
• the reporting and tracking of assessment results are also consistent, meaningful and use state-of-the-art technology; and
• an understanding of the different resource requirements across sectors and the provision of appropriate financial support to transition agencies to the new paradigm.