Purposes
& Goals

The overarching aim of the Circle of Learning project has been to develop Levels 1 and 2 Benchmarks for use by formal and non-formal literacy and adult basic education programs and services in Saskatchewan. These Literacy Benchmarks serve the following purposes and goals:

Purposes

• to provide ways to document and recognize learner accomplishments and achievements
• to enhance learner transitions between levels and across programs. Having consistent provincial Benchmarks will help learners demonstrate their skills and learnings if they move to another geographic area or to a different delivery organization.
• to facilitate the development of courses. Delivery organizations can use Benchmarks to plan programs/courses and place learners appropriately within those programs/courses.

Goals

• to provide support to organizations providing literacy and basic education to adults. These include public agencies such as regional colleges, the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology (SIAST), and Dumont Technical Institute; adult literacy programs in community schools, public libraries, and correctional facilities and community-based organizations such as YAIL Harbor in Yorkton, Circle Project in Regina, READ Saskatoon, and LEARN Lloydminster.
• to guide program development, assessment and instruction. The Benchmarks communicate what is important for adults to learn without dictating how ideas or information should be taught. Individual programs and institutions can choose how to develop learning plans based on the Benchmarks.
• to be clear enough for all stakeholders to understand and compelling enough to inspire adult learners, literacy practitioners and tutors to enhance their literacy skills.