The Learner Skill Attainment Framework is a large-scale, multi-year or multiple-phase project that must undergo a validation assessment at some point. This will involve profiling courses or programs to determine Essential Skills complexity levels for the transition paths. Information from the current projects can be used to begin the validation process but more groundwork has to be done.

More discussion is needed to determine the overlap of Essential Skills for each pathway. More direction is needed to identify appropriate content for each transition path. More time is needed to see how effective PDQ and TOWES are in determining learning gains through pre- and post testing. More professional development is needed to ensure the field has a consistent understanding of Essential Skills and complexity levels.

Above all, a viable mechanism is needed to oversee and support the ongoing development of the framework and ensure participation of streams and sectors.

NEXT STEPS

• Engage the field by sharing the work completed to date on all aspects of the LSA Framework validation draft with the field.
• Gather input and feedback from field through regional focus groups that encourage active debate and discussion.
• Develop and pilot transition tasks for all paths.

RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Acknowledge the discrepancies in the field’s experience with and understanding of Essential Skills. Put more supports in place for quality professional development related to Essential Skills for learning and assessment.
2. Reconcile functional and academic learning/assessment approaches through ongoing discussion and research. Work toward a fair and cohesive approach to measuring learners’ gains for accountability purposes.
3. Determine the Essential Skills needed by learners to effectively operate in and complete each transition pathway. Develop content for each path incorporating Essential Skills.
4. Continue to explore the use of valid, reliable instruments for each pathway to measure learners’ gains in Essential Skills. Look for congruence with content and instructional methods.
5. Ensure that a viable mechanism is in place to oversee and support the ongoing development of the framework. Make full participation of streams and sectors a priority.