Language for Success Framework
Building Stronger Pathways for Language Growth.
The Language for Success Framework is designed to support meaningful language development through clear guidance, practical structure, and learner-focused outcomes. It helps educators and organizations create more effective learning experiences by connecting language instruction with real-life communication, progress measurement, and long-term success. Through a balanced approach, the framework supports confidence, consistency, and stronger results for learners at every stage.
Language for Success Framework
Purpose of the Framework
The Language for Success framework supports language, workforce, and workplace training design and instruction. It draws on the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) to provide insight into the language needed to demonstrate the nine Skills for Success (SFS).
It can be used by instructors and program designers to:
- Identify skills that second language speakers need for successful workforce integration
- Design programs and curricula
- Develop targeted instructional content
- Choose relevant learning resources for language classes
- Understand how typical workplace tasks relate to CLB levels
Discover the Framework
The Language for Success framework provides information about the language involved in demonstrating the nine Skills for Success. It is organized using the Skills for Success as conceptualized by the Government of Canada. Select a skill to learn more.
core language skills
Skills for Success includes three core language skills. For these skills, the Language for Success framework shows the relationship between Skills for Success and Canadian Language Benchmarks levels.
Communication
Communication helps learners build confidence in expressing ideas, understanding others, and using language effectively in real-world situations.
Reading
Reading helps learners understand written information, build vocabulary, and develop the skills needed to interpret texts confidently in real-life situations.
Writing
Writing helps learners organize ideas, express thoughts clearly, and develop the skills needed to communicate effectively in everyday, academic, and professional settings.
other skills
Other Skills support learners in building practical abilities, confidence, and strategies needed to communicate, learn, and succeed in everyday situations.
Adaptability
Adaptability helps learners adjust to new situations, respond to change with confidence, and use language effectively in different real-life contexts.
Digital
Digital helps learners build confidence using technology, online tools, and digital communication skills needed for learning, work, and everyday life.
Collaboration
Collaboration helps learners work effectively with others, share ideas, communicate clearly, and build teamwork skills for real-life, academic, and professional situations.
Numeracy
Numeracy helps learners understand and use numbers, measurements, and basic math skills confidently in everyday, academic, and workplace situations.
Creativity and Innovation
Creativity and Innovation help learners think in new ways, solve problems, express ideas, and apply language skills confidently in real-life situations.
Problem Solving
Problem Solving helps learners think critically, make decisions, and use language skills to find practical solutions in everyday, academic, and workplace situations.
Canadian Language Benchmarks and Skills for Success
The Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) and Skills for Success (SFS) serve different purposes, but both address communication skills. The relationship between SFS core language skills and CLB was first established through a study led by the Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks in 2005.
Canadian Language Benchmarks
A national standard that describes communicative ability in English as a Second Language (ESL).
Skills for Success
A national framework that identifies nine key skills Canadians need for work, learning and life.