Synopsis
In this conversation, Avenue Digital News speaks with Kerry Campbell-Clark, an experienced ESL practitioner teaching both literacy-designated learners and CLB 1–3 students with the Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy (CBAL). Kerry is joined by Shayna Jepsen, CBAL’s Language Program Coordinator, and Rob McBride, Executive Director of New Language Solutions. Together, they explore what it means to support newcomers across vast rural regions of British Columbia where learners face diverse linguistic, educational, and socio-emotional challenges.
Kerry describes how her Foundations class includes learners with literacy designations ranging from pre-literacy to CLB 3, many of whom are refugees navigating English, technology, and Canadian systems simultaneously. She shares why she believes Avenue is not only workable, but valuable, for literacy learners—offering a motivating structure, repetition, and clear visual reinforcement that printed binders often cannot provide. Shayna adds context about CBAL’s blended delivery model, the challenges of mobility across resort and rural communities, and how Avenue supports continuity of learning.
They also discuss the growing importance of translanguaging, trauma-informed teaching approaches, digital navigation, scaffolded onboarding, and the patience required to meet learners where they are. A second conversation with CBAL LINC staff will be published in next month’s newsletter and will feature the CBAL Digital Navigator.
Generative AI was used to help organize and edit the original interview transcript. It helped break long answers into shorter sections, add clarifying questions, and improve readability, while keeping the interviewee’s words, meaning, and perspective intact.
Introductions and Backgrounds
A Professional Journey: From Law and Human Rights to ESL
Challenging the Myth: “Avenue Is Too Hard for Literacy Learners”
The CBAL Context: Rural Geography, Mobility, and Diverse Needs
Preparing Literacy Learners for Digital Learning
Translanguaging as an Instructional Strategy
Making The Binder Work for Literacy Learners
Digital Confidence, Motivation, and Engagement
Adapting Avenue to Meet Learners Where They Are
Using Avenue Support Tools Wisely
Advice for Teachers Working with Literacy Learners
Closing Reflections
CBAL is your regional online LINC provider supporting the Kootenay & Boundary, South Okanagan-Similkameen (Penticton, Okanagan Falls, Oliver, Osoyoos, Keremeos, Summerland, Peachland and Princeton), Shuswap (Salmon Arm, Sicamous and area) and Revelstoke.
