CALLA & Theory
What is the primary goal of the CALLA model?
To help English learners develop academic language, content knowledge, and learning strategies simultaneously.
Why can traditional assessments be problematic for ELs?
They often measure language proficiency rather than actual content knowledge.
What are the three tiers of vocabulary?
This type of language includes linguistic complexity, vocabulary usage, and language control.
Academic language
These are the four language domains.
Reading, writing, speaking, and listening
This model is based on cognitive learning theory and teaches learning strategies.
CALLA (Cognitive Academic Language Learning Approach)
What is authentic assessment?
Assessment based on real-world tasks
This is NOT a direct benefit of increased vocabulary: clearer speech, fluency, or comprehension?
Clearer speech
This is part of CALP and allows students to access grade-level content.
Academic language
Why must teachers address all four language domains?
To develop full language proficiency and support both comprehension and communication
This instructional model is designed to make content comprehensible for ELs in the classroom.
SIOP (Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol)
This is the main reason authentic assessment is used with ELs.
Traditional assessments are heavily language dependent
This is NOT an effective vocabulary practice: daily exposure, semantic analysis, or teaching in semantic sets?
Teaching vocabulary in semantic sets
This type of language is conversational, context-embedded, and typically develops more quickly than academic language.
BICS (Basic Interpersonal Communication Skills)
Name one challenge ELs face in writing instruction.
Limited vocabulary, grammar difficulties, or lack of academic language
This is one key feature of sheltered instruction: teachers begin here before increasing language complexity.
Simplifying discourse to make content comprehensible
This testing practice improves fairness by allowing extended time or other supports.
Adapted assessments (or testing accommodations)
This type of vocabulary is most important for ELs to succeed in academic settings.
Words and phrases needed for academic discourse
This mindset reflects bias: “my way is the best way of doing things.”
Cultural bias
Name one effective strategy to support EL writing.
Sentence frames, modeling, or guided practice
This principle explains why teachers gradually increase language complexity during instruction.
To support language development and scaffold learning toward academic language proficiency
This term refers to unfair assumptions or stereotyping that may affect student assessment or instruction.
cultural bias
Explain why academic vocabulary is essential for accessing grade-level content AND name one feature of academic language it supports.
Academic vocabulary allows students to understand and engage with grade-level material; it supports features like linguistic complexity, vocabulary usage, or language control
Explain how academic language differs from social language in one key way.
Academic language is more complex, formal, and content-specific, while social language is more conversational and informal
Explain how instructional conversations support EL learning.
They promote interaction, deeper thinking, and language development through meaningful dialogue