English Learners
Twenty percent of the U.S. population speak a language other than English at home. As the number of English learners continues to grow, educators are seeking effective programs and instructional strategies to serve them. From its inception, improving the teaching of English around the world has been a core activity for CAL.
Currently we conduct projects ranging from curriculum design for English language learners, to professional development for instructors. CAL offers a variety of research-based resources related to the education of English language learners in Prekindergarten-Grade 12 programs; adult education programs; bilingual or dual language education programs, universities and community colleges; and business and workplace programs.
To learn more about CAL's work and resources about this topic, browse the subtopics within this section.
Projects
NYSESLAT (New York State English as a Second Language Achievement Test)
CAL works with MetriTech and New York State to develop items for the speaking portion of the NYSESLAT, an assessment of English oral proficiency of all English Language Learners enrolled in Grades K-12 in New York State schools. Approximately 275,000 students across the state are assessed by the NYSESLAT annually.
WIDA Partnership
CAL collaborates with the 39-state WIDA Consortium in its work to provide standards-based assessments for English language learners, most prominently on the Consortium’s assessment of English language proficiency, ACCESS for ELLs®. The test is currently taken by over 1,000,000 students annually.
Promoting Educator Networks: Standards-Based Instruction for Secondary English Learners
CAL is partnering with the Institute for Global and Online Education in the College of Education, University of Oregon, on this two-year project to provide support for secondary teachers working to implement the Common Core with English learners.
National Clearinghouse for English Language Acquisition (NCELA)
The U.S. Department of Education, Office of English Language Acquisition (OELA) has awarded the contract for the National Clearinghouse for English Language Acquisition (NCELA) to Leed Management Consulting, Inc. (LMCi). CAL is pleased to be a partner, along with Synergy Enterprises, Inc. (SEI), to provide support to different stakeholders involved in the education of English Learners (ELs).
English for Heritage Language Speakers (EHLS)
CAL designed and manages English for Heritage Language Speakers (EHLS), an intensive program that enables adult native speakers of critical languages to develop the English proficiency they need to succeed in professional positions in the federal government. EHLS is funded by the National Security Education Program and is conducted in partnership with Georgetown University.
Center for Research on the Educational Achievement and Teaching of English Language Learners (CREATE)
CREATE’s program of research was designed to enhance the empirical research base for Grade 4-8 readers.
Vocabulary Instruction and Assessment for Spanish Speakers (VIAS)
The Vocabulary Instruction and Assessment for Spanish Speakers (VIAS) project was a 5-year program of research on the literacy and language development of Spanish-speaking English-language learners (ELLs).
Two-Way Immersion Outreach and Information Dissemination
The project supported CAL’s nationwide two-way immersion (TWI) outreach and public relations efforts, including the creation and updating of a two-way immersion website and directory, an email bulletin, and responding to questions from the public.
Massachusetts ELPAC (English Learner Parent Advisory Council) Project
The Center for Applied Linguistics created online courses for parents and educators to aid in creating and sustaining effective ELPACs (English Learner Parent Advisory Councils) for the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).
Massachusetts ESL Programming Services Study
CAL conducted research on ESL practices in Massachusetts and other states (Nov. 2019 - May 2020) as part of a contract with the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).
Resources
Fundamentals of Sheltered Instruction: Featuring the SIOP Model
This self-paced online course is designed to help teachers and administrators increase their knowledge of research-based sheltered instruction to support the language and content learning needs of English learners. Examples are based on the widely-used and effective SIOP Model.
SIOP in Action: Instructional Videos Featuring Complete SIOP Lessons at Three Grade Levels
Three videos, available on one DVD with a companion viewers guide, illustrate three SIOP lessons at different grade levels: second grade, eighth grade, and high school/GED. Designed to deepen understanding of SIOP Model implementation at the classroom level and to support professional development initiatives, these videos are also used in CAL SIOP professional development workshops and online learning.
Developing Academic Literacy and Language in the Content Areas
Based on a 21st century approach to academic literacy that is aligned with today’s rigorous standards, this resource provides research-based strategies and practical, hands-on tools to help educators develop effective classroom activities. The package includes a comprehensive workbook supported by authentic classroom video and two complete unit plans on CD-ROM.
Using the SIOP Model: Professional Development Manual for Sheltered Instruction, 2nd Edition
The new and enhanced professional development manual is designed to assist educators as they prepare teachers of English language learners to use the Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol (SIOP) Model.
Guiding Principles for Dual Language Education – Third Edition
Guiding Principles for Dual Language Education has been updated to reflect new knowledge, practices, and policies in the arena of dual language education. The third edition of this widely used resource is designed to serve as an effective tool for planning, self-reflection, and continual improvement.
Services
CAL specializes in developing effective solutions for educators and practitioners working with language learners at all levels of instruction (preK–12, higher education, and adult education). Drawing on years of experience as teachers, researchers, coaches, and curriculum developers, CAL staff provide the tools, training, and resources educators need to help students of all ages succeed. Learn more.
CAL Institutes: Professional Development Opportunities in Washington, DC Metro Area
CAL is continuing to expand its successful series of professional development institutes focusing on key issues for educators. CAL Institutes provide research-based strategies and practical, hands-on tools and help teachers develop classroom activities that target the academic language demands of college and career readiness standards, including the Common Core State Standards. We also offer Training of Trainer sessions to refine facilitator and coaching techniques for district and school instructional leaders.
- Developing Academic Literacy and Language in the Content Areas
- English Learners and Effective Multi-Tiered Systems of Support Strategies
- Foundations of Dual Language Instruction
- Foundations of Effective Classroom Assessments: Principles and Practice
- Leading Dual Language Programs for Student Success: A CAL Leadership Institute
- Newcomers in Your School: Cultural Connections and Instructional Strategies
- Promoting Cultural Proficiency to Boost Outcomes for All Students
- Research-based Vocabulary Instruction for English Learners
- SIOP Training of Trainers: Foundations or Advanced Strategies
- Spanish Literacy Institute: Fostering Spanish Language and Literacy in the Content Areas
- Teaching Reading to Students Learning English: Training of Trainers or Direct Strategies
View the complete calendar and learn more about CAL Institutes.
CAL Institutes can also be offered on-site at your location. Email the CAL Solutions Team to learn more.