FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

At what stage are ELL students expected to achieve mastery of CALP?

1. Within 2-3 years

2. Within 3-5 years

3. Within 5-7 years

4. Within 1 year

The correct answer is: Within 5-7 years

The expectation for English Language Learners (ELL) to achieve mastery of Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency (CALP) is typically set at around 5 to 7 years after they begin to learn the language. CALP refers to the formal academic language skills required for success in school, including reading, writing, and understanding complex concepts. Achieving proficiency in CALP generally takes longer than acquiring Basic Interpersonal Communicative Skills (BICS), which can be developed in a shorter time frame, generally within 1 to 3 years. The timeline of 5 to 7 years is based on research that highlights the cognitive demands of academic language, which is often more difficult than conversational language. It accounts for the complexities of language structure and the integration of higher-level thinking skills needed for academic success across subjects. Thus, reaching this level of proficiency is a gradual process influenced by factors such as the learner's environment, opportunities for practice, and the quality of instruction, reinforcing the need for adequate time for ELL students to fully develop their academic language skills.