About CAL
Heritage Languages in America - Frequently Asked Questions
A seventh question, What is language loss?, has been added to the list of Frequently Asked Questions on the Heritage Languages in America Web site. In addition, the answers to the first six questions have been bundled together as a downloadable PDF for ease of reference. Learn more.
June 2008
Registration Now Open for the 2008 CREATE Conference
Math, Science, and Social Studies: A Focus on English Language Learners in Middle School to be held October 6 – 7, 2008 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Learn more at the CREATE Web site.
June 2008
BEST Literacy Test Manual (2008 Edition) Now Available
The 2008 edition of the BEST Literacy Test Manual is now available. The new manual contains updated National Reporting System (NRS) and Student Performance Level (SPL) scale score ranges, additional background and technical information, and refinements to procedures for scoring the note writing section. Learn more.
June 2008
CAL Project List Updated
CAL has recently refreshed its projects list, updating progress on existing projects and adding new projects for 2008 and beyond. Learn more.
May 2008
Registration now open for CAL- CARLA Conference
Immersion Education: Pathways to Bilingualism and Beyond, a CARLA-CAL Conference Collaboration will be held October 16 – 18, 2008 at the
Crowne Plaza Hotel – St. Paul Riverfront in
St. Paul, Minnesota. Learn more or register online.
May 2008
Acquiring Literacy in English Web Site Now Online
CAL has recently expanded the resources available from its research project, Acquiring Literacy in English (ALE), a 5-year program of research in which the Center for Applied Linguistics and its collaborators studied the factors that predict success as Spanish-speaking children learn to read and write in English. Visit this newly expanded site.
April 2008
CAL to Offer Summer Training of Trainers Institute on What's Different About Teaching Reading to Students Learning English?
In response to growing requests from educators for training materials on teaching reading to English language learners, CAL is offering a three-day Training of Trainers (TOT) Institute in Washington, D.C., in late July 2008. Learn more.
April 2008
Two Adult ESL Resources Now Available In Print
The CAELA Guide for Adult ESL Trainers and Practitioner Toolkit: Working with Adult English Language Learners, two online resources created by CAELA, are now available for purchase as print publications for ease of use and reference. Learn more.
Both resources are still available for download free of charge on the CAELA Web site.
April 2008
CAL to Conduct New Research on Newcomer Programs
CAL is currently updating our contact list in preparation for conducting a newcomer research survey in spring/summer 2008. The results of this survey will be used to update CAL's Newcomer Database (2000). Learn more.
March 2008
CAL Collaborating with Great Lakes East Comprehensive Assistance Center
CAL is collaborating in the operation of this Center to provide capacity-building assistance to Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio in their efforts to raise student achievement. Learn more about CAL's involvement and view a page of ELL-focused resources from CAL.
March 2008
EL/Civics Online: Integrating EL/Civics Into Adult ESL Classes
Learn more about this free series of online courses designed to assist teachers in creating interesting and effective ESL lessons in the areas of U.S. history, U.S. government, civic engagement, and the naturalization process.
EL/Civics Online is developed by the Adult Learning Resource Center under a contract from CAL with funding from the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Vocational and Adult Education, and from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Office of Citizenship.
March 2008
CAELA Network Launches New Web Site
There is a vital need for high quality instruction for adult English language learners in the United States. Visit the new CAELA Network Web site, a portal to information focusing on effective professional development for educators working with adult English language learners. Learn more by visiting the CAELA Network Web site.
February 2008
Guidance on BEST Literacy Score Interpretation
CAL will make changes to the BEST Literacy score interpretation chart effective July 1, 2008. An informative flyer outlining these changes and providing helpful guidance was mailed to all users in January 2008. Read more.
February 2008
African American English Bibliography Now Available
CAL has amassed a bibliography of more than 650 print references related to African American English. Learn more.
February 2008
TIRF Call for Proposals for the 2008 Doctoral Dissertation Research Grants
TIRF (The International Research Foundation for English Language Education) announces the 2008 competition for doctoral dissertation grants. Grants of up to US $5,000 will be awarded for the highest rated proposals.
Doctoral students who have been advanced to candidacy may submit proposals for funding to support empirical investigations related to the following research priority topics:
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Students' age and effective English language education in schools
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Teacher English proficiency and effective English language education
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Optimal uses of technology in the delivery of English language instruction
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Effective grammar instruction for English language learners in primary and secondary education contexts
The deadline for submitting proposals was April 30, 2008.
Please visit www.tirfonline.org for further information.
February 2008
Free Webcast seminar on January 10, 2008 hosted by CREATE - Building Oral Language into the Basal
In Thursday’s free Webcast seminar, Building Oral Language into the Basal, Dr. Diane August, Senior Research Scientist with the Center for Applied Linguistics, will describe methods to develop the language proficiency skills of English Learners in the context of language arts, math, and science instruction in elementary and middle schools. Register now to participate in this presentation, co-sponsored by CREATE and West Ed's SchoolsMovingUp.
January 2008
New CAL Digest -
Effects of Instructional Hours and Intensity of Instruction on NRS Level Gain in Listening and Speaking
This digest reports on a study examining the relationship between the number of ESL instructional hours and intensity of ESL instruction with the progress of adult English language learners in listening and speaking in English, as measured by the oral proficiency assessment BEST Plus. Download a free copy of this new publication.
December 2007
2008 G. Richard Tucker Fellowship
Applications are now being accepted for the 2008 G. Richard Tucker Fellowship. Each year a new Tucker Fellow is selected for a 4-week residency at CAL's offices in Washington, DC. The application deadline is
April 14, 2008. Learn more.
December 2007
New CAL publication –
Guiding Principles for Dual Language Education
The Guiding Principles were developed as a tool to help dual language programs (two-way immersion, heritage language, foreign language immersion, or developmental bilingual programs) with planning and ongoing implementation. The Guiding Principles are now available for purchase in a print format for ease of reference. Learn more.
December 2007
Foreign Language Assessment Directory now available
CAL has developed a free, searchable online directory of information on nearly 200 tests in over 90 languages. Learn more.
November 2007
New Discover Languages Spotlight on Russian
In support of the Discover Languages campaign, CAL presents Spotlight on Language, a regular Web series that focuses on specific languages and CAL's related work.
The third Spotlight on Language, Russian, is available now.
October 2007
COR Center releases fourth Refugee Backgrounder
Click here to download our Refugee Backgrounder profiling the Bhutanese Refugees in Nepal.
October 2007
New CAL Digest-
Oral Proficiency Assessment: The Use of Technology
in Test Development and Rater Training
Since 1986, CAL has investigated and initiated a number of approaches to oral proficiency assessment that rely on semi-direct measures and new technologies. This digest describes ways to use technology to improve test development and administration and to improve the training of raters. Download a free copy of this new publication.
October 2007
New CAL co-publication -
Developing Reading and Writing in Second-Language Learners
This book was created as a summary of the full volume, Developing Literacy in Second-Language Learners, reporting the findings of the National Literacy Panel on language-minority children and youth. Learn more.
September 2007
Foreign Language Directory enhancements in development
CAL is developing two online resources to help with selection of foreign language assessments: the Foreign Language Assessment Directory (FLAD) and an online testing tutorial called Understanding Assessment: A Guide for Foreign Language Educators. Learn more.
September 2007
CO Trainers' Exchange 2007 Executive Summary and individual reports now available
In May 2007, six domestic resettlement professionals visited a number of the overseas sites offering CO to U.S.-bound refugees. Visit the COR Center Web site to read the Executive Summary of the visits or see the secondees' individual reports and slideshows.
September 2007
National K – 12 Foreign Language Survey underway
CAL conducts a national survey of foreign language instruction in elementary and secondary schools every decade to gain greater understanding of current patterns and shifts over time. We are currently conducting the third survey to be able to show trends in foreign language education at three points in time (1987, 1997, 2007). Learn more.
September 2007
Heritage Languages in America unveils new Web site
The Alliance for the Advancement of Heritage Languages recently launched its redesigned Web site.
The newly revamped
site offers expanded
content and improved
navigation to make it
easier to find resources
and information
about heritage languages
in the United
States. Visit the site.
July 2007
What's Different About Teaching Reading to Students Learning English? 2007 Edition
Learn more about our revised materials for What's Different About Teaching Reading to Students Learning English?
June 2007
COR Center releases third refugee backgrounder
Click here to download our refugee backgrounder profiling the Kunama.
June 2007
CREATE Web site expanded
CAL partners with several institutions in the Center for Research on the Educational Achievement and Teaching of English Language Learners (CREATE), a National Research and Development Center for English language learners. Visit the newly expanded CREATE Web site to learn more about CREATE, its research and upcoming events.
June 2007
Project SAILL Web site launched
CAL is working on two research strands of Project SAILL, a larger biliteracy effort involving several partner universities. Visit the recently launched Project SAILL mini-Web site to learn more about CAL's research efforts as part of this initiative.
May 2007
COR Center releases new refugee backgrounder
Click here to download our second refugee backgrounder profiling the 1972 Burundians.
April 2007
New CAL publication -
An Insider’s Guide to SIOP Coaching
This new resource is designed for coaches who know the SIOP Model and are helping teachers implement it in their lessons. The guide offers practical suggestions for establishing productive coaching contexts, helping teachers with effective SIOP lesson planning, conducting observations and providing feedback, and sustaining SIOP implementation over time. Learn more.
March 2007
COR Center introduces refugee backgrounders
In the tradition of the culture profiles, refugee backgrounders provide key information about new refugee groups for U.S. resettlement workers but in a smaller digest format. Click here to download our first backgrounder profiling the Banyamulenge Tutsi.
February 2007
New CAL publication -
Realizing the Vision: Fostering Effective Programs and Classrooms
Drawing on a decade of research, this book explores the question of effectiveness in two-way immersion by examining the development of bilingualism and biliteracy in elementary TWI students. Specifically, the authors highlight the importance of fostering cultures of intellectualism, equity, and leadership in order to promote bilingualism and biliteracy among students in TWI programs. Learn more.
January 2007
Refugee Families & Refugee Youth Videos Now Available
These two videos, combined on one VHS videotape or DVD, were created to assist refugees and refugee service providers in learning about adjustment of refugee families and refugee youth to their new lives in the United States. Topics include family adjustment, discipline, school life, home life, and learning English. Learn more.
December 2006
New Culture Profile: Meskhetian Turks
The Meskhetian Turks: An Introduction to their History, Culture and Resettlement Experiences provides general information about Meskhetian Turk communities around the world including information about their culture, language and education, and resettlement in the United States, as well as recommended reading. Learn more.
December 2006
CAL invites applications for the 2007 G. Richard Tucker Fellowship
The G. Richard Tucker Fellowship program for master’s and doctoral
students in language-related fields is now in its 16th year. Each year, a new Tucker Fellow is selected for a 4-week residency at CAL’s offices in
Washington, DC. The Fellow works with CAL senior staff on an existing
CAL research project or on a suitable project suggested by the Fellow. Learn more.
December 2006
CAELA featured in Nexus online journal
The Center for Adult English Language Acquisition (CAELA)'s rich array of adult ESL professional development and print resources have been spotlighted in Nexus, an annual, peer-reviewed, online journal for teacher educators, developers, and trainers working in the field of teaching English to speakers of other languages. Click here to read the profile of CAELA that was published in the November 2006 issue of Nexus.
December 2006
SOPA Online Training Now Available
CAL has developed an online training course that teaches participants how to rate students' oral language using the Student Oral Proficiency Assessment (SOPA). SOPA Online Training is now available with the self-paced Introduction to SOPA. Learn more.
November 2006
Discover Languages
Discover Languages is a national campaign introduced by ACTFL to build on the momentum of 2005: The Year of Languages and to raise awareness of the importance of language learning and cultural understanding. In support of the Discover Languages campaign, CAL presents Spotlight on Language, a regular Web series that focuses on specific languages and CAL's related work.
The first Spotlight on Language, Arabic, is available now.
November 2006
Multimedia Rater Training Program (MRTP) French version coming soon.
The MRTP is a computer-assisted professional development tool that teaches professionals to rate oral proficiency through authentic language samples from the Simulated Oral Proficiency Interview (SOPI). CAL is expanding the available languages for the MRTP this winter. Learn more.
November 2006
National K-12 Foreign Language Survey Underway
CAL has received funding from the U.S. Department of Education, Title VI International Research and Studies program, to conduct a national K-12 foreign language survey. This project will expand our knowledge, suggest needs for increased or improved foreign language instruction, and provide data to inform language education policy at the local, state, and national levels. Learn more.
November 2006
Adolescent ELL Literacy Report Released
Double the Work: Challenges and Solutions to Acquiring Language and Academic Literacy for Adolescent English Language Learners, was published by the Alliance for Excellent Education and released earlier this month. Learn more.
November 2006
BEST Literacy now available.
BEST Literacy, CAL's updated version of the literacy skills section of the Basic English Skills Test (BEST), evaluates reading and writing skills in authentic situations chosen for their relevance to adult language learners in the United States. Learn more.
October 2006
TWI Toolkit
The Two-Way Immersion (TWI) Toolkit is now available as an online resource for teachers, parents, and administrators involved with TWI programs, particularly those at the elementary school level. It brings the principles of TWI to life through a Q&A on classroom instruction and through model lesson plans that showcase how effective instructional strategies play out in the two-way context. Browse the Toolkit.
October 2006
New CAL Digest
The purpose of CAL's newest digest, Raising Bilingual Children: Common Parental Concerns and Current Research, is to help pediatricians, speech language pathologists, classroom teachers, and other professionals who work with bilingual children and their parents understand common parental concerns related to bilingual childrearing and become familiar with the current science on bilingual child development. Download a free copy.
September 2006
National Literacy Panel Executive Summary Now Available
The report from the National Literacy Panel on Language Minority Children and Youth has been completed and will be published in Summer 2006. Read the executive summary of this important report.
August 2006
CAL receives 2-Way CABE award for promoting bilingualism
CAL was honored to receive 2-Way CABE’s Promoting Bilingualism Award at the National Two-Way Bilingual Immersion Program Summer Conference in July 2006.
An affiliate of the California Association for Bilingual Education (CABE), 2-Way CABE also acknowledged the contributions of CAL’s president, Dr. Donna Christian, in support of two-way immersion. We very much appreciate this award and the recognition of our colleagues. We look forward to working together in support of two-way immersion and bilingual education programs and policies in the years to come.
July 2006
Guiding Principles Document Available for Public Comment
The Center for Applied Linguistics is pleased to announce that the document, Guiding Principles for Dual Language Education, is available in draft form for public comment. Read more.
August 2006
New Partnership Announced
CAL is a partner in the new Appalachian Regional Education Laboratory serving Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. Read more.
June 2006
New Cultural Orientation Digest
Cultural Orientation for Refugees provides a review of the recent history of refugee cultural orientation and a primer on overseas and domestic orientation efforts. Download a free copy.
March 2006
Parenting for Academic Success: A Curriculum for Families Learning English
This research-based curriculum was designed to build the English language skills of parents learning English who have children in kindergarten through third grade. CAL developed this curriculum in collaboration with the National Center for Family Literacy and also wrote a paper outlining the research base underlying the curriculum. To read the paper, click here. For more information about the curriculum, visit www.delta-systems.com.
March 2006
English for Heritage Language Speakers Web Site Launched
The Center for Applied Linguistics is working with the National Security Education Program to improve the English proficiency of U.S. heritage populations who have expertise in critical languages. To learn more, visit the EHLS Web site.
September 2005
