Literacy Education

Projects

CAL is involved in a variety of projects related to literacy education. Please review our most recent projects described below.

Acquiring Literacy in English
CAL conducted a 5-year research program consisting of several studies on the acquisition of literacy by Spanish-speaking children from prekindergarten through fifth grade. Several published articles report on results. Learn more about Acquiring Literacy in English.

Center for Research on the Educational Achievement and Teaching of English Language Learners (CREATE)
CAL is conducting national research on the SIOP Model and working with other collaborators to develop a systematic intervention model for ELLs in grades 4-8 regarding language, literacy, and content. CAL will also provide dissemination activities for CREATE. Learn more.

Diagnostic Assessment of Reading Comprehension
CAL is developing a reading comprehension test battery for ELLs and native English speakers from Grades 3 through 5. The test battery will include measurement of decoding and word fluency, central comprehension processes, and children’s sensitivity to linguistic variation in the text. Learn more.

English for Heritage Language Speakers
CAL is working with two partner universities to develop an intensive program to enable heritage speakers of critical languages to develop their English proficiency to high levels, with particular focus on language skills specific to the federal workplace. Learn more on the EHLS Web site.

Enhanced Assessment Instruments for English Language Learners (WIDA Consortium Project)
CAL has developed and will maintain assessments to annually measure the English language proficiency of English language learners in Grades K through 12 as mandated by the No Child Left Behind legislation. Learn more.

Enhancing Secondary Education in the Central Valley: Success and Access for English Language Learners
CAL is planning a project to promote students’ high school graduation and post secondary school enrollment. Learn more.

Ghana - Improved Quality and Access to Basic Education
CAL guided development of a short introduction to English for nonformal education, development and implementation of literacy standards, and development of a reading assessment instrument in five languages. Learn more about the Ghana project.

National Literacy Panel on Language Minority Children and Youth
The National Literacy Panel reviewed and synthesized over 20 years of research literature on the acquisition of literacy by language minority learners. Learn more about the National Literacy Panel.

Parent Time Curriculum for Adults Learning English
In collaboration with National Center for Family Literacy, CAL staff developed Parenting for Academic Success, a collection of curriculum units to be used in programs for adults learning English and in family literacy programs. Learn more.

Project Reach: Technical Assistance on Scientifically Based Reading Approaches
CAL provided information and technical assistance to National Center for Family Literacy project staff, training staff, and schools on working with students learning to read in English. Learn more.

Vocabulary Instruction and Assessment for Spanish Speakers (VIAS)
CAL received a second 5-year grant to continue to study the development of literacy in Spanish-speaking English language learners (ELLs). This is a continuation of the Acquiring Literacy in English project. The grant consists of three subprojects. The first studies the literacy development of ELLs through seventh grade; the other two examine the effects of interventions designed to build the language and literacy skills of ELLs in the early grades. The project includes a research and assessment core, managed by the Language Testing Division, and an administrative core. Learn more.