Author Description

The Cognitive Academic Language Learning Approach (CALLA) is an instructional program for limited English proficient (LEP) students who are being prepared to participate in mainstream content instruction. CALLA students are taught to use learning strategies derived from a cognitive model of learning as aids to comprehension and retention of concepts in the content area. This report provides a broad perspective on the integration of language, content, and strategy learning for LEP students at upper elementary and secondary levels. Intended to serve as a coordinating link between ESL or bilingual teachers and mainstream classroom teachers, the report contains five chapters on the following topics: characteristics of the CALLA model; English language development (1) through science, (2) through mathematics, and (3) through social studies; and assessment and evaluation (of academic achievement and English language proficiency). It is noted that the CALLA approach is based on the observation that many LEP students fail to realize the promise of their early successes in learning English by continuing to master English once they advance to content-area instruction. Contains 65 references. (LB)