NYSTCE English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Practice Test

What typically happens to ELLs who have experienced no formal schooling prior to arriving?

1. All ELLs become fluent in less than a year

2. They may take up to 10 years to develop CALP

3. They must immediately engage in speaking

4. They will not learn any second language

The correct answer is: They may take up to 10 years to develop CALP

The statement that ELLs (English Language Learners) who have experienced no formal schooling prior to arriving may take up to 10 years to develop CALP (Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency) is accurate and reflects the reality faced by many ELLs. CALP refers to the ability to understand and use language in a way that is necessary for academic success and is significantly different from the basic interpersonal communication skills (BICS) that learners often acquire more rapidly. For ELLs without prior formal education, the challenges they face are compounded as they not only need to learn English but also must catch up on academic content knowledge that their peers may already possess. The process involves not just language acquisition, but also developing an understanding of educational systems, cultural norms, and academic expectations, which can contribute to an extended timeframe for achieving proficiency in CALP. Thus, it is understood that the journey to achieving academic language proficiency can be a lengthy process for these students.