CALP CALP Mathematical and Quantitative Language

Question 1

Why is mathematical language considered a CALP-level challenge for English language learners in US schools?

Accepted Answer

Math word problems and explanations require academic language proficiency in addition to numerical skill

Answer

Math uses only symbols, so language is irrelevant

Answer

Mathematical language is simpler than everyday English

Answer

ELLs always excel at math because it is universal

Question 2

A student can compute 45 ÷ 9 but fails the word problem: 'Distribute 45 items equally among 9 groups. How many items per group?' What does this reveal?

Accepted Answer

There is a gap between computational skill and CALP-level mathematical language proficiency

Answer

The student has a math disability

Answer

The student needs more arithmetic practice

Answer

The problem contains an error

Question 3

Which term is an example of academic mathematical language that requires CALP proficiency to understand?

Accepted Answer

Proportional reasoning in contextual problem-solving

Answer

Big number

Answer

Counting on fingers

Answer

More than

Question 4

How does CALP proficiency affect performance on standardized math tests with word problems in US schools?

Accepted Answer

Higher CALP proficiency correlates with better comprehension of word problem language and context

Answer

It has no effect since math is purely numerical

Answer

Only bilingual students need CALP for math

Answer

CALP only affects language arts performance

Question 5

A math teacher says: 'Evaluate the expression for the given parameters.' What CALP skill does understanding this instruction require?

Accepted Answer

Academic vocabulary knowledge of 'evaluate,' 'expression,' and 'parameters' in mathematical context

Answer

Basic arithmetic fluency

Answer

Phonological processing of the instruction

Answer

Social language skills

Question 6

Which instructional strategy best supports CALP development in math classrooms for ELL students?

Accepted Answer

Explicitly teaching mathematical academic vocabulary alongside problem-solving procedures

Answer

Presenting only numerical problems without language

Answer

Allowing students to skip word problems

Answer

Translating all problems into students' home languages