CALT Principles of Multisensory Structured Language (MSL) Education 5

Question 1

A student with dyslexia can decode words accurately but reads very slowly. According to MSL principles, what should the therapist target next?

Accepted Answer

Fluency and automaticity of phonological decoding

Answer

Once accuracy is established, MSL instruction targets fluency and automaticity so that decoding becomes fast and effortless.

Question 2

Which of the following MSL instructional techniques specifically engages the kinesthetic-tactile pathway for phoneme awareness?

Accepted Answer

Tapping or pushing chips into a segmenting mat while saying each phoneme

Answer

Physically tapping or moving manipulatives while segmenting phonemes engages the kinesthetic-tactile sensory channel, a hallmark of MSL instruction.

Question 3

In MSL instruction, why is it important to teach concepts in isolation before blending them into connected text?

Accepted Answer

Mastery at the isolated skill level ensures the student is not overwhelmed by competing demands during connected reading

Answer

Teaching skills in isolation first reduces cognitive load, ensuring the student fully masters each component before applying it in more complex connected text.

Question 4

Which feature distinguishes MSL instruction from traditional phonics programs?

Accepted Answer

MSL integrates simultaneous auditory, visual, and kinesthetic-tactile modalities with explicit, structured language content

Answer

MSL is distinguished by its simultaneous multisensory engagement combined with explicit, structured language instruction, unlike traditional phonics programs that may not incorporate all modalities.

Question 5

A CALT is selecting materials for a student who struggles with phonological awareness. Which activity is MOST consistent with MSL principles for this deficit?

Accepted Answer

Using Elkonin boxes with physical chips to segment spoken words into phonemes

Answer

Elkonin boxes with physical chips directly target phonological awareness through multisensory segmentation, engaging auditory and kinesthetic-tactile pathways simultaneously.

CALT - Certified Academic Language Therapist Practice Test

CALT - Certified Academic Language Therapist Practice Test

CALT Principles of Multisensory Structured Language (MSL) Education 5