The Calla Model is
described as an
instructional model
for EL students that
integrates content
subjects, academic
language and explicit
instruction.
This method of
teaching connects
to content-based
instruction and
academic
language because
The Calla Model
relies heavily on
those two aspects.
This model relies
on content so
students learn
grade-level
material in all
subjects. Academic
Language is
important in this
model because
students develop
higher order
thinking skills
when this is
incorporated.
The Calla Model
application requires a
great use of teacher
scaffolding. When
teaching within The
Calla Model, teachers
must prepare, present,
practice, evaluate, and
extend student
knowledge in order for
a successful learning
environment.
The Content-Based Approach
Content-based instruction
is described as teaching
content area concepts in
relation to developmentally
appropriate foundational
skills for learning.
This approach connects to The Calla Model
and academic language in several ways. One
of the main objectives of The Calla Model is to
teach content. Academic language is
successfully mastered when it is incorporated
into core content areas of instruction.
Teachers can apply this approach by selecting
subjects that relate to grade-appropriate
content standards. This approach also allows
for teachers and students to apply learning
strategies. Teachers can also apply the content
objective to other subject areas. This
cross-curriculum technique allows students to
make connections between subjects.
Integrating Academic Language
Academic language is described as
language that students need to know for
success in learning. Academic language
should be taught and mastered in all four
areas of literacy domains. These domains
include reading, speaking, listening, and
writing.
Academic language connects to The Calla Model
and content-based instruction because it is
integrated into both approaches. Without the
academic language integration, these
approaches would be unsuccessful in mastering
student learning. Academic language also
requires modeling and scaffolding in order for
students to have a better understanding of what the
words in content mean.
Academic language is applied inside the
classroom when teachers offer students
with many strategies that promote
student success. Teacher modeling and
scaffolding of a new word helps students
see how that word is used in different
areas of content. Students can incorporate
academic language into their everyday
social language. Using sentence frames
also allows for students to apply new
academic language with words that may
already be familiar to them.