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Improving Cognitive/Academic Language Proficiency (Calp) Of Low-Achieving Sixth Grade Students: A Catalyst For Improving Proficiency Scores?, Margaret Grigorenko

Master of Education Research Theses

Cognitive/Academic Language Proficiency (CALP) is a construct developed by linguists that distinguishes everyday conversational language and language used in literature and on academic tests. The “No Child Left Behind Act” has created impetus for scientifically researched pedagogy that serves to increase academic achievement of groups who have been historically marginalized. Lack of CALP was identified as one factor that may prevent academic advancement among certain populations. An experiment was performed to demonstrate a causal relationship between increased CALP and improved Ohio Proficiency Test Scores. Twenty-three low-achieving sixth grade students, six of whom had IEPs, received an eight-week treatment program to …