CALIFORNIA BILINGUAL AUTHORIZATION
PRACTICE EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS
RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT
DOWNLOAD PDF
1. Which of the following best describes additive bilingualism?
A. When a second language replaces the first language
B. When a second language is learned without losing the first language
C. When both languages are lost due to confusion
D. When the first language is only used at home
Additive bilingualism enriches the learner’s language abilities by
preserving the native language while acquiring a second one.
2. According to Cummins, Basic Interpersonal Communication Skills (BICS)
typically take how long to develop?
A. 5–7 years
B. 1–2 years
C. 3–5 years
D. 7–10 years
BICS develop faster than Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency (CALP),
which takes longer.
,3. Which law mandated that schools take “affirmative steps” to help ELLs
overcome language barriers?
A. Proposition 227
B. Lau v. Nichols (1974)
C. Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)
D. Plyler v. Doe (1982)
The Supreme Court decision in Lau v. Nichols required schools to take
active steps to ensure language minority students receive equal
educational opportunities.
4. CALP (Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency) typically develops in:
A. 1–2 years
B. 2–3 years
C. 3–5 years
D. 5–7 years
CALP, necessary for academic success, usually takes 5–7 years to develop.
5. Funds of knowledge refer to:
A. A student’s academic transcript
B. Culturally accumulated skills and knowledge from families and
communities
C. School-based curriculum knowledge
D. Language ability assessments
Funds of knowledge recognize and integrate the rich cultural experiences
and knowledge students bring to the classroom.
6. The term “code-switching” means:
A. Learning a second language formally
B. Using informal vocabulary
C. Alternating between two languages in conversation
D. Abandoning one language for another
, Code-switching is common in bilingual speakers and reflects linguistic
flexibility and context awareness.
7. One of the goals of a dual language immersion program is:
A. To replace the native language with English
B. Biliteracy and academic achievement in both languages
C. Temporary language support
D. Rapid immersion into English only
Dual language programs aim for full proficiency in both the native and
second language.
8. A culturally relevant curriculum includes:
A. Teaching only American history
B. Integrating students’ backgrounds into instruction
C. Removing cultural differences
D. Uniform teaching strategies
Culturally relevant teaching recognizes and values students’ cultural
references in all aspects of learning.
9. Which assessment is best suited to determine proficiency in both
languages?
A. Multiple choice test in English
B. Reading fluency in English
C. Bilingual oral language interview
D. Math standardized test
Oral interviews in both languages provide a more accurate picture of
bilingual proficiency.
10. Which strategy best supports vocabulary acquisition in a bilingual
classroom?
A. Silent reading
PRACTICE EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS
RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT
DOWNLOAD PDF
1. Which of the following best describes additive bilingualism?
A. When a second language replaces the first language
B. When a second language is learned without losing the first language
C. When both languages are lost due to confusion
D. When the first language is only used at home
Additive bilingualism enriches the learner’s language abilities by
preserving the native language while acquiring a second one.
2. According to Cummins, Basic Interpersonal Communication Skills (BICS)
typically take how long to develop?
A. 5–7 years
B. 1–2 years
C. 3–5 years
D. 7–10 years
BICS develop faster than Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency (CALP),
which takes longer.
,3. Which law mandated that schools take “affirmative steps” to help ELLs
overcome language barriers?
A. Proposition 227
B. Lau v. Nichols (1974)
C. Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)
D. Plyler v. Doe (1982)
The Supreme Court decision in Lau v. Nichols required schools to take
active steps to ensure language minority students receive equal
educational opportunities.
4. CALP (Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency) typically develops in:
A. 1–2 years
B. 2–3 years
C. 3–5 years
D. 5–7 years
CALP, necessary for academic success, usually takes 5–7 years to develop.
5. Funds of knowledge refer to:
A. A student’s academic transcript
B. Culturally accumulated skills and knowledge from families and
communities
C. School-based curriculum knowledge
D. Language ability assessments
Funds of knowledge recognize and integrate the rich cultural experiences
and knowledge students bring to the classroom.
6. The term “code-switching” means:
A. Learning a second language formally
B. Using informal vocabulary
C. Alternating between two languages in conversation
D. Abandoning one language for another
, Code-switching is common in bilingual speakers and reflects linguistic
flexibility and context awareness.
7. One of the goals of a dual language immersion program is:
A. To replace the native language with English
B. Biliteracy and academic achievement in both languages
C. Temporary language support
D. Rapid immersion into English only
Dual language programs aim for full proficiency in both the native and
second language.
8. A culturally relevant curriculum includes:
A. Teaching only American history
B. Integrating students’ backgrounds into instruction
C. Removing cultural differences
D. Uniform teaching strategies
Culturally relevant teaching recognizes and values students’ cultural
references in all aspects of learning.
9. Which assessment is best suited to determine proficiency in both
languages?
A. Multiple choice test in English
B. Reading fluency in English
C. Bilingual oral language interview
D. Math standardized test
Oral interviews in both languages provide a more accurate picture of
bilingual proficiency.
10. Which strategy best supports vocabulary acquisition in a bilingual
classroom?
A. Silent reading
