What is the primary focus of Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency?

Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency (CALP) primarily focuses on the language skills required for success in academic contexts. This concept, introduced by Jim Cummins, emphasizes the development of vocabulary, language structures, and discourse alongside critical thinking skills necessary for understanding and producing texts related to academic subjects such as mathematics, science, and literature. CALP takes a considerable amount of time to develop, often several years, and is distinct from Basic Interpersonal Communication Skills (BICS), which pertains to conversational fluency and everyday language interactions.

Developing CALP is essential for students to engage with and comprehend complex content-area materials, leading to better academic performance and achievement in school. This focus on academic language helps English language learners (ELLs) bridge the gap between their conversational skills and the more advanced language required for success in their studies. In this way, CALP is critical in enhancing students' overall academic capabilities and confidence in an educational setting.