BEA Academic Language Development

Question 1

Jim Cummins' distinction between BICS and CALP refers to which two types of language proficiency?

Accepted Answer

Basic Interpersonal Communication Skills and Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency

Answer

Cummins distinguished BICS (social, conversational language developed in 1-2 years) from CALP (academic language needed for school success, taking 5-7+ years).

Question 2

According to Cummins' framework, CALP in a second language typically takes how long to develop to near-native levels?

Accepted Answer

5 to 7 years or more

Answer

Research supports that ELs need 5-7+ years to develop academic language proficiency comparable to native English-speaking peers.

Question 3

Which of the following is the best example of academic language (CALP) rather than social language (BICS)?

Accepted Answer

'The author's use of foreshadowing creates dramatic tension in the narrative.'

Answer

Academic language involves discipline-specific vocabulary, complex syntax, and abstract concepts—as demonstrated in literary analysis.

Question 4

Sheltered Instruction (SI) primarily supports ELs by:

Accepted Answer

Making grade-level academic content comprehensible while developing English language skills simultaneously

Answer

Sheltered instruction makes grade-level content accessible through visual supports, scaffolds, and language objectives without simplifying the academic rigor.

Question 5

The Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol (SIOP) model requires teachers to post and address both content objectives and:

Accepted Answer

Language objectives

Answer

SIOP's defining feature is the explicit inclusion of language objectives alongside content objectives so ELs know what language forms they are expected to learn and use.

BEA - Bilingual Education Assessment Practice Test

BEA - Bilingual Education Assessment Practice Test

BEA Academic Language Development