From whose theory did the concept of cognitive academic language proficiency develop?

The concept of cognitive academic language proficiency (CALP) was developed by Jim Cummins, who is known for his influential work in bilingual education and language acquisition. CALP refers to the level of language proficiency that allows a student to understand and use language effectively in academic settings. Cummins distinguished between two types of language proficiency: Basic Interpersonal Communication Skills (BICS), which are necessary for everyday conversation and social interaction, and CALP, which is crucial for processing and producing academic language.

Cummins' theory emphasizes that while students may acquire BICS relatively quickly, developing CALP can take a much longer time and requires explicit instruction and support, particularly for English language learners. This distinction made by Cummins helps educators understand the differing linguistic demands placed on learners in academic contexts compared to casual conversational settings, guiding them in providing appropriate educational strategies to support language and content development in schools.