There are clear differences in acquisition and developmental patterns between conversational language and academic language, or BICS (basic interpersonal communicative skills) and CALP (cognitive academic language proficiency). The conceptual distinction between these two levels highlights misconceptions about the nature of language proficiency which contributes to academic failure among bilingual students. Differences in the rate of acquisition of the two levels needs to be considered so that the academic language education of bilingual children with good conversational English ability does not suffer. An instructional program for bilingual students should address: (1) cognitive skills; (2) academic content; and (3) critical language awareness. (EF)