At Modern English Company International, we subscribe to the theory of Basic Interpersonal Communication Skills (BICS) and Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency (CALP) set forth by Dr. James Cummins, Professor Emeritus with the Department of Curriculum, Teaching and Learning, and the Centre for Educational Research on Languages and Literacies at the University of Toronto’s Ontario Institute for Studies in Education.

 

Many of our phonics and communication products address BICS and establish the framework for English language fluency by stressing everyday, contextualized conversation functions. We also view CALP as a distinct group of language skills that take significantly longer for non-native English speakers to develop than BICS. Therefore, we publish reading, writing, and academic subjects series so students can acquire these difficult yet critical skills. In the process, students can achieve complete language fluency in both interpersonal communication and academic subjects.

 

As we develop products and implement our services, MEC International staff members also keep the following principles in mind:

 

• Students learn best when the content is relevant and the method of delivery is fun and experiential.

 

• Discrete language skills (phonics, reading, communication, writing, and grammar) must be taught in a structured yet integrated sequence that ensures progression over time.

 

• Curriculum products must be based on relevant standards and developed according to current educational theories and government legislation.

 

Please visit our Publications page to learn more about how our philosophy is reflected in the products we develop.