This concept of learning language by using it applies to ESOL students as well. Providing frequent opportunities for meaningful natural interactions is the first step towards developing language proficiency. It usually takes about one to two years to arrive at this level of proficiency. The second level of language, academic language, is needed to understand cognitively demanding tasks. At this level, students are able to use critical thinking skills and to deal with information in context-reduced settings, i.e., those that require students to depend upon their language abilities to understand the task.
Academic language can generally take from five to seven years to develop.
Recognizing and understanding the two levels of language proficiency helps educators to understand the discrepancies sometimes noticed in an ESOL student's performance. Educators need to be aware that non-native speakers of English are usually able to speak English more quickly and more proficiently than they are able to fully participate in academic areas. Discrepencies in a student's performance may be due to factors other than language but they are more likely the result of underdeveloped academic language ability. Research has demonstrated a strong correlation between a student's literacy in their native language and academic proficiency in a second language. When students have had the opportunity to develop a strong academic base in their native language, the transition to English is faster and more efficient.