Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol

In my last post I briefly discussed the benefits of the Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol (SIOP) as detailed in the AccELLerate! newsletter published by the NCELA. I am not familiar with this method of ELL instruction, so I decided to dig a little deeper. My search today has brought me to  http://www.cal.org/siop/index.html, a website devoted to providing information about SIOP. According to the website, SIOP is, "a research-based and validated model of sheltered instruction. Professional development in the SIOP Model helps teachers plan and deliver lessons that allow English learners to acquire academic knowledge as they develop English language proficiency." The SIOP Model consists of eight interrelated components (as mentioned in my previous post):

• Lesson Preparation
• Building Background
• Comprehensible Input
• Strategies
• Interaction
• Practice/Application
• Lesson Delivery
• Review/ Assessment

(http://www.cal.org/siop/about/index.html)

The eight components of SIOP are designed to increase achievement by supporting language development and making content easier to understand through the use of instructional strategies such as hands-on learning opportunities and cooperative learning. 

This model of ELL instruction was developed in a national research project as a way to help ELL students achieve academic success and reduce the number of students who fail and/or drop out of school. Through extensive research, this teaching model has proven successful for all students, not just ELL students. The SIOP method can be used in any context in which ELLs are learning both language and content and can be implemented by a variety of professionals, including the classroom teacher, ESL teachers, and administrators. The SIOP Method is taught through professional development workshops in four to eight workshop days throughout the year. 

For more information about the SIOP Method, go to http://www.cal.org/siop/index.html.