Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol

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The growing numbers of English language learners (ELLs) in U.S. schools require specialized instruction in order to succeed academically and become proficient in English. Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol, commonly known as SIOP, is one method of providing that instruction. SIOP is the product of several research studies conducted over the past fifteen years by two researchers, Dr. Jana Echevarria and Dr. Deborah J. Short (Echevarria, Short, & Powers, 2006) and is a method to help ESL and content teachers meet the needs of their linguistically diverse students. Although originally developed as an observation rubric for researchers to determine the degree of implementation of important sheltered instruction features in ESL lessons (Echevarria et al., 2006), SIOP has become an instructional model for English language learners (ELLs) that focuses on the simultaneous teaching and learning of academic content and language (Vogt & Echevarria, 2008). This paper will examine the reasons SIOP was developed, the basics of the SIOP model including ideas for classroom integration, and the benefits of using SIOP instruction with ELLs. Why was SIOP developed? Changing Demographics The number of ELLs being educated in the United States has increased dramatically. Although total enrollment between the 1993-1994 school year and the 2003-2004 school year rose by only 10%, the number of school-age ELLs increased by 100% (Short & Echevarria, 2004), and researchers predict that by the year 2030, 40% of the school-age population will be ELLs (DelliCarpini, 2008). This rise in school-age ELLs can be attributed to the increasing immigrant population in the U.S. (Echevarria et al., 2006). Although 75% of all immigrant children reside ... ... middle of paper ... ..., 99(4), 195-210. Retrieved from Academic Search Complete database. Echevarria, J., Vogt, M., & Short, D. (2008). Making Content Comprehensible for English Learners: The SIOP Model (3rd ed.). Boston: Pearson Education, Inc. Fratt, L. (2007). Professional Development for the New Century. (Cover story). District Administration, 43(6), 56-60. Retrieved from Academic Search Complete database. Hansen-Thomas, H. (2008). Sheltered Instruction: Best Practices for ELLs in the Mainstream. Kappa Delta Pi Record, 44(4), 165-169. Retrieved from ERIC database. Short, D., & Echevarria, J. (2004). Teacher Skills to Support English Language Learners. Educational Leadership, 62(4), 8-13. Retrieved from Academic Search Complete database. Vogt, M. & Echevarria, J. (2008). 99 Ideas and Activities for Teaching English Learners with the SIOP Model. Boston: Pearson Education, Inc.

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