Introduction

Introduction  ** SIOP® Overview and Rationale **
 * **SIOP®** stands for sheltered instruction observation protocol and is a scientifically validated instrument used to observe, rate, and provide feedback on sheltered instruction lessons.
 * **SIOP® Model** is the lesson planning and delivery system for teaching English language learners.

 __SIOP® Research Overview__ The original research study that developed the SIOP® Model was a seven year project (1996-2003) that was conducted for the Center for Research on Education, Diversity & Excellence (CREDE). The project worked with middle school teachers from four large districts to identify key practices for sheltered instruction and develop a professional development model.

 Major Findings:
 * After 4 years of teacher-researcher collaboration, the project developed a model of effective sheltered instruction, now referred to as the SIOP® Model.
 * After several years of field-testing the SIOP®, a study was conducted to establish the validity and reliability of the instrument. Findings indicated the SIOP® is a highly reliable and valid measure of sheltered instruction.
 * 1997-98: Using a narrative writing prompt, ELLs in classes whose teachers had been trained in implementing the SIOP® to a high degree scored significantly higher that ELLs with non-SIOP-trained teachers.
 * 1998-99: Using an expository writing prompt, ELLs in classes with SIOP-trained teachers outperformed and made greater overall gains than the group of ELLs with non-SIOP-trained teachers.

 __More about SIOP®__  Echevarria, J., Vogt, M.E., & Short, D. (2008). Making content comprehensible for English learners: The SIOP® Model. Boston, MA: Pearson/Allyn &Bacon. To find out more about the SIOP® Model click on the following link: CAL's SIOP Website
 * The SIOP® Model and protocol provide concrete examples of the features of effective instruction for ELLs and can be used as an observation instrument, as well as a lesson planning guide.
 * The SIOP® does not mandate cookie-cutter instruction, but it provides a framework for well-prepared and well-delivered sheltered content lessons for any subject area.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 150%;">In the designing of lessons, there is room for teacher creativity.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 150%;">The theoretical foundation of the model is that language acquisition is enhanced through meaningful use and interaction through the study of content.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 150%;">SIOP® lessons involve opportunities for students to interact in English with meaningful material and incorporate all four language processes (listening, speaking, reading and writing).
 * <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 150%;">The model shares many techniques found in high-quality teaching for native English speakers, but it is characterized by careful attention to the English learners’ distinctive second language development needs.