This video provides an introduction to a research-based instructional model that has proven effective with English language learners who are studying content topics while learning English. It is designed for administrators, policymakers and teachers who would like an introduction to sheltered content instruction and for teacher educators of methodology classes.

Filmed in a documentary style, the tape shows six exemplary teachers following the SIOP Model and employing a wide range of teaching strategies that integrate language and content learning. The scenes show elementary, middle, and high school students in mathematics, science, and social studies classes. Some of the footage is drawn from the companion teacher training video, The SIOP Model: Sheltered Instruction for Academic Achievement; other footage offers new scenes.

The SIOP Model was developed through research conducted for 6 years by the National Center for Research on Education, Diversity & Excellence (CREDE) with practicing teachers. It is organized around eight components essential for making content comprehensible for English language learners. These components—Preparation, Building Background, Comprehensible Input, Strategies, Interaction, Practice/Application, Lesson Delivery, and Review/Assessment—are illustrated in the classroom scenes and elaborated through interviews by the teachers and researchers. (26 minutes)