Sheltered Instruction Observation
Protocol (SIOP) is a teaching
method that provides language
instruction and language support in
the core subject classrooms. The
core subjects create an umbrella
(i.e., a shelter) under which
language instruction and learning
can occur. By taking place in the
content classroom, language
learning is already contextualized
within a meaningful context.
Additionally, SIOP prescribes a
specific preparatory guideline for
teachers to ensure that student
needs are being met.
The main application of Sheltered
Instruction is in the mainstream content
classroom. Many emergent bilinguals
struggle with content language, even if
the main difficulty they experience is
understanding main concepts. Sheltered
Instruction aides students in acquiring
language paired with the content;
therefore, they are better equipped to
excel in their classroom. If they are
properly trained in implementing it,
sheltered instruction also prepares
content teachers to assist their emergent
bilingual students in their language
acquisition while simultaneously teaching
their content area.
In terms of methodology, SI and
ICB are nearly identical and offer
students similar benefits. The
primary difference is that ICB
instruction is implemented by an
ESL-certified teacher, whereas SI
is implemented by a
content-certified teacher.
CALLA and Sheltered Instruction
both generally follow the scope
and sequence of a core content
course, but CALLA instruction is
generally delivered by an
ESL-certified teacher while SI is
implemented by a core
content-certified teacher.
ICB
Integrating content into language
instruction is important and beneficial for
both emergent bilingual students and
ESL-certified teachers' instruction. When
separated into a separate ESL classroom,
integrating content into language
instruction ensures that students are
receiving the language support and being
taught the skills they need while also
providing a context and foundation for
that instruction. Integrating content into
the ESL classroom allows students to
build their knowledge in their second
language.
Integrated Content Based language
instruction occurs in a typical ESL
classroom. Whereas more "traditional"
ESL classroom will rely on examples and
grammar-based instruction that is
isolated from a meaningful context, ICB
instruction incorporates content from
various subject areas, thus providing a
meaningful context for instruction and
learning.
CALLA
ICB and CALLA are both
implemented by ESL-certified
teachers. However, CALLA
follows the scope and
sequence of content courses
while ICB merely incorporates
select content from content
areas.
CALLA, the Cognitive Academic Language
Learning Approach, is designed for teaching
academic language and vocabulary to emergent
bilingual students. This model primarily focuses
on core content area, teaching learning strategies,
and building academic language. This model is
based on cognitive theory, and encourages
students to make connections between what they
are learning and what they already know.
Additionally, CALLA instruction is rooted in
content standards.
CALLA has application in the content classroom.
The main advantage of it over ICB or SIOP
appears to be that it incorporates direct
teaching of learning strategies. This helps
students develop metacognitive awareness of
their language learning. Moreover, it is equally a
language and content area teaching method,
which means that one is not brought to
forefront more than the others. This method is
best applied when an ESL-certified teacher is
also a content-area certified teacher. This
provides students with the most meaningful
language instruction while also making content
accessible to them.