English language learners are among the fastest growing population in the United States. Due to the high numbers of ELs in public schools, many models and frameworks have been developed including the Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol (SIOP). Over the past two decades, many studies have been conducted to demonstrate the validity and effectiveness of the SIOP model. These studies have had mixed results and many educators also share mixed reviews of the model. This qualitative research study seeks to investigate the perceptions of the SIOP model in the state of Michigan. The main research questions are: 1.) What are educators' perspectives of the SIOP model as the main framework for working with English learners in Michigan? 2.) What are the factors that contribute to educators' perceptions of the SIOP model? SIOP trainers throughout the state of Michigan provide insights through an online survey as well as individual interviews to learn more in depth about the perceptions of the model. The data collected provide timely feedback to education policy makers and state and local administrators to better advocate and support English language learners.
Read
