Title

A Study of Teachers' Perceptions Regarding the Implementation, Effectiveness, and Implications of Sheltered Instruction in an Urban School District

Date of Completion

January 2012

Keywords

Education, Bilingual and Multicultural|Education, English as a Second Language|Education, Curriculum and Instruction

Degree

Ph.D.

Abstract

This study focused on teachers' perceptions regarding the implementation, effectiveness, and implications of sheltered instruction in a small urban school district. The study used a qualitative case study design focused on the implementation of the Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol (SIOP) Model. It examined the reasons why the SIOP Model was chosen, the training design that was developed and implemented, and the teachers' perceptions of the effectiveness of using the SIOP Model to support English Language Learners (ELLs) in their classrooms. Based on the discussion of relevant literature and the analyses of the data, it is clear that this research study supports the SIOP Model as an effective tool in meeting the needs of ELLs.^ The findings of this study conclude that teachers' felt positively about using the SIOP Model in their classrooms and perceived the SIOP Model to be effective in supporting the needs of their ELL students. When comparing the focus group interview data and the online survey data, a number of common themes emerged. Teachers identified four specific changes they had made in their instructional techniques after attending SIOP training and implementing the model in their classrooms. Teachers reported two specific changes related to how their students learn. Teachers also described four specific ways in which the SIOP Model helps them meet the needs of their ELLs. In addition, teachers perceived one common difficulty in implementing the SIOP Model.^ The Connecticut Mastery Test (CMT) Third Generation reading data was used in this study to compare changes in student achievement levels prior to the SIOP Model implementation and after the SIOP Model implementation. ^ The findings of this study extend the current body of knowledge on understanding how to use sheltered instruction, specifically the SIOP Model, to support the development of ELLs.^

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