Students with limited command of English require both ESL instruction and sheltered instruction. Sheltered English Instruction (SEI) is carried out entirely in English per MCL 71 A. Sheltered instruction is content area (i.e. math, science, social studies) teaching which includes language learning objectives that help ELs practice the language of the content area. Sheltered instruction incorporates the following key components:
- language objectives to accompany each content objective
- vocabulary instruction
- building students’ background knowledge
- integration of listening, speaking, reading, and writing about the content concepts
- practice and application
To the greatest extent possible, the ELL teacher extends the learning that is taking place in the content classes in support of English language acquisition is all four domains: listening, speaking, reading and writing. English language development in all the content areas will ensure that ELLs make connections to the content and concepts that deepen understanding of both language and content.
Return to the ELE Handbook