SIOP
USD 417 licensed staff members will be trained during the 2008-2009 school year in Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol (SIOP). SIOP is a model of teaching that reaches every learner and every student in a consistent way.
Many districts in Kansas and the nation have adopted SIOP because of its "user friendly" approach for teachers and students. The basis of SIOP gives students many opportunities to interact by using speaking, listening, reading and writing within every academic unit in the classroom. This method of teaching was derived from master teachers and hours of research in best teaching practices for the English Language Learning community. Studies show that it can be used and is effective for all learners.
The basic model encourages kids to be more responsible, inquisitive and active with their learning. SIOP puts learning and discovery in the hands of the students rather than the traditional "teacher in front of the classroom" type of approach. It has 8 key components -- preparation, building background, comprehensible input, strategies, interaction, practice/application, lesson delivery and assessment. The teachers will learn one component each month and will be responsible for using that component in the classroom as practice each month.
Our district will be trained by staff members Michele Hayes and Mary Kay Myers. Both use SIOP currently and have previously trained peers.
