Why we provide sheltered instruction for English Language Learners at Northbridge

Why we provide sheltered instruction for English Language Learners at Northbridge As an international school, Northbridge International School Cambodia values the rich diversity that different languages and cultures bring to an educational community. The EAL department supports English language learners as they acquire the level of English needed to communicate effectively in social situations at school and be academically successful in their classes.

As an international school, Northbridge International School Cambodia values the rich diversity that different languages and cultures bring to an educational community. The EAL department supports English language learners as they acquire the level of English needed to communicate effectively in social situations at school and be academically successful in their classes.

In addition to taking English Language Acquisition courses, English language learners at Northbridge Secondary School are immersed in the different subject areas, providing a language rich learning environment and ensuring them equal access to the curriculum.

NISC classroom teachers and EAL specialists collaborate using the Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol® (SIOP), “a research-based and validated instructional model that has proven effective in addressing the academic needs of English learners.” Developed by the Center for Applied Linguistics in Washington D.C., SIOP® aims to help English learners develop content knowledge, language proficiency, and academic skills at the same time. Research has found that SIOP-based teaching benefits all students, not just those who are learning English as an additional language.

The EAL Specialists at Northbridge are currently studying the SIOP Model® at a virtual institute. This important professional development will allow them to continue providing student-specific sheltered English language instruction to all English language learners here at NISC.