Learn SIOP methods for meeting the three pillars of dual language education: bilingualism and biliteracy, high academic achievement, and sociocultural competence!

Institute Details

Participants will explore and practice the eight components of the SIOP Model to strengthen their ability to teach language and content while addressing the three pillars of dual language programs: bilingualism and biliteracy, high academic achievement, and sociocultural competence. The institute will feature interactive elements such as chats, polls, and breakout-room activities to create an engaging online learning experience. Teachers will be encouraged to reflect on their practice and adapt CAL SIOP strategies to their own classroom contexts. Participants are encouraged to attend in district or school teams. No prior knowledge of the SIOP Model is required.

The SIOP Model is a research-based system for lesson design and delivery that integrates language and content instruction. It was originally developed as an observation protocol to measure the quality of sheltered lessons for language learners and has since evolved into a widely used method for teachers to plan, deliver, and assess meaningful lessons while reflecting on their practice. Each component of the model is supported by empirical studies (August & Shanahan, 2006; Christian et al., 2006) and the model as a whole has a well-established and growing research base (Canges et al., 2011; Fidelman et al., 2012; Friend, McCrary, and Most, 2009; McIntyre et al., 2010; Song, 2016; Lindahl & Watkins, 2010). The CAL SIOP Model for Dual Language Programs has been adapted for use in settings where both English and a partner language are used to deliver content instruction.

Grounded in the eight major components of sheltered instruction, the SIOP Model provides a framework for planning lessons that integrate language and content objectives (Short, 2013). Educators in this institute will collaborate to design dual language classroom activities that include content, language, and cultural objectives, build strategies for teaching metalinguistic awareness, and apply scaffolding techniques to support both comprehension and production.

This 15-hour institute (12 synchronous hours and 3 optional asynchronous, self-paced hours) is designed to help leaders, specialists, coaches, and teachers plan for and implement CAL SIOP methods that meet the needs of students learning in not one but two languages. It will include:

• Six two-hour virtual, synchronous sessions delivered over two weeks
• An optional three-hour self-paced asynchronous assignment
• Opportunities to interact with educators from your own and other schools and districts
• Practical strategies that can be applied to instruction immediately.

Learning Outcomes

Participants will be able to:

• Define sheltered instruction in the context of dual language instruction.
• Develop effective content, language, and cultural objectives.
• Create activities for vocabulary development and background building.
• Scaffold language for content learning and use L1 to scaffold to L2 content.
• Devise ways to compare and contrast (bridge) languages.
• Design interactive activities that promote the use of language models.
• Distinguish between practice and application and apply to bilingual environments.
• Describe the fundamentals of effective lesson delivery in dual language programs.
• Design assessments for language learners and assess tasks from the perspective of students learning in two languages.

Who Should Attend

This institute is designed for educators and instructional leaders working in dual language or bilingual program settings who want to strengthen their ability to integrate language and content instruction. It is ideal for:

• PreK–12 teachers in dual language, transitional bilingual, or other bilingual program models
• ESL and bilingual specialists supporting classroom instruction
• Instructional coaches and curriculum leaders who guide teachers in effective program implementation
• School and district administrators seeking to deepen their understanding of the CAL SIOP Model for Dual Language programs

Participants are encouraged to attend in school or district teams to maximize collaboration and application of strategies.

Agenda

Tuesday, December 2 | 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. ET

• Overview of CAL SIOP for DL Model
• Lesson Preparation

Wednesday, December 3 | 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. ET

• Lesson Preparation, continued
• Building or Eliciting Background

Thursday, December 4 | 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. ET

• Vocabulary Development
• Comprehensible Input

Break (No class on Friday, December 5 –  Monday, December 8)

Tuesday, December 9 | 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. ET

• Comprehensible Input, continued
• Strategies

Wednesday, December 10 | 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. ET

• Interaction
• Practice and Application
• Lesson Delivery

Thursday, December 11 | 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. ET

• Review and Assessment, continued
• Resources for the 3rd Pillar: Sociocultural Competence

Self-Paced Content

• The institute will include a 3-hour self-paced assignment.

Cost

• Early bird pricing (individual or group of 2+): $720 per person if registered by November 11, 2025
• Standard individual rate: $780 per person for registrations after November 11, 2025
• Groups of 2 or more qualify for the early bird rate of $720 per person
• Cost includes all digital training materials and one-year access to course content
• Register early—space is limited
• Registration closes on November 24, 2025

Certificate of Completion

Participants will earn a CAL Credly Digital badge and certificate for 15 hours of participation issued through the Credly platform, recognizing full participation and engagement in the institute. This badge serves as a verifiable digital credential that can be shared across professional networks and includes metadata outlining the scope of learning. Participants who choose not to complete the self-paced, asynchronous assignment but attend all sessions will receive a certificate for 12 hours.

CAL-Credly badges offer a secure and portable way to showcase your professional development.

For questions about digital badging at CAL, contact us at credentialing@cal.org or call 202-362-0700, Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM ET.

Policies

Registration

Seats are confirmed only after payment is received. To register, complete the online form and have participant names, titles, schools, and emails ready (for group registrations). Early registration is recommended, as space is limited.

Payment

CAL accepts credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx), checks, and purchase orders. Credit card payments confirm registration immediately. For POs or checks, seats are tentatively held until payment is received. Upload POs during registration or email them to payables@cal.org. A $15 fee applies for returned checks. Mail checks to:

Center for Applied Linguistics
Accounts Receivable
4646 40th Street NW
Washington, DC 20016

Cancellation Policy

You may cancel and receive a full refund up to 3 weeks before the institute by emailing solutions@cal.org. After that, refunds are not available, but you may request materials by mail, transfer to a future institute, or substitute another participant up to 3 days before the start date.

CAL may cancel or reschedule events due to low enrollment or unforeseen circumstances. In such cases, full refunds will be issued.

Fair Use of Materials

Participants may use CAL materials for internal school or district training. Use for fee-based services is not permitted. Email CAL at solutions@cal.org if you have questions.

Questions?

If you have questions, please contact us via email at solutions@cal.org or call 202-362-0700, Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.