Fundamentals of Multilingual Learner Instruction: Featuring the SIOP Model

Designed to increase knowledge about how language is learned in the content area classroom and explore the characteristics and benefits of sheltered instruction.

This self-paced online course is designed to equip administrators and teachers with essential strategies to support the language and content learning needs of multilingual learners. Developed by the Center for Applied Linguistics, this course is informed by decades of research on effective language acquisition practices and hands-on experience collaborating with educators to foster multilingual learner success.

The course is organized into three comprehensive modules that build knowledge of language acquisition within the content area classroom, using examples based on the widely acclaimed SIOP Model. Participants will engage in instructional activities that demonstrate core principles of effective multilingual learner instruction.

Each module is guided by clear content and language objectives and begins with a warm-up activity. Modules feature narrated presentations, readings, self-assessment quizzes, and opportunities to reflect and practice new skills. Participants will also gain insight through video demonstrations and wrap-up activities that reinforce learning and encourage practical application.

  • Module 1: Introduction to Multilingual Learner Instruction and the SIOP Model
    This module introduces the SIOP Model, outlining its eight components that guide effective instruction for multilingual learners. By the end, participants will be able to identify key characteristics of multilingual learner instruction and the eight essential components of the SIOP Model.
  • Module 2: Learning a Second Language in the Classroom
    This module explores how students learn a second language within content classes. Participants will analyze principles of language learning, explore academic language forms and functions, and recognize strategies that facilitate language development in content lessons.
  • Module 3: Content and Language Objectives
    This module focuses on creating and using content and language objectives effectively in instruction. Participants will learn to distinguish between content and language objectives, set criteria for effective objectives, practice crafting objectives for lessons, and observe teachers modeling these practices in authentic classroom settings.

Terms and Conditions
This online course is offered in four sessions annually:
• Fall session: October 1–December 28, 2025
• Winter session: January 1–March 29, 2026
• Spring session: April 1–June 28, 2026
• Summer session: August 17–September 28, 2026

Registration for each session will close one week before the end of the session. You may register for a session in advance, and the course will open on the first day of the session. The course will close at midnight following the last day of the session. You must complete the course in full before midnight on the last day of the session. Courses cannot be completed in subsequent sessions. There will be a two-day break between each session for course maintenance.

Upon registration and payment, you will receive log-on credentials for the course via the email you provided.

Each module can be done at your own pace and it should take no more than six (6) hours to complete all three modules. At the conclusion of the course session, participants will receive a certificate of completion and digital badge from Credly from the Center for Applied Linguistics.

Please follow the registration link to begin the registration and payment process.

Contact CAL’s Online Learning Team about tiered pricing and procedures for orders of 10 or more course seats.

$180.00