What is a Sheltered English Instruction classroom?
With few exceptions, every classroom that has at least one English language learner is a Sheltered English Instruction (SEI) classroom. Each SEI classroom will have a Highly Qualified Teacher of English Language Learners, which means the teacher has an ELL license or has participated in professional training on teaching ELL students. What formal programs does the Boston Public Schools offer for English language learners? The BPS has four programs: Sheltered English Instruction, where nearly all classroom instruction is in English, but it is specially designed for children who are learning English. Textbooks and materials are all in English. The teacher may use the students native language when necessary. Transitional Bilingual Education, where much of the instruction, textbooks, and teaching materials are in the childs native language. The goal is to improve students English language skills as quickly as possible. Waiver required; see below. Two-Way Bilingual programs, where students w
