What does Structured English Immersion (SEI) emphasize in its approach?

Structured English Immersion (SEI) emphasizes instruction primarily in English to prepare students for mainstream classrooms. This approach is grounded in the principle that immersing English learners in an English-speaking environment facilitates faster language acquisition. By providing instruction in English while still attending to the students' needs, SEI aims to promote both English language development and academic content learning simultaneously. The intention is to equip students with the necessary skills to succeed in a mainstream classroom setting where English is the predominant language of instruction.

SEI differs from other models that might focus on full bilingual instruction or use students' native languages for teaching. It also does not advocate for separating students based on language proficiency as a primary means of instruction, but rather focuses on integrating English learners with the goal of promoting English language skills quickly. Thus, this instruction method positions English as the central medium for learning and communication in the classroom.