Sheltered instruction is an approach to teaching ELs that integrates content and language instruction. The purpose of sheltered instruction is to provide access to meaningful, grade-level content while also promoting students' English language development in the general education setting.

The HIDOE requires that all bargaining unit 05 members have the Sheltered Instruction Qualification (SIQ) by the start of SY 26-27. This includes all teachers, counselors, coordinators, etc. A teacher needs to have the SIQ to move to Class VIII, the highest salary class. 

As one of the most linguistically diverse schools in Hawaii with over 430 EL students, this requirement will ensure we are doing our best to meet our students' needs and provide equitable learning opportunities for our multilingual students. 

HIDOE Sheltered Instruction Qualification memo (9/11/23)

HIDOE Sheltered Instruction Qualification page

HSTA SIQ Frequently Asked Questions (updated September 2023)

DOE Sheltered Instruction Qualification factsheet

UPDATED September 2023- There are now eight options to earn the SIQ, including a total of 6 college or PD credits, 72 non-credit PD hours, a combination of PD credits and non-credit hours, TESOL licensure, out-of-state licensure, and an NEA microcredential program. PD opportunites will be shared with the faculty as they are announced.

Helpful documents:

Guide to the SIQ requirement SIQ Overview Sheltered Instruction Reference Guide

SIQ coversheet (Attachment C) Details about the 8 options 

Step 1a- WAIPAHU HIGH SCHOOL ONLY- For veteran teachers (5+ years), you can fill out this form to request your self-reported "EL credits" on file with the EL coordinator. Some or all of your self-reported credits might count towards the SIQ. This information will help you fill out Attachment C, which needs to be sent to the Office of Talent Management (OTM).

Step 1b- For all other teachers- check your LearnSoft and  eHR transcripts for courses that may count towards the SIQ.

What credits or hours count towards the requirement?

• PD course codes that start with “ESL” and college credits on your eHR transcript with the subject area “TESOL” count. 

• College classes or PD courses that cover one or more of the TESOL related sheltered instruction competencies. College classes or PD courses with these words in the title might count: ESL, ESOL, EL, TESOL, multicultural, linguistics, bilingual, bicultural, multilingual, diverse learners, things like that. Ultimately, it's up to OTM to decide what classes and courses count. 

• For PD credits, OTM reviews the course description to see if it matches the competencies.

• For college credits, OTM “does [their] best to find course descriptions for each course, however if we are unable to find the course or if the teacher believes the course should count we will need a course syllabus.”

• Here is a list of PD courses that count. Here is an unofficial list of courses that have counted for Waipahu High School teachers. Neither list is exhaustive. 

Step 2- If you have 6 PD or college credits, 72 non-credit hours, or a combination of hours and credits that you believe will count, send in Attachment C to OTM. The form says to include a copy of your transcript, but teachers have been able to successfully submit their credits without a transcript. OTM has your transcripts on file. If in doubt, send it in.

Step 3- If do not have enough credits or hours, choose one of the eight options to pursue for the SIQ. 

If you do not have any credits or hours, decide which of the options (Options 1-7, Option 8) will be best for you. Be on the lookout for emailed announcements of upcoming PD opportunities.

Note- Option 5 (TESOL licensure) is doable. As of August 2025, close to 40 Waipahu High School teachers have studied for and passed the ESOL Praxis and meet the SIQ through TESOL licensure. You can access test prep materials by joining the TESOL Praxis Prep Google Classroom. Test prep classes have been offered in the summer, an announcement will be made in April or May about a test prep class in summer 2026.