WHAT IS ELS?
Expeditionary Learning Schools Outward Bound (ELS) is a national, nonprofit organization that provides an effective way for schools to educate children k-12. ELS conducts professional development for teachers and other school leaders, on-site at schools, and off-site, at residential institutes. These activities focus on improving student engagement, achievement and character. ELS offers powerful frameworks for curricular design and classroom instruction, as well as methods for building stronger, more positive school communities. Expeditionary Learning Schools develops new schools and transforms existing ones, entering into multi-year contracts with its partner schools and school districts.
Using Expeditionary Learning techniques, teachers involve students in learning through rigorous academic content and service to the community, which are embedded in learning expeditions. Unique to ELS, learning expeditions are long-term, "real world" investigations, by teachers and students, of compelling subjects, which culminate in public presentations. Teachers receive intensive instruction in formulating curriculum around learning expeditions, as well as active teaching practices that foster student success and build positive school cultures. Teachers spend at least 15 to 20 days annually in professional development, learning with other teachers how to teach together most effectively.
Middle and high school students at some schools spend time with peers and teachers in small units called "crews." Crew members, including the school-based adult at the helm of each crew, often remain together throughout attendance at a school, providing academic and emotional support for one another. The crew experience is designed to make the student's experience of school more personal and meaningful. Students also participate in activities such as student-lead parent conferences and community meetings.
The Expeditionary Learning Schools model is being implemented in more than 150 schools in 30 states, reaching 45,000 students and 4,300 teachers. Third-party research studies published by the Rand Corporation, the Academy for Educational Development, the American Institutes for Research and the National Staff Development Council have evaluated Expeditionary Learning Schools and cite positive outcomes, recognizing Expeditionary Learning Schools as one of the country's most effective professional development and school improvement programs.
Expeditionary Learning Schools builds on the educational ideas of renowned European educator Kurt Hahn, Outward Bound's founder, and has been enriched by contemporary educational thinkers.
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Photo: Crossroads School, Baltimore MD
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