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Give Me Shelter - from Expeditionary Learning on Vimeo.

Expeditionary Learning Schools Outward Bound (ELS) is a national, non-profit organization that opens new elementary, middle and college-oriented secondary schools, and partners with existing schools, to improve student achievement; build student character; enhance teacher practices; and instill a positive school culture. The ELS approach promotes rigorous and engaging curriculum; active, inquiry-based pedagogy; and a school culture that demands and teaches compassion and good citizenship.

At the heart of ELS are learning expeditions, interdisciplinary units aligned with state and district standards. The ELS approach is experiential and project-based, involving students in original research -- with experts -- to create high-quality products for audiences beyond the classroom. The ELS approach to teaching has been proven effective by third-party research conducted by the Rand Corporation, the Academy for Educational Development, the American Institutes for Research and the National Staff Development Council.

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News

Expeditionary Learning announced today that 100% of graduates in two of its Denver area high schools - Mapleton Expeditionary School of the Arts (MESA) and Rocky Mountain School of Expeditionary Learning (RMSEL) - have been accepted to four year colleges. Both schools have achieved this important benchmark of student success for the last three years. Read the full press release here.

Expeditionary Learning announced today that 100% of graduates in its three newest start-up high schools have been accepted to college. Tapestry Charter High School in Buffalo, NY, Springfield Renaissance School in Springfield, MA, and Northpoint Expeditionary Learning Academy in Prescott, AZ join seven other Expeditionary Learning high schools to achieve this important benchmark of student success this year. Read the full press release here.

Edutopia has been featuring Expeditionary Learning in their magazine, on their homepage, and across their website over the past few weeks. From videos featuring EL teachers discussing project learning to an article on Principal of the Year, Mike McCarthy, Edutopia has a wealth of Expeditionary Learning content. You can check out the collection of EL project resources on Edutopia here.

President Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, and Secretary of Education Arne Duncan spent an afternoon at Capital City Public Charter School. "This kind of innovative school...is an example of how all our schools should be," President Obama said. Read more in the press release and in the White House blog.

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Highlights from Expeditionary Learning's 2010 National Conference in Kansas City

Scott Hartl's Welcome Powerpoint
Mr. Hartl highlights EL's success to date and the strong momentum that will carry the organization forward. Click here to view the presentation.

Excerpts from Ron Berger's Keynote Presentation:
Mr. Berger shares "Good Work" gems found in the EL archive of student project work. Click here to view the presentation.

Video of Keynote Address by alumni from Genesee Community Charter School:
Five students from Genesee Community Charter School presented the important work they did as 6th graders to revitalize their city. Click here to view the video.