EL Approach to Teaching & Learning
In EL Education schools…
Learning is active.
Students are scientists, urban planners, historians, and activists, investigating real community problems and collaborating with peers to develop creative, actionable solutions.
Learning is challenging.
Students at all levels are pushed and supported to do more than they think they can. Excellence is expected in the quality of their work and thinking.
Learning is meaningful.
Students apply their skills and knowledge to real-world issues and problems and make positive change in their communities. They see the relevance of their learning and are motivated by understanding that learning has purpose.
Learning is public.
Through formal structures of presentation, exhibition, critique, and data analysis, students and teachers build a shared vision of pathways to achievement.
Learning is collaborative.
School leaders, teachers, students, and families share rigorous expectations for quality work, achievement, and behavior. Trust, respect, responsibility, and joy in learning permeate the school culture.
When implemented robustly, the EL Education core practices create school environments that promote deep engagement in learning and support students to achieve at high levels. EL students gain skills critical to college readiness and lifelong success in literacy, numeracy, problem-solving, critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, persistence toward excellence, and active citizenship, as well as mastery of subject-area knowledge.
EL students around the country are outperforming their state and district peers on standardized tests. In our high schools, 100% college acceptance is the standard. Research shows that our teachers are closing critical achievement gaps for English language learners and for Hispanic, African-American, special education, and low-income students.