Expeditionary Learning at Prescott Mile High Middle School
FAQs
Where will Expeditionary Learning be implemented at Mile High?
In 2006-07, the 7th grade Red Team will launch the Expeditionary Learning model. EL and the concept of learning expeditions will be implemented into our currently existing successful structure. This team will be located in one building on our campus, and will use all of the facilities at Mile High.
Will Expeditionary Learning only be in the 7th grade?
In the 2006-07 school year, EL will be implemented with approximately 150 students in the 7th grade. Plans are being made to expand the EL way of instruction into other grade levels in future years.
Do students need to apply to be a part of the EL teaching at Mile High?
There will not be an application process. Since the 7th grade Red Team will implement EL concepts throughout their curriculum, any student on this team will benefit from the EL model. Indicating a desire to be on that team during the registration process will allow a student to participate in EL.
What will class size be?
The same as all other Mile High classes, between 25-35 students per classroom.
How is Expeditionary Learning teaching different than traditional teaching?
The 7th grade Red Team teachers will be working together to create a curriculum that connects all of the academic disciplines (learning expeditions are deep investigations of interesting topics that are based on state standards and include several subject areas.) The learning will be hands-on where the focus will be on creating high quality projects. Students will spend time in and out of the classroom doing research and work with experts. EL is very consistent with our current model of teaming, but takes hands-on integration further through a set of guiding principals.
Does this type of learning help prepare students to be successful in high school and then college?
Yes, a focus on authentic research, critical thinking, and quality products, along with an emphasis on teamwork and positive character traits help students develop skills that are valued throughout life.
How will students be assessed in a way that is meaningful and relevant to their learning?
Students will be assessed using standards and learning targets, which will be translated into grades. Passage portfolios will also be used to evaluate and measure growth.
Will students receive grades that other schools can understand?
Yes, students will receive both an academic and character grade that reflects mastery of standards and learning targets. This is consistent with Mile High’s current grading criteria.
Will the school calendar be different for students in the EL track?
No, EL students will follow the same calendar that PUSD and Mile High currently follow.
Is the EL track available to students with disabilities?
Yes, the EL track is open to any student, regardless of disability or academic standing. Mile High’s current structure for Sheltered English Immersion, Special Education and other supportive programs will be in place for this team of students.
Will the school day start and end at the same time?
Yes, the start and end time will be the same. Extended learning opportunities beyond the traditional school day may exist for participating students.
What evidence is there that this is an effective model?
Extensive research on the Expeditionary Learning model, along with small school success statistics, indicate that the model is very effective for all types of students.
Who are the teachers? What are their credentials? What qualifies them to teach in this kind of mode?
Maggie Kane will be teaching Science, Ray Sommer will teach social studies, Molly Littrell will teach Math, and Beth Sharp will teach language arts. Additionally, the electives offered to all Mile High students will also be available to participating EL students. All of these teachers are experienced, highly qualified and certified in the state of Arizona. This teacher team has been dreaming and planning for this implementation for over a year. Professional development has included research such as visits to EL schools, planning and learning retreats, and even a trip to the National EL Conference. Additionally, these teachers have several planned professional development days dedicated to teaching preparation for EL. Expeditionary Learning Schools has also provided a “School Designer” to help the team with implementation.
Will there be a lot of field trips? How will they work and how much will they cost?
Students will be doing fieldwork, which will lead them off campus at various times. They will also get a chance to participate in team building activities on and off campus. The current field trip philosophy at Mile High will remain intact. This philosophy allows for multiple off-campus academic opportunities. Students are at times asked to provide part of the cost, but nine trips out of ten are covered by generous tax credit donations from our supporters. EL will have a specific tax credit account next year to assist in this as well.
Will the school meet state standards and employ AIMS testing?
Yes, all learning expeditions begin with the state standards, which are infused throughout the middle school experience. Mile High abides by all state and national mandates that pertain to public schools.
How is EL different from Outward Bound?
Outward Bound is an adventure wilderness organization that works with youth on 7-28 day intensive experiences. Expeditionary Learning uses some of the O.B. design principles, but is dedicated to creating rigorous schools that prepare students for post-secondary education and experience successful relationships throughout a student life.
How is service incorporated into the school?
All students are expected to fulfill a service requirement. Often, service opportunities are embedded within learning expeditions and the daily schedule. There are also opportunities for service beyond the school day.
Where have other EL schools been started?
Currently, there are around 140 EL schools within the U.S. Fifteen of those schools are in Arizona.
Check out the following web sites for more information on EL Middle Schools: www.elob.org/design/profile_categories.html#Middle
Expeditionary Learning Home Page: www.elob.org