EL Education at Silver Spruce
Silver Spruce Elementary is proud to be an EL Education school. EL Education (formerly Expeditionary Learning) is a nationally recognized educational model that combines rigorous academics, character development, and meaningful learning experiences that prepare students to thrive in school and beyond.
Rather than simply learning about a topic, students investigate authentic questions, collaborate with others, solve real-world problems, and create work that has purpose.
What Makes EL Education Different?
Instead of organizing learning around isolated lessons, EL Education uses Learning Expeditions that connect reading, writing, science, social studies, and other subjects through engaging, real-world topics.
Students:
- Explore meaningful questions
- Work collaboratively
- Learn from experts and field experiences
- Create authentic projects
- Present their learning to real audiences
- Reflect and improve their work over time
This approach helps students develop curiosity, confidence, and a genuine love of learning.
The Three Dimensions of Student Achievement
At Silver Spruce, success is about more than test scores. EL Education focuses on three equally important dimensions of achievement.
1. Knowledge & Skills
Students master Colorado Academic Standards through challenging, engaging instruction that develops critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and academic excellence.
2. Character
Students develop habits that help them succeed in school and in life, including integrity, responsibility, perseverance, collaboration, and empathy.
(Character page can be linked here.)
3. High-Quality Work
Students are expected to create work they are proud of by revising, improving, and applying feedback. High-quality work is:
- Accurate
- Thoughtful
- Well-crafted
- Authentic
- Connected to real audiences and real-world problems
Learning Expeditions
Learning Expeditions are the heart of EL Education.
These extended interdisciplinary units encourage students to become experts on meaningful topics while connecting multiple subject areas.
Learning Expeditions often include:
- Authentic guiding questions
- Hands-on investigations
- Fieldwork
- Community experts
- Service learning
- Projects for real audiences
Students aren't simply completing assignments. They're creating meaningful work with lasting impact.
Crew: We Are Crew, Not Passengers
One of the defining features of Silver Spruce is our strong sense of Crew.
Crew is more than a class. It's our school culture.
Students build relationships, celebrate successes, solve problems together, and support one another academically and socially. Through Crew, students develop leadership skills, empathy, and a strong sense of belonging.
Preparing Students for Life
EL Education helps students become:
- Curious learners
- Confident leaders
- Effective collaborators
- Compassionate community members
- Critical thinkers
- Responsible citizens
Our goal is to develop students who not only achieve academic success but also use their knowledge and character to make a positive difference in the world.