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Westchester EL Credentialed
Westchester Credentialed by EL Education Network
Recognized for Mastery in Academics, Character, and High-Quality Work
Westchester Elementary has been named by the national school network EL Education (formerly Expeditionary Learning) as one of seven newly credentialed schools in the U.S. The EL Education Credential recognizes the attainment of mastery in academics, character, and high-quality work through a rigorous multi-step, multi-year process. Thirty-six of the more than 150 schools in the organization’s network have attained the EL Education Credential.
“The EL Education Credential marks a milestone on each school’s journey to put character and quality work on equal footing with the mastery of knowledge and skills. The recognition represents a multi-year focus on the three dimensions of student achievement and is proof that there doesn't have to be a trade-off between challenge and joy in teaching and learning,” said Mark Conrad, Chief Schools Officer at EL Education.
“The Westchester staff, students, and families have worked so hard for this recognition. The minute we re-opened our doors in August 2014, we have been working hard to create a culture of collaboration and perseverance,” said Principal Rochelle Lofstrand.
Westchester Elementary and the six other EL Education Credentialed Schools were recognized at EL Education’s National Conference, a gathering of more than 1,000 educators in Philadelphia from November 9th to 11th, 2018.
Redefining how performance is measured in K-12 education, EL Education in 2014 began recognizing schools that demonstrated high levels of implementation and achievement with a credential. EL Education defines achievement as mastery in three areas, all of which are powerfully associated with success in college and career:
Mastery of Knowledge and Skills. Students show evidence of proficiency and deep understanding of a subject, critical thinking, the ability to communicate clearly, and application of their learning. Performance on state assessments over a period of several years is one measure.
Character. EL Education schools establish consistent school-wide “Habits of Scholarship” (such as perseverance and responsibility), which are then tracked by students and teachers to provide evidence of growth over time.
High-Quality Student Work. Schools present evidence showing the quality, depth, and authenticity of student work during the school’s multi-year partnership with EL Education.