n 2004, Beal became the first Expeditionary Learning (EL) elementary school in Springfield – the beginning level of a K-12 EL pathway now in place in Springfield. This partnership with EL has provided some of the most creative and sought after school environments in the city.

Big Ideas:

In EL schools, students spend much of their time working on learning expeditions, which are built around big ideas, broad topics or themes grounded in students’ real world experience. Teachers work together to design these expeditions that include common elements such as fieldwork and the creation of high quality products (field guides, children’s books, brochures etc.).

The Arts and Expeditions:

Art is an important vehicle for learning and for representing learning in EL schools. In learning expeditions, students have the opportunity to create, perform, and respond to a variety of art forms, and to connect the arts to content. Through the partnership with EL, teachers have learned to integrate a variety of art mediums into regular classroom activities and lessons resulting in beautiful, high-quality products.

Responsive Classroom:

“Responsive Classroom” emphasizes social, emotional, and academic growth in a strong and safe school community. The goal is to enable optimal student learning. Each classroom begins the day with a Morning Meeting during which students greet each other, engage in a group team-building or welcoming activity, and listen to the morning message.  This allows students to begin their feeling acknowledged and focused.

Family Involvement at Beal:

As students complete their expeditionary work, they present the results of their learning as narrators — in live performances, through dramatic reenactments. Students across grade levels showcase the products of their learning expeditions at a year-end Student Exhibition Night, which offers an opportunity for all to demonstrate the breadth, depth and creativity of their work at Beal. Well attended by parents and staff, these special celebrations of learning provide parents with a first-hand look at the excellent work students are undertaking at Beal.