Amana Academy and Brighten Academy are among the seven schools that received national recognition earlier this month for obtaining the EL Education Credential. Both schools celebrated the honor during a special ceremony at El Education’s National Conference recently held in Philadelphia.
Amana Academy receives recognition at the El Education Conference.
El Education is a national K-12 nonprofit that seeks to redefine how educational performance is measured. The El Education credential recognizes the attainment of mastery in academics, character, and high-quality work through a rigorous multi-step, multi-year process.
Amana Academy has been implementing the EL Education model since the school’s founding in 2005.
“Achieving the designation as an EL Education Credentialed School reinforces to our internal and external communities that we are steadfast in our commitment to this model that is grounded in equity, respect and spending the precious time that we have with students on learning that matters,” said Cherisse Campbell, Principal of Amana Academy.
Brighten Academy began using the El Education approach in 2014. School leaders say the change helped move the school from “surviving” to “thriving.”
Brighten Academy is honored during the El Education Conference.
“We are honored to bring this level of recognition to our students, staff, and community,” said Lisa McDonald, Executive Director of Brighten Academy.
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.
The EL Education Credential recognizes schools that have attained remarkable achievement impacts will all students in each of these areas. Out of more than 150 schools in the organization’s network, only 36 have attained the EL Education Credential.
