October 2014

To: Anser Community Charter School & Boise Independent School District

From: David DenHartog, School Designer for Expeditionary Learning

I would like to take this opportunity to overview the progress and standing of Anser Community Charter School in
relation to the national network of Expeditionary Learning (EL) schools. Currently, EL partners with 155 schools
throughout the nation, 73 of which are district schools, 75 that are public charters, and seven private / independent
schools. As an organization, we have recognized 17 of these schools as being outstanding leaders that exemplify
student achievement thru the implementation of the EL model. Anser is one of these 17 exemplary schools.

When defining student achievement, EL has expanded the definition to include the following dimensions:

Mastery of Skills & Knowledge Students demonstrate understanding, proficiency and application of a body
of knowledge and skills within each discipline.

Culture & Engagement Both performance and relational character are explicitly integrated into the school
day while considering teaching practices that consistently engage and support learning.

High Quality Work Students transfer disciplinary knowledge and skills to authentic contexts putting
knowledge and skills to use in order to solve complex problems and create a body of work that shows
craftsmanship, depth of thinking and creative application.

Anser is currently in the midst of the EL credentialing process, a new expectation that allows schools to showcase a
body of evidence around these areas of student achievement. The Anser team has built a digital portfolio that
exemplifies the quality work they are doing in each of the student achievement dimensions. You can view the portfolio
at the following address: http://anserelportfolio.weebly.com/

As a mentor school, Anser is also asked to contribute to the national network of EL schools. Over the last couple of
years, outstanding writing samples, beautiful student-created products, and examples of service to the community have
all been shared. In early October of this year, Anser hosted a West Regional Math Institute that not only highlighted
their great work in this area, but taught others around the United States how to implement these practices into their
own classrooms. Dr. Jonathan Brendefur, BSU professor and director of the Initiative for Developing Mathematical
Thinking, helped lead the first two days of the institute. The third day was spent in Anser classrooms, witnessing great
mathematic practices in action.

Expeditionary Learning feels fortunate to be working with the high functioning team at Anser and looks forward to
strengthening the partnership.

Respectfully,





David DenHartog
EL School Designer
ddenhartog@elschools.org
(928) 830-6349