There is no limit on the number of faculty who may attend the site seminars. If the balance is an odd number, the odd slot is assigned to the national conference. These costs are not covered under the package of services provided by Expeditionary Learning. Some schools may wish to engage in an exploratory process lasting up to six months before deciding on full implementation of the design. For these schools, we provide descriptive and evaluative materials and send staff or consultants to explain and discuss Expeditionary Learning, collect baseline data and information on student achievement, and evaluate the school's readiness to begin implementing Expeditionary Learning.
Faculty also participate in the off-site professional development activities.
Typically after three to five years of full-scale engagement with staff and consultants of Expeditionary Learning Outward Bound, a school reaches the point at which the design principles and core practices are imbedded and drive most school decisions and activities. For example, the major curriculum unit is the learning expedition, teachers stay with the same students for more than one year, and a portfolio assessment system is in place. In this phase, schools continue to receive Expeditionary Learning services and remain part of the national network but at a reduced price and level of participation.