The Extended Learning Program (E.L.P.) serves identified Talented and Gifted students in grades 5-12. The identification process is carried out each year and at each grade level. A TAG teacher meets with these students approximately two hours per week to provide an academically differentiated curriculum that meets on a regular basis. Each student also maintains a Personalized Educational Plan to help record and guide the services provided for the student.
The focus of the E.L.P. course is on supporting gifted learners through appropriate, relevant classroom activities and individual projects. The elements of the course are aligned with the Autonomous Learner Model for gifted education, by Dr. George Betts. Support is also provided for social-emotional issues related to giftedness. Students receive academic challenge that is relevant to them, as well as benefiting from the supportive environment of peers and teacher in the TAG classroom.
Being identified for E.L.P. should not be seen as an honor or award. E.L.P. is for students who NEED a qualitatively differentiated program to support their exceptional abilities and unique characteristics related to their giftedness. E.L.P. is an academic class; it is not an extracurricular activity. In grades 5-6, students receive marks and feedback that appear on their report card. In grades 7-8, students earn a grade in E.L.P. that appears on their report card and counts toward the honor roll. In grades 9-10, students earn a grade and a half credit each semester, which count toward students' cumulative grade point average. In grades 11-12, students earn a grade and credit based on choice of project; these count toward the students' cumulative grade point average.
Follow the links below to learn more about the E.L.P. portion of our TAG services: