What is an ELO?Â
Extended Learning Opportunities (ELOs) are learning experiences that promote personal development and student engagement through real world participation. ELOs are electives and available to all students.
ELOs are student driven and allow students to explore individual interests. Students gain knowledge, build confidence and establish skills through participation. An ELO can take place for a semester or a year.
Types of ELOs
Advanced Coursework
Students may work with a teacher to advance their knowledge in a specific content area.
Independent Study
Students may choose to explore a personal interest for elective credit. The student will broaden their knowledge and develop skills by researching their interest and participating in hands-on experiences and enhance their knowledge of the subject.
Career Exploration/Internship
A student gains insight and experience within a chosen career pathway. An internship can be paid or unpaid and can take place during the school day or outside of the school day. Students can also involve job shadows, informational interviews and independent research.
Work Based Learning
Students involved in a work based ELO are already paid employees working within a business setting. Students must follow the same standards as other ELOs and must also provide documentation of hours/days worked. In order to qualify there must be a learning component connection between school and work. Students will apply real world skills. Students can earn a maximum of 4 credits throughout their high school experience.
ELO Competencies
All ELOs will have four general competencies:
Reflection: A student participating in an ELO analyzes and demonstrates an understanding of his/her learning experience through reflection.
Research: The student applies the ongoing research of the ELO experience to the evaluation and presentation of issues that arise, and the decisions made as their experience progresses.
Product: The ELO student demonstrates his/her gained knowledge and applies an understanding of what they learned by developing a tangible product that relates to his/her interests, skills, and abilities.
Presentation: The student clearly communicates the entire ELO experience, including both the process and the learning, in a manner that is appropriate to the experience and the audience.
ELO Grading
All students will receive a letter grade that will be reported on their report card & transcript. All work based learning ELOs will receive a Pass/Fail.
Students will be graded based on the following:
Active participation
Mentor/supervisor feedback
Journal reflections
Final presentation to ELO Coordinator