What is an ELO?
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.
Students will be asked to complete an ELO Learning Plan to identify your Essential Question, what are the big ideas of your ELO, which provides focus for your ideas around the competencies.
Types of ELOs
Advanced Coursework
Students may work with a teacher to advance their knowledge in a specific content area. The teacher must be qualified in the subject of your ELO as they will determine if you are proficient in the competencies of your plan. Students must complete an ELO Implementation and Learning Plan prior to approval.
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. The teacher must be qualified in the subject of your ELO as they will determine if you are proficient in the competencies of your plan. Students must complete an ELO Implementation and Learning Plan prior to approval.
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. Students must complete an ELO Implementation and Learning Plan prior to approval.
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. Students must meet with the ELO Coordinator and complete an ELO Work Based Learning Plan prior to approval.
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 & transcripts. All work based learning ELOs will receive a Pass/Fail.
Students will be graded based on the following:
Active participation - this includes consistent meetings with you mentor
Mentor/supervisor feedback
Journal reflections - documenting your progress, activities, and reflections on a regular basis and must be submitted on an agreed upon time frame.
Final presentation to ELO Coordinator/mentor - students may also invite others and is the story of your experience (why you participated, what you learned, and how it satisfied the competencies outlined in your proposal).