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What is an Extended Learning Opportunity?
What is an Extended Learning Opportunity?
Extended Learning Opportunities (ELOs) give students the chance to step outside the traditional classroom and dive into real-world learning —all while earning credit.
Each ELO is designed around the student, making learning personal and meaningful. Whether it’s exploring a career path, connecting classroom knowledge to everyday life, or discovering new passions, ELOs help bring learning to life in exciting ways.
These opportunities blend academics with experience. Students might complete papers or presentations, but they’ll also take part in project-based learning, internships, or job shadows—experiences that can’t always be found in a textbook.
Most importantly, ELOs give students valuable skills and experiences that can open doors to future careers and college pathways.
BE SURE TO WATCH THIS VIDEO OF CURRENT AND PAST WHS ELO STUDENTS
Outside the Classroom
Outside the Classroom
The basis of an ELO is that it is a personalized experience that is done in a non-traditional way and provides hands-on experiences that can include volunteering, job shadowing, interning, working, or interviewing experts in your field of study.
Academic Credit
Academic Credit
What sets ELO opportunities apart from traditional enrichment options (clubs, sports, etc.) is that they are designed as credit-bearing options. This requirement is important to increasing equity in our schools.
Community Based
Community Based
ELOs require the support of local communities and are designed to highlight local expertise, expose students to career options in their communities, and offer real-life experiences.
ELO Application
The first step is to complete this ELO Application and submit it to Ms. Glowczak. Once the application has been accepted, you will meet with Ms. Glowczak to develop an essential question and goals for your learning experience.
YOU WILL HELP DEVELOP YOUR OWN CURRICULUM!
Weekly Reflections and Meetings
The ELOs consist of weekly reflections based upon your essential question and learning goals. These reflections can come in many forms that include: Blogs, Journals, or Videos.
You will also meet with Ms. Glowczak on a weekly basis.
Final Product
A final product will capture all your hands-on research, reflections, and learning in one document. Although Google Sites is the most commonly used platform for the final product, other options are accepted.
Presentation
Lastly, you will get to showcase your work, reflect on your journey, and demonstrate the skills and knowledge you've gained by presenting to a small team of ELO mentors and educators.
Life and Career Ready Standards
ELOs meet Maine's Department of Education 21st Century Life and Career Ready Standards and students are graded on the Maine's Guiding Principles that each Maine student is expected to learn prior to high school graduation.
ELO Explorations are ENDLESS
The most popular question among students is, "What subject can I study in an ELO?"
The quick answer is, "If you are interested in learning more about something (career, hobby, interest, etc.), then an ELO can be created for you."
BY THE WAY, DID YOU KNOW THAT YOU CAN CREATE A GROUP ELO?
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