The Extended Learning Program at the high school level is not a class.  Instead, it involves a series of targeted, deliberate and proactive services within the Guidance Office that will be conducted periodically throughout the school year by an Extended Learning Program Counselor. It is designed to supplement general education counseling for students with academic performance and needs beyond regular counseling and education services. An emphasis is placed on the specific timeline of academic needs students have throughout their four years in high school. A new cohort of students is selected yearly in early Spring based on Iowa Assessments scores and cumulative Grade Point Averages. For students who do not enter the screening pool based on standardized test scores and/or GPA, there is an application process. 

Please review the Frequently Asked Questions below for further information.  If you have additional questions, feel free to contact Kelly Bergmann, ELP Counselor, or Julie Ewert-Hays, ELP Coordinator.

High School ELP Frequently Asked Questions

Q:  Which students are eligible to participate in the Extended Learning Program?
A:  ELP services are offered to students in grades 9-12 who meet eligibility criteria.  

Q: What academic requirements does a student need in order to enter the screening pool for Extended Learning Program services?
A:  Students enter the screening pool through objective and subjective criteria.  Eligible students need a 99 NPR Core or Complete Composite score on the Iowa Assessments (objective criteria) AND a minimum 3.95 cumulative GPA (subjective criteria).  In order to be considered, students must complete an application. Previously eligible students whose scores or Grade Point Averages have dropped below those levels will be evaluated on an individual basis. 

Q: A student does not meet eligibility criteria but is interested in being considered for ELP services. 
Is there an appeal process?
A:  Yes, there is an appeal process that includes additional objective and subjective criteria.  Please contact the ELP Counselor at the high school for further information.  Please note that per Iowa Code, “in the event that the number of eligible students exceeds the available openings, participants shall be selected according to the extent to which they can benefit from the program”.

Q:  What are some examples of the services provided within the program?
A:  An emphasis is placed on the specific timeline of academic needs students have throughout their four years in high school.  Services are tailored based on each grade level’s specific student planning needs and include such topics as high school course selection, career exploration, standardized testing, college selection, financial aid and scholarships, and personal/social concerns.  Services vary from group to individual, and may include individual meetings, group workshops and/or guest speakers.  Inclusion in an email listserv, which disseminates information pertaining to academic and post-secondary planning, as well as school and community opportunities, is also a component of the program.  

Q:  Who will provide these services?
A:  An Extended Learning Program Counselor, housed within the Guidance Office, will provide all services related to ELP.  This counselor will be responsible for all aspects and activities within the program, but will not replace each student’s regular counselor.  Instead, each student will keep his/her regular counselor and utilize the ELP Counselor for additional services related to program participation.

Q:   Will ELP students miss regular class time in order to participate?
A:   The Extended Learning Program is not a class.  Instead, it involves a series of group and individualized services within the Guidance Office that will be conducted during the school day.  The ELP Counselor will do everything within her control to minimize students missing class time.  Academic success and remaining in the classroom will always be our top priority.  However, due to the nature of students’ schedules, missing occasional class time in order to receive relevant services is a possibility, and the student will be responsible for any missed work within that time period.