IHBH – Extended Learning Opportunities

Purpose

The Board encourages students to pursue Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO) as a means of acquiring knowledge and skills through instruction or study that is outside the traditional classroom methodology. Extended Learning Opportunities may include, but are not limited to, independent study, private instruction, performing groups, internships, community service, apprenticeships, online courses/distance education, or other opportunities approved by the Superintendent or his/her designee, in conjunction with Board policies.

The purpose of Extended Learning Opportunities is to provide educational experiences that are meaningful and relevant, and that provide students with opportunities to explore and achieve at high levels. In order to maximize student achievement and meet diverse pathways for learning, this policy permits students to employ Extended Learning Opportunities that are stimulating and intellectually challenging, and that enable students to fulfill or exceed the expectations set forth by State minimum standards and applicable Board policies.

Roles and Responsibilities

All programs of study must meet or exceed the proficiencies and skills identified by the New Hampshire State Board of Education, applicable rules and regulations of the Department of Education, and all applicable Board policies. All programs of study proposed through this program shall have specific instructional objectives aligned with the State minimum standards and the District’s curriculum standards. All Extended Learning Opportunities will comply with applicable laws and regulations, including child labor laws and regulations governing occupational safety.

Students wishing to pursue programs of study under these guidelines must first present their proposal to the school’s ELO Coordinator(s) for approval. The name and contact information for the school’s ELO Coordinator(s) will be found in the Student/Parent Handbook and by contacting the Principal’s Office and/or the Guidance Department. The designated ELO Coordinator will assist students in preparing the application form and other necessary paperwork.

The Principal and/or designee will have primary responsibility and authority for ensuring the implementation of Extended Learning Opportunities and all aspects of such programs. The Principal will determine who will be responsible for approving student eligibility and such approval will include a consideration of the overall benefits, costs, advantages and disadvantages to both the student and the district.

Students approved for an extended learning opportunity must have parental/guardian permission to participate in such a program. Such permission will be granted through a Memorandum of Understanding for Educational Services signed by the parent/legal guardian and returned to the district before beginning the program.

All extended learning opportunities, including the cost of fees, books, and transportation, not initiated and designed by the District, shall be the financial responsibility of the student or his/her parent/legal guardian.

High School Extended Learning Opportunities

Extended Learning Opportunities may be taken for credit or may be taken to supplement regular academic courses. If the Extended Learning Opportunity is taken for credit, the provisions of Policy IMBC, Alternative Credit Options, will apply. The granting of credit shall be based on a student’s mastery of course competencies, as defined by Policies ILBA, Assessment of Educational Programs, and ILBAA, High School Competency Assessments as evaluated by Highly Qualified Teachers.

Extended Learning Opportunities may also be used to fulfill prerequisite requirements for advanced classes based on competencies evaluated by a Highly Qualified Teacher.

The Principal and/or designee will review and determine credits that will be awarded for extended learning opportunities towards the attainment of a high school diploma. Parents/Guardians and/or students may appeal decisions rendered by the Principal within the provisions below (see appeal process).

Students electing independent study, college coursework, internships, or other extended learning opportunities that are held off the high school campus will be responsible for providing their own transportation to and from the off-campus site.

Students approved for off-campus extended learning opportunities are responsible for their personal safety and well-being. Extended learning opportunities at off-campus sites will require a signed agreement among the school, the student, and a designated agent of the third-party host. The agreement should specify the roles and responsibilities of each party.

Program Integrity

In order to insure the integrity of the learning experience approved under this program, the student will be required periodically or upon demand to provide evidence of progress and attendance. The Principal, or designee, will be responsible for certifying course completion and the award of credits consistent with the District’s policies on graduation.

If a student is unable to complete the extended learning opportunity for valid reasons, the Principal, or designee, or assigned Highly Qualified Teacher will evaluate the experience completed to date and make a determination for the award of partial credit or recommend an alternative experience.

If a student ceases to attend or is unable to complete the extended learning opportunity for insufficient reason (lack of effort, failure to follow through, indecision, etc.), the school’s existing grading procedures will be followed.

In order to certify completion of co-curricular programs and activities based upon specific instructional objectives aligned to the standards, the school will develop appropriate mechanisms to document student progress and program completion on student grade report records.

Students transferring from other schools who request acceptance of course credits awarded through similar extended learning opportunity programs shall have their transcripts evaluated by the Guidance Counselor and Principal.

Legal References:

NH Code of Administrative Rules, Section Ed. 306.04(a)(13), Extended Learning Opportunities
NH Code of Administrative Rules, Section Ed. 306.26(f), Extended Learning Opportunities –
Middle School NH Code of Administrative Rules, Section Ed. 306.27(b)(4), Extended Learning
Opportunities – High School

Category: R

See also IHBI, ILBA, ILBAA, IMBC

1st Read: October 28, 2008
2nd Read: December 2, 2008
Adopted: December 2, 2008