ELO Background
The idea of Extended Learning Opportunities emerged from community concerns in the mid 1990s. At that time, learning was measured by the Carnegie Unit - the amount of time students spent in class. Businesses and colleges were not satisfied with this time-referenced system; they were more interested in what students learned and could apply to expectations beyond high school.
Faced with high drop-out rates, low achievement, and poor student aspirations, the New Hampshire Board of Education has worked to redesign high schools. They designed the unit of learning to be competency-driven, created flexibility regarding the time, space, and methods of high school learning, and included alternate pathways for students to demonstrate achievement. Although Lebanon High School has a drop-out rate of less than 1%, we recognize the importance of using ELOs to meet all students’ needs.
Extended Learning Opportunities (ELOs) provide multiple ways for students to learn outside of the classroom and achieve credit toward high school graduation. These personalized learning opportunities are founded on student interest and need, are planned in advance, and include rigorous content. They offer authentic opportunities for students to collaborate with a Highly Qualified teacher and/or a community partner to demonstrate competencies outside of a traditional classroom.
ELOs may take many forms, including independent study, private instruction, performing groups, internships, community service, apprenticeships; and online courses. Extended Learning Opportunities are rigorous and may include four components: research, product, presentation, and reflection. Assessment is based on achievement of high school competencies and goals. Through Extended Learning Opportunities, students earn high school credit toward graduation.
For more information on Extended Learning Opportunities please continue reading below.