In accordance with Idaho law, full-time students in this district are eligible for extended learning opportunities outside of the traditional classroom. As used in this policy, “extended learning opportunity” (ELO) means an out-of-classroom learning experience that provides a student with: (1) enrichment opportunities outside of a classroom setting; (2) career readiness or employability skills, including internships, pre-apprenticeships, and apprenticeships; or (3) any other type of out-of-classroom educational opportunity approved by either the State Board of Education (SBE) or this district. Examples of ELO that may be eligible for credit toward graduation requirements or mastery of required skills or district- or school-specific standards 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 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 Idaho minimum standards and applicable board policies.
Full-time students may request credit for an ELO as set forth in this policy. If approved by the district, students will receive credit toward: (1) district- or school-specific graduation requirements, if the student is a middle level or high school student; or (2) mastery toward required skills or district- or school-specific standards, if the student is an elementary student. Middle level and high school students who request credit for an ELO approved by the SBE will receive credit toward state graduation requirements. Elementary students who request credit for an ELO approved by the SBE will receive credit toward mastery of required skills or state standards. The district may award elective credit for middle level and high school students for ELOs that do not satisfy core graduation requirements.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
All programs of study must meet or exceed the competencies and standards identified by the SBE, applicable rules and regulations of the SBE or the State Department of Education, and all applicable district policies. All programs of study proposed through this program shall have specific instructional objectives aligned with the Idaho minimum standards and district 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 a program of study under these guidelines must first present their proposal to their school counselorfor approval. The name and contact information for the school counselor is found in the student handbook. The school counselor are available to assist students in preparing the application form and other necessary paperwork.
The principal of each school has 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.
The principal will review and determine credits that will be awarded for ELO toward the attainment of a high school diploma or mastery of required skills. Parents/guardians and/or students may appeal decisions rendered by the principal as set forth in this policy.
Students approved for an ELO must have parent/guardian permission to participate in such a program. The district may utilize a memorandum of understanding or other appropriate permission form that outlines expectations and responsibilities of the student, district and sponsor of the program or activity. Such permission form must be signed and returned to the student’s school before beginning the program.
All ELOs not initiated and designed by the district shall be the financial responsibility of the student or his/her parent or guardian. Students electing independent study, college coursework, internships, or other ELOs that are held off the school campus will be responsible for providing their own transportation to and from the off-campus site. When feasible, the district may provide transportation.
Students who have a financial or transportation need that would prevent such participation should work with the school counselor to determine what options, if any, are available to the student.
Students approved for off-campus ELOs are responsible for their personal safety and well-being. ELOs 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.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Students and their parents or guardians are responsible for completing the ELO application and submitting it to the school counselor at least thirty (30) days prior to the beginning of the proposed program. The district recognizes that short-term notice opportunities may present themselves to students from time to time. Therefore, the principal may grant waivers to the thirty (30) day submission requirement at his/her discretion, provided all other application criteria are satisfied. Such waivers will be granted on a case-by-case basis. All required information must be attached to the application and submitted to the student’s school counselor.
The application will be reviewed by appropriate school or district staff and administration, and a decision will be made within ten (10) days of receipt of the application. The student will be notified in writing of the status of the application. If additional information is requested, the information must be submitted within one (1) week of receipt of the request.
It is the student’s responsibility to maintain academic standing and enrollment in the approved program. Any failure to complete an approved program may jeopardize the student’s ability to earn credit for the course. The student and parent/guardian recognize that in the event the student withdraws from an approved program, the district cannot guarantee placement in an equivalent district-offered course.
The district reserves the right to determine the number of credits to be awarded. Any credits earned may be calculated towards the overall grade point average. The course name and actual grade earned will be noted on the student’s official transcript.
EVALUATION CRITERIA
The principal or designee will evaluate all applications. At a minimum, all applications must meet the following criteria:
(1) the selected program provides for administration and supervision;
(2) the selected program provides for oversight and monitoring by certified school personnel; and
(3) the selected program meets rigorous standards, including minimum standards established by the SBE and all applicable district standards.
APPEAL PROCESS
A student whose application has been denied may request a meeting with the principal or designee. The principal or designee will provide the student with rationale as to why the proposal was denied. Students may resubmit alternate proposals for consideration if such proposals are made within the timelines established by this policy. If the principal or designee rejects the resubmitted proposal, the student may appeal to the superintendent or designee. All decisions made by the superintendent or designee shall be final.
PROGRAM INTEGRITY
In order to ensure the integrity of the learning experience approved under this program, the student will be required to periodically or upon demand 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 will evaluate the experience completed 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 ELO for an insufficient reason (e.g., lack of effort, failure to follow through, indecision, etc.), the principal or designee may determine that the student’s transcript be adjusted to reflect the experience as a failure.
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.
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. It shall be incumbent upon the student or his/her parent/guardian to request that copies of the student’s official transcript be sent from the former school.
APPROVAL OF ELO ENTITIES
The board delegates to the superintendent the authority to approve entities which may offer extended learning opportunities to students within the district. Entities eligible to submit applications to offer ELOs to students in the district include, but are not limited to, nonprofit organizations, businesses with established locations in the district or Idaho, trade associations and, for middle level or high school students, the United States Armed Forces. Applications must be submitted to the superintendent or designee, must satisfy the requirements of this policy, and must be approved before students will be eligible to obtain credit under this policy.
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LEGAL REFERENCE:
Idaho Code Sections:
33-506 – Organization and Government of Board of Trustees
33-6401 et seq. – Extended Learning Opportunities
ADOPTED: July 19, 2023
AMENDED: