Students dissecting a frog

Talented & Gifted (ELP)

Challenging students beyond their classroom experience.

Karen Allison

Director of Student Services
(563) 359-3681, ext. 3050
kallison@bettendorf.k12.ia.us

Becca DeGeorge

ELP Teacher
bdegeorge@bettendorf.k12.ia.us


The Bettendorf Community School District provides two programs dedicated to providing students challenging educational opportunities beyond their classroom experience: ELP (Extended Learning Program) and Extensions.

Extended Learning Program

ELP is a program for the top 3-5% of the District students in 4th through 8th grade. Selected students work with staff and each other to first understand their learning style and how to work as a team, and then develop unique learning opportunities beyond what would be taught in the classroom. Elementary students attend ELP class at Bettendorf Middle School. BMS students participate in a daily scheduled class.

"Getting all the elementary students together to work on ELP in grade levels is new this year," said Gronlund. "The students have unique opportunities to interact with classmates, work in groups and challenge themselves in a small group setting. They are great kids to work with and highly motivated to learn."

Extensions

Extensions are designed to reach the top 15% of 3rd through 8th grade students based on standardized scores and teacher recommendation. An extension is an enrichment opportunity for students who have already mastered or accelerated in that particular subject area.

ELP teachers also work with Extension classes in collaboration with elementary and middle school teacher/librarians.

The Extension team has developed a common curriculum for Extensions and meet once a month to monitor and adjust the program to meet student needs.