Extended Learning Program

Charting the Course for our Gifted & Talented Students

Fulfilling the mission of the Marshalltown Community School District challenges students to become life-long learners and productive, critical thinkers who strive for self-understanding and demonstrate responsible, global citizenship. Realizing that the regular classroom curriculum must be augmented for gifted students, the Extended Learning Program (ELP) supports and provides qualitatively differentiated learning. The Extended Learning Program assists gifted students in reaching their academic potential.

At the Elementary Level

At the elementary level the majority of high ability students’ academic needs are met through classroom differentiation, but a small percentage of these students require individualized enrichment services in an alternative setting. It is the role of the elementary ELP teacher to provide services to those students with very high ability, screen classroom populations for potential giftedness, and support classroom differentiation.

At the Intermediate/Middle School Level

The intermediate/middle level (5-8) program provides learning experiences that are student-centered and need-driven. Within this setting, the Extended Learning Program encourages the development of effective interpersonal skills, self-direction, and communication skills. The qualitatively differentiated curriculum builds on individual abilities, needs, passions, and learning styles, and strives to ignite students’ desire for rigor and life long learning. It challenges students to develop critical and creative thinking skills, problem solving abilities, and the ability to work autonomously. The program aspires to respond to the district goals and the needs of a changing population.

At the High School Level

The high school program focuses on meeting the individual needs of students as they prepare for life after high school. High ability students at the high school level continue to receive services that focus on meeting their academic, social and emotional needs. Additionally, a significant portion of the high school program encourages students to prepare for the future through investigation of career and college options. Students are also counseled in planning a rigorous course of study that often includes courses of independent study.

Program Philosophy
Target Population
Curriculum & Instruction Goals

Services for the gifted and talented should be an integral part of the Marshalltown K-12 program.

Curriculum for talented and gifted students should be differentiated in process, pace, depth, and expected outcomes.

High ability students have social and emotional needs that require accommodation.

Students must be provided with structured opportunities to interact with peers with similar abilities and interests.

Identification of talented and gifted youth should include multiple, flexible, and inclusive procedures and criteria. Identification should reflect Marshalltown's culturally and economically diverse population.

Optimal programming for talented and gifted students should include a variety of educational opportunities such as differentiation, specialized group studies, independent study, mentorship, advanced classes, service learning, and acceleration.

The Marshalltown Extended Learning Program is designed to serve students in grades K-12 who have demonstrated high achievement or potential in one or more of the following areas of giftedness:

General Intellectual Ability
Specific Ability Aptitude
Visual and Performing Arts

Approximately 5% of the students in grades 4-12 are identified using multiple criteria. Students in K–3 are served as needed.

Programming for students with special abilities in other areas of giftedness may be facilitated through the Extended Learning Program.

Students with academic gifts and talents come from all cultural and economic backgrounds. Identification tools are being developed to more accurately identify minority students who may be at a disadvantage in demonstrating their talent due to language limitations, cultural expectations, or limited academic/life experiences.

1. The program will provide a positive environment for meeting the emotional, social, and educational needs of the students.

Students will be encouraged to discuss and reflect upon personal concerns, challenges, and coping strategies as a gifted student
Students will be given support in developing skills in goal setting, time management, teamwork, and self-assessment

2. The program will provide an opportunity for the study of advanced concepts and involvement in relevant projects.

Students may plan and conduct an independent or group study project
Students may participate in special interest activities, contests, and competitions
Students may participate in specialized and/or acceleration instruction

3. The program will provide a qualitatively differentiated educational experience for students in the pull-in resource room.

Instructional strategies will be used to encourage higher level thinking, inquiry, and skill development
Curriculum will introduce concepts and content that are beyond the scope of the regular classroom

EXTENDED LEARNING PROGRAM FACULTY

Susan Fritzell Marshalltown High School (9-12) 641-754-1130 ext. 1132	Lacinda Gillen Miller Middle School (7-8) 641-754-1110 ext. 1753	Karen Roessler Lenihan Intermediate (5-6) 641-754-1160 ext. 1102
Jill Brockman Hoglan Elementary (K-4) 641-754-1060 Anson Elementary (K-4) 641-754-1020 Franklin Elementary (K-4) 641-754-1041	Marcia Plett Rogers Elementary (K-4) 641-754-1070 Woodbury Elementary (K-4) 641-754-1080 Fisher Elementary (K-4) 641-754-1030