Our Promise to ELP Students and Families

Extended Learning Program Vision

Gifted children’s distinctive learning needs are met throughout the school day.

Extended Learning Program Mission Statement

Johnston Community School District has a responsibility to provide educational programming which will respond to the unique needs of students and maximize their potential. Giftedness is not a static label. We make inferences about student needs based on potential, accomplishments, and performances over time using multiple criteria. Students whose learning needs clearly lie beyond those of their same-aged peers require differentiated opportunities and support facilitated by the Extended Learning Program. These opportunities may vary in kind, degree, delivery, and duration, but include social-emotional as well as academic options.

District Belief Statements

  1. Relationships
    • The uniqueness of all and the value of diversity
    • Fostering good character and citizenship
    • A collaborative process involving all stakeholders

In alignment with these district beliefs, the Extended Learning Program believes talented and gifted learners come from all socio-economic, cultural, and linguistic backgrounds. Because of this belief, we are committed to using multiple identification criteria appropriate for our diverse demographics including those who are twice-exceptional.

  1. Environment
    • A teaching and learning environment that is safe, supportive and respectful
    • A stimulating learning environment that meets individual student needs
    • A culture of excellence within a professional community

In alignment with these district beliefs, the Extended Learning Program believes gifted students learn best in the company of their intellectual peers. Because of this belief, we are committed to using a variety of grouping methods and placing students in an appropriate level of curriculum.

  1. Teaching & learning
    • Our responsibility to ensure that every child will learn
    • Excellence as the hallmark of our district and our measure of accountability
    • Rigorous and relevant academic experiences with high expectations for student achievement
    • The use of research-based, effective models of instruction
    • Student needs being frequently assessed and actions taken based on that assessment
    • Skillful use of modern technology as an essential tool for learning
    • A continuous improvement process where schools regularly use data to guide change and improvement

In alignment with these district beliefs, the Extended Learning Program believes gifted learners need opportunities to explore their passions and interests in order to develop their talents, promote self-direction and encourage life-long learning while meeting their social/emotional need. Because of this belief, we are committed to creating curricular opportunities that are responsive to the passions and interests of each gifted learner and to identifying and addressing the unique social/emotional and learning needs of gifted learners. Gifted learners require qualitatively differentiated curriculum and instruction that includes, but is not limited to, increased rigor and appropriate pace. Because of this belief, we are committed to implementing evidence-based curricular opportunities, supports, and resources that meet the individual needs of gifted learners. A sound assessment system is an integral part of determining a gifted learner’s instructional level. Because of this belief, we are committed to using a variety of assessments in order to identify a gifted learner’s cognitive and social/emotional level for academic placement.

  1. Leadership
    • Board of Education and administration focused on adopting policies to support best teaching practices and achievement
    • Professional learning to enhance the skills and knowledge of people in the organization
    • Fiscal responsibility and always seeking more effective and efficient uses of their resources

In alignment with these district beliefs, the Extended Learning Program believes gifted programming is best when integrated within the Johnston educational system through collaborative efforts. Administrators, counselors, ELP facilitators, classroom teachers, and support staff share responsibility for meeting the needs of gifted learners, which requires appropriate professional development. Because of this belief, we are committed to providing learning opportunities and resources for all involved in the district’s comprehensive gifted program.

  1. Community
    • Broad-based business and stakeholder support
    • Partnerships and community involvement
    • Responsive to the needs of parents and families

In alignment with these district beliefs, the Extended Learning Program believes gifted programming is best through collaborative efforts. Because of this belief, we are committed to working cooperatively with the Friends of Johnston ELP parent group (JELP) as well as the community at large and we will sponsor programs on topics relevant to the education, development, and parenting of advanced learners.