Extended Learning Opportunities Continue to Grow in NH Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic
EXTENDED LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES CONTINUE TO GROW IN NH
The New Hampshire Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO) Network is pleased to report that ELOs continue to grow in the state. Our State ELO Contact List is an indicator that 90% of our public high schools are now accepting ELO credits. Many of these schools have robust ELO programs facilitated by an ELO Coordinator or other employee that performs the ELO Coordinator function for a school or district. Several schools offer ELO credits through the support of our regional structure. The ELO network has established regional networks where high schools can work in collaboration to develop individual and group ELOs.
Extended Learning Opportunities are structured through personalized and competency-based learning experiences. These opportunities include, but are not limited to, independent studies, career explorations, and work-based learning experiences. Students often gain authentic, real-world insight through connections to community partners. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has made this challenging. Our educators have been working since March to create new and exciting ways for our students to connect with community partners. Virtual meetings, internships, interviews, and tours with industry professionals are some of the ways we are adapting to a new normal. For example, the NH Lodging and Restaurant Association (NHLRA) provided us with a YouTube playlist, which features chef demos, a chef tv pilot, and a couple of tours from the 2019 New Hampshire Hospitality Month. In fact, students who may have otherwise experienced geographic or transportation restrictions are now able to benefit from these virtual opportunities. The ELO Network is continuing its call out to NH industry partners to provide promotional videos we can share to further offer alternative connections for students.
The NH ELO Network remains ready, willing and able to assist those who are looking for further information on how to engage in or expand upon ELO’s in their community. As we are planning for the reopening of schools it is more important than ever to keep students engaged in meaningful learning experiences. As such, we urge the members of our communities to get involved. Parents and students can inquire about participating in an ELO by reaching out to their school’s ELO point person. Additionally, professionals from all career fields can offer to mentor these students. Since the duration and intensity of mentoring can vary in each ELO experience we encourage you to review the NH Work Based Learning website and connect with your local school district for more information.
Since the inception of ELO’s 15 years ago, they have become part of the core elements offered in the vast majority of NH schools. In this time, the scope of ELOs have continued to broaden, become more varied, and more responsive to students interests, needs, and abilities. There continues to be a need to create guardrails that ensure they align with common, high quality elements that apply to all experiences. The NH ELO Network has developed a High Quality Framework based on the accumulated wisdom and research of state educators to address that need. All educators - from school counselors, school to career coordinators, transition coordinators, classroom teachers, career and technology educators, to administrators - continue to use this framework as a guide.
Unfortunately, the flexibility in how ELO’s are implemented has not been accurately reflected in how the NH Department of Education (NHDOE) collects ELO data. The process of collecting statewide ELO data is still in its infancy, however, it is getting better each year as we collaborate with the NHDOE on the process and resultant data sets. While the current resultant data sets are unable to accurately depict a complete picture at this point in time, we are hopeful that future reporting cycles will be able to provide the quantitative data that aligns and corroborates with what we are seeing in our schools.
The NH ELO Network continues to meet monthly, now via zoom, to provide professional development and networking opportunities. If you are interested in attending these meetings please contact our network President, Kerrie Alley-Violette at kalleyviolette@sau17.net or your region’s chairperson.
The New Hampshire Extended Learning Opportunities Network is a collaborative of ELO Coordinators, administrators, teachers and other educators interested in advancing the implementation of ELOs throughout the state. Our mission is to advocate, educate, and advance best practices for Extended Learning in New Hampshire. To learn more please visit our website at nhelonetwork.com.