Frequently Asked Questions about
the Andover Public Schools
Elementary Extended Learning Program
The “gifted” program in Andover Public Schools is called the Extended Learning Program. Below you’ll find the answers to some frequently asked questions about the Elementary Extended Learning Program.
Does every school in Andover offer the Extended Learning Program?
Yes, each school in Andover has an Extended Learning Program.
What test do you have to take to be labeled “gifted”?
Testing is completed as part of the Comprehensive Evaluation on an individual child. The “gifted” program is part of Special Education. The school psychologist will administer an individual ability test and possibly an individual achievement test. The Student Based Support Team (SBST) in each building will determine if the child’s needs would be met by taking the test(s).
The State of Kansas requires that a student who is identified as gifted score in the 95th percentile rank or higher on an achievement test and receive a score of 127, or 97th percentile rank or higher, on the ability test. The classroom teacher will also complete a gifted characteristics checklist and a product rating for the child. Butler County Special Education Cooperative is the special education provider for the testing, with the Andover School District responsible for the Extended Learning Program.
How long will it take to place my child in the Extended Learning Program?
The process is dictated by the State of Kansas. The SBST meets in what is called Pre-Assessment Meeting 1 and Pre-Assessment Meeting 2. Meeting 1 is 30 days of intervention, or working to meet the child’s needs in the regular classroom. Meeting 2 consists of 30 days in which the gifted teacher will observe the child and complete teacher checklists, including general traits and a product that has been created by the child. The team will determine if further testing is necessary. The school psychologist will contact the parent to get written permission to conduct testing. There is a 40-day window to complete this process. The team will then hold a meeting to review the results and determine if the child needs to receive gifted services. Parents are a part of this team, meeting along with the school psychologist, classroom teacher, administrator or designee, and the gifted education facilitator.
Can my child take the test over the summer to start right away in the Extended Learning Program?
If the child has gone through the Pre-assessment 1 and 2, the school psychologist may test one or two weeks following the end of school or one or two weeks in August.
If my child is in the gifted program at his/her current school, will he/she be in the gifted program at your school?
The child will be eligible to receive gifted services if the student has a written Individual Educational Plan (IEP) and an achievement score and individual ability score which meet the Kansas guidelines. If the student is currently enrolled in a Kansas school, there should not be a problem.
What happens in the gifted program? What curriculum is used?
Students leave their regular classroom to attend the Extended Learning Program class at their own school. During the school year, the students receive thirty minutes in the gifted class each school day. During this time, the student will be working on the individual goals of the IEP. They are usually grouped with several other identified students. The students may work on creative thinking, critical thinking, drama, independent studies, creative problem solving, logic puzzles, advanced math skills, and other activities. Student needs dictate the curriculum of the program. The student will NOT miss general education classes or subjects. Some field trips/follow up are also part of the Extended Learning Program.
How often/long will my child be in the gifted program versus his/her regular class? Will they remain in the gifted program when they advance to middle or high school?
Currently, the identified gifted students receive thirty minutes per DAY of time in the ELP. Once identified as gifted, the child may remain in the program through twelfth grade. Each year, the student’s needs will be determined and an IEP written to reflect the needs of the child. Sometimes the consulting model needs can meet the child’s needs in that the child remains in the classroom and the gifted facilitator checks on the child to see if the needs are being met.
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