Frequently Asked Questions

ELP is short for Extended Learning Program. The mission of Waukee extended learning programming, grades K – 12, is to recognize and support the strengths and needs of gifted learners. The Waukee Extended Learning Program supports the needs of K-12 advanced learners through multiple levels of service. It is important to note that a variety of services fall under the umbrella of the Extended Learning Program. In each elementary building, the ELP teacher works to meet the needs of K-5 students in a variety of ways, including through flex groups and ELP groups.

K-3 students are not yet formally identified for ELP pull-in programming - they are instead served through flex groups. Some 4th and 5th graders may also participate in flex groups throughout the school year. Classroom teachers have multiple instructional approaches to ensure individual student needs are being met, including leveled groups and differentiated instruction. When appropriate, small group instruction with peers of a similar ability level as part of a flex group can provide another layer of support.

Students are selected for participation in flex groups through collaboration between ELP teachers and grade-level teams using assessment data, classroom observation, one on one or small group screeners. The focus area of a flex group depends on student need as determined by the ELP teacher and grade-level team. Flex groups are fluid and open to change. Participation in past flex groups does not guarantee future participation.

Beginning in the spring of 3rd grade, students may be formally identified for ELP pull-in services. The district identification process considers assessment data, such as ISASP and CogAT, as well as teacher input. Students are identified in the areas of Verbal, Quantitative, or both. For the 2022-2023 school year, all identified 4th grade students are pulled into one group and all identified 5th grade students are pulled into one group. The focus of ELP changes based on the needs, interests, and strengths of the students each year. The NAGC programming standards guide our work together. In ELP, we work to grow not only academically but also from a social-emotional perspective. We practice the 4 Cs - communication, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking. Students engage in challenges that promote teamwork and flexibility, participate in research projects, and explore topics and ideas that they are curious about.

CogAT is short for Cognitive Abilities Test. CogAT measures the development of verbal, mathematical, and spatial reasoning abilities that are essential for success in school. No preparation is necessary for testing - the CogAT measures student ability or aptitude rather than achievement. There is nothing to study or memorize.

The CogAT Screener is administered to all Waukee students in the Spring of 3rd grade. Students who score at the 80th percentile rank or above in the district are further tested using the complete CogAT battery. The CogAT is administered again in 5th grade.

For more information, feel free to view this video from Riverside Insights.

IAAT is short for Iowa Algebra Aptitude Test. IAAT results guide initial placement of students in the secondary mathematics curriculum. This assessment is designed to assess students’ aptitude to understand complex algebraic concepts, and includes the following topics: Pre-Algebraic Number Skills & Concepts; Interpreting Mathematical Information; Representing Relationships; Using Symbols. There is no preparation necessary for the IAAT.

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