Program Descriptions :

Extended Learning Program ( ELP )
The program for talented and gifted students in the Ames Schools is designed to provide educational experiences to meet the needs of exceptionally able students who require differentiated educational programs and/or services beyond those normally provided by the regular school program.
The identification procedure for elementary ELP is initiated during the second semester of 3rd grade. All students are included in the preliminary screening. Formal programming for identified students begins in the fall for 4th-5th graders.

One half-time ELP coordinator works with K-12 staff in planning for gifted students. ELP teachers work in resource rooms in the elementary schools with program participants in grades 4-5. The coordinator and resource teachers are available to assist elementary teachers by providing materials and/or helping to plan curriculum appropriate for high-potential students.
The ELP staff provides in services for teachers, administrators, and parents to increase awareness of the characteristics of gifted and talented students and apply appropriate teaching methods and materials. Program effectiveness is monitored and evaluated on a continuing basis. Contact the ELP Coordinator, Linda Telleen-Martens at Ames High School (817-0633) or your principal for more information.

Screening Assessment Information :
Vision Tests, Grades 1, 3, and 5: The school nurse annually screens the above grades, as well as any student referred by staff or parent/guardian. Any deviation from normal test response is reported to parents so that they might secure an eye examination by a specialist. Teachers are also contacted so classroom adjustments can be made.
Hearing Tests, Grades K-5: Annual screening tests are performed by the audiologist in all grades. Any deviation from normal test response is reported to parent/guardian so that they may seek medical attention.
Speech and Language Screening: Grade 2 Second grade students, new students, and referred students are given speech and language screening tests by the speech clinician.

Home School Program
Under the "Competent Private Instruction and Dual Enrollment" House File 455, students may dual
enroll in a school system and participate in academic or instructional programs of the district on the same basis as any regularly enrolled student. They may also participate in any extracurricular activity offered by the district on the same basis as regularly enrolled students. These students are registered as Home School Students at Elementary Schools. If there are any questions, please contact your School.

Integrated Services
The Ames Community School District offers a complete program to serve students with special needs. Programs for students with learning disabilities are located at all buildings and at all grade levels. Programs for students with behavioral disabilities are housed at Fellows Elementary, Ames Middle School, and Ames High School. Programs for students with Moderate to severe mental disabilities are provided at Meeker, Mitchell, and Sawyer Elementary Schools, Ames Middle School, and Ames High School. Programs for preschool students with disabilities are located at the Northwood Early Childhood Center.

Heartland Area Education Agency provides itinerant teachers for students with visual and hearing impairments. Other support services are also available through Heartland. For more information, contact the Director of Special Education, your schools principal.

For more information on special services available at the Elementary Schools, refer to the Parent Handbook (pdf file) or call the School office.

Success Learning Program (ALP)
The Elementary Accelerated Learning Program (ALP) provides a comprehensive approach to the delivery of services for students. Through appropriate prevention and intervention strategies, the program provides assistance to any student in need of academic, personal/social, and/or family services.
The purpose of the program is to accelerate the learning process and enhance and promote the total development of students. The ultimate goal is to raise student achievement. It is the intent of the program to provide assistance to students by optimizing staff resources, flexibility and individualizing educational programs.
The District's ALP plan is implemented in each attendance center by the Building Assistance Team (BAT). The purpose of the BAT is to provide services to meet the needs of students. Students at the Elementary School are referred to the Building Assistance Team by teachers, counselors, parents(s), guardian(s), caregivers, and/or resource agencies. A Personalized Educational Plan for learning is then designed for each child and is monitored accordingly.