Arts League

All students with disabilities who are not able to successfully and safely participate in existing area middle and high school extracurricular arts can compete as long as they meet the guidelines below.

Arts League Eligibility Guidelines:

• Any AASD student enrolled in grades 6th through 12th or grade equivalency as defined by the student’s individualized education plan 
• Student has an identified disability under IDEA and has qualified for special education (IEP) services or qualifies for a 504 plan within the school district. This disability must significantly impact the student's ability, with or without reasonable modifications, to participate in existing middle or high school extracurricular arts with their non disabled peers.
• Student can independently with or without assistive devices (with standby assistance for safety as needed) safely and meaningfully participate.
• Student must attend school and classes regularly and maintain a grade point average of 1.5 or higher quarterly. Student athletes may not have more than one course failure per quarter to remain eligible.
• If a student demonstrates disruptive and/or unsafe behavior that adversely impacts the students or other students or advisor’s ability to safely and appropriately engage in the arts, the Arts League advisor with agreement from the district's Arts League Coordinator has the ability to remove the student from continued participation in the specific Arts League program.
• *If a student has been denied participation, a parent can request in writing an appeal to the decision. Written appeals may be submitted by the student’s guardian to the district’s Arts League Coordinator. An appeal committee will review the decision. 

Participants and their parents/caregivers are expected to follow the Arts for All Wisconsin Code of Conduct, which emphasizes:

• Respect, kindness, and empathy for all community members
• Responsibility for one’s behavior and communication
• Honesty and integrity in artistic work and collaboration
• Inclusive participation and support for peers
• Safety and well-being of self and others
• Appropriate use of accommodations and supports

• Sessions will be led by qualified arts teachers and supported by special education staff and trained peer helpers.
• Special education staff will act as liaisons at each school to coordinate student support and communication.
• Adults and peer helpers will receive training on inclusion, accessibility, and safety procedures prior to the start of sessions.

Transportation to sessions is the responsibility of families, though efforts will be made to coordinate carpools or assistance where possible.

Initial start up funding for the Arts League has been provided from the Special Education Department. Subsequent years will include an activity fee per session or year to sustain the program.

• Students and families will apply through a streamlined process communicated district-wide. 
• Information sessions and teacher training will occur prior to program start.
• Families will be informed of schedules, locations, and session descriptions well in advance.

• Feedback from students, families, and staff will be regularly collected to improve the Arts League experience.
• The program will remain flexible to adapt to participant needs and district resources.