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Art teacher showcases adaptive-arts program that engages 55 ESY students
Summary
An art teacher, Libby, told the board about an adaptive arts program serving 55 students in the extended school year, highlighting switch-activated tools, peer engagement and paraeducator training; she offered materials and links for the board to review.
Libby presented the district's adaptive arts work during the extended school year (ESY), describing a program that enrolled 55 students ranging from preschool through age 21 and used adaptive tools to enable students of differing abilities to create original art.
"This is the best summer job in the world," Libby said, describing projects including black-light art, giant wearable 'watches' and stuffed 'snacks' made with model magic. She said adaptive devices (for example, a button that a student can press to trigger an art-making tool) let students choose colors and tools while ensuring success and independence. Libby also emphasized staff development: working with paraeducators in small settings helped train them to support students in the art room.
Board members asked for links and slides; Libby said she would share the materials and photos and that some items are available for board members to review. She framed the program as a small but meaningful investment that supports engagement, self-expression and staff training.
