Comparison Among Madison High Schools

in Advanced/Accelerated Course Offerings

YOUTH OPTIONS PROGRAM

Youth Options Guidelines

The Youth Options Program (YOP) permits any 11th or 12th grade student to attend a Wisconsin institution of higher education for the purpose of taking one or more nonsectarian courses. The school district is required to pay for the course(s) if no comparable course is offered in any of the MMSD high schools and if the course is approved for high school credit. If the course is taken for post-secondary credit only, the participating student pays the cost.

1. By March 1 for the fall semeser, and October 1 for the spring semester, students must notify the school board of their intention to participate in YOP. The application for participation must arrive in the office of the Assistant Superintendent by the deadline dates. No exceptions to the deadline dates will be granted. A separate application must be processed for each semester that a student applies to participate in YOP.

Applications may be obtained in the Guidance Office of each high school. An envelope addressed to the Assistant Superinendent will be provided.

2. The YOP does not apply to summer school or to Independent Study.

3. No changes may be made in a YOP applicaton once it as been submitted to the Assistant Superintendent's office.

4. Appeals will be referred to the YOP Committee.

5. A conflict within the student's high school schedule is not by itself sufficient grounds for an appeal.

6. Eleventh and twelfth grade students must carry the minimum high school required credit load each semester. The application of the credit equivalency to the YOP course(s) plus the student's credits at the high school must at least equal the established credit requirement of the high school (4 post secondary credits equal 1 high school credit). Students must meet the minimum credit requirement of the high school to be eligible for scholarship consideration.

7. YOP courses will be recorded on the student's transcript and will be figured in the GPA. Note: The YOP grade could affect consideration for certain scholarships including Academic Excellence and the Robert E. Byrd (All-State).

8. MMSD will pay only for courses that are successfully completed. If a student drops a course, he/she is responsible for payment of tuition.

9. The YOP Committee membership includes a designated Assistant Superintendent, the four high school guidance department chairs, and the Professional Support Counselor.

University of Wisconsin-Madison Requirements - Youth Options Guidelines:

1. Students must apply for admission to the University through the Office of University Special and Guest Students. Applications are available from the office, 905 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53715-1005, telelphone 262-2115. A 3.0 average is required for admission as a Special Student.

2. On occasion some students may be admitted for more than one UW-Madison course with the approval of the University. The district will pay for more than one approved course if the UW-Madison allows the student to take more than one course for high school credit. If a student intends to apply for admission to take MORE THAN ONE COURSE at UW-Madison, that must be indicated on the application.

3. Students may list one or more alternative courses on their YOP application form in the event their first choice is no available.

4. If the UW, based on the results of a placement test, recommends a higher level of a course already approved by the YOP Committee, the recommendation will be honored if MMSD does not offer a comparable course.

5. Attend mandatory UW orientation meeting.