2255P Procedure - Alternative Learning Experience

Definitions
  1. Alternative learning experience (ALE) means a course or, for grades kindergarten through eight, grade-level course work, that is a delivery method of basic education and is:
    1. Provided in whole or in part independently from a regular classroom setting or schedule, but may include components of direct instruction;
    2. Supervised, monitored, assessed, evaluated, and documented by a certificated teacher employed or contracted by the school district.
    3. Provided in accordance with a written student-learning plan that is implemented pursuant to the district’s policy and Chapter 392-550, WAC.
  1. Online courses are courses or grade-level coursework where:
    1. More than half of the course content is delivered electronically using the internet or other computer-based methods;
    2. More than half of the teaching is conducted from a remote location through an online course learning management system or other online or electronic tools;
    3. A certificated teacher has the primary responsibility for the student's instructional interaction. Instructional interaction between the teacher and the student includes, but is not limited to, direct instruction, review of assignments, assessment, testing, progress monitoring, and educational facilitation; and
    4. Students have access to the teacher synchronously, asynchronously, or both.
  1. Remote course means an alternative learning experience course or course work that is not an online course where the written student-learning plan for the course does not include a requirement for in-person instructional contact time.
  1. Site-based course means an alternative learning experience course or course work that is not an online course where the written student-learning plan for the course includes a requirement for in-person instructional contact time.
 Student Eligibility and Enrollment
  1. ALE courses will be available to all students, including students with disabilities.
  2. All students in grades K-8 are eligible to participate in ALE programs.
  3. Students enrolling in an ALE must have a Written Student Learning Plan (WSLP) as defined in WAC 392-550.
  4. Families must be notified of differences between ALE and home-based instruction prior to enrollment. The differences are outlined below: 
 
Home-based Instruction (Homeschool)
Alternative Learning Experience
  • Instruction is developed and supervised by the parent or guardian as authorized under RCW 28A.200 and 28A.225.010.
  • The parent files an annual declaration of intent with the district.
  • Students are neither enrolled nor eligible for graduation through a public high school unless they meet all district and state graduation requirements.
  • Students are not subject to the rules and regulations governing public school, including course, graduation, and assessment requirements.
  • The public school is under no obligation to provide instruction or instructional materials, or to supervise the student’s education.
  • This is a public education enrollment option authorized under WAC 392-550.
  • Instruction is subject to all state and federal rules and regulations governing public education.
  • Curriculum and instructional materials meet district standards.
  • The learning experiences are:
    • Supervised, monitored, assessed, and evaluated by a certificated teacher.
    • Selected in collaboration with the student, parent, and teacher.
    • Provided via a written student learning plan (WSLP).
    • Provided in whole, or part, outside the regular classroom.

 

Student Performance
  1. Students participating in ALE will be evaluated monthly by a certificated instructional staff, or, for students whose written student learning plans include only online classes, school-based support staff, to track student progress toward completion and to establish whether an intervention plan should be developed, in accordance with WAC 392-550.
  2. The methods for determining satisfactory progress shall be outlined in the written student learning plan and may include:
    1. Progress grades;
    2. Assignment completion rates;
    3. Non-academic factors such as attendance, attitude, and behavior; and
    4. Local school expectations.
Student Responsibilities
Students enrolled in an ALE program must meet the contact requirements defined in WAC 392-550.
 
District Verification of Student Work
The district will use reliable methods to verify a student is doing his or her own work. These include, but are not limited to:
  1. Proctored examinations;
  2. Proctored projects;
  3. In-person presentations; or
  4. Real-time presentations using videoconference technology.
Date: 3/12/96
Revised: 11/08/05; 7/8/08; 12/11/12; 1/18/22