2255: Alternative Learning Experience Courses

The Board authorizes the creation of alternative learning experience (ALE) courses. The District will make available to students enrolled in an alternative learning experience program educational opportunities designed to meet their individual needs. The District will comply with all requirements necessary to count an ALE as a course of study and ensure state funding for ALE students.

ALE programs may include, but are not limited to:

A. On-line courses

B. Remote courses

C. Site-based courses.

The Board will adopt and annually review written policies authorizing alternative learning experiences, including each alternative learning experience course and program provider. The policy must designate, by title, one or more school district official(s) responsible for overseeing the District's alternative learning experience courses.

The District establishes the following alternative course(s) provided on site or over the internet or by other electronic means, as defined in WAC 392-121-182:

The school district official(s) responsible for this (these) course(s) is/are:

Executive Director of Teaching and Learning

Reporting Requirements

A. Annual Report to the Board of Directors

The school district official responsible for overseeing each ALE course will report at least annually to the Board. This annual report will include at least the following:

1. Documentation of ALE student headcount and full-time equivalent enrollment claimed for basic education funding;

2. Identification of the overall ratio of certificated instructional staff to full-time equivalent students enrolled in each ALE course; the number of certificated staff in each ALE course;

3. A description of how the course supports the District's overall goals and objectives for student academic achievement; and

4. Results of any self-evaluations.

B. Monthly Report to the Superintendent of Public Instruction

The District must report monthly to the Superintendent of Public Instruction:

1. Accurate monthly headcount and full-time equivalent enrollment for students enrolled in alternative learning experiences; and

C. Annual Report to the Superintendent of Public Instruction

The District must submit an annual report to the Superintendent of Public Instruction detailing the costs and purposes of any expenditures made to purchase or contract for instructional or co-curricular experiences and services that are included in an ALE written student learning plan, along with the substantially similar experiences or services made available to students enrolled in the District's regular instructional program.

D. Annual Report to the Superintendent of Public Instruction

The District must report annually to the Superintendent of Public Instruction:

1. the number of certificated instructional staff full-time equivalent assigned to each alternative learning experience program; and

2. enrollment of students (separately identified) where ALE instruction is provided entirely under contract pursuant to RCW 28A.150.305 and WAC 392-121-188.

The Superintendent is directed to develop procedures consistent with WAC 392-121-182 to govern the administration of the District’s ALE courses.

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Cross References:

• Board Policy 2020 Curriculum Development and Adoption of Instructional Materials
• Board Policy 2024 Online Learning

Legal References:

• RCW 28A.150.305 Alternative educational service providers – Student eligibility
• RCW 28A 232.010 Alternative learning experience programs – Generally – Reports
• RCW 28A.250.050 Student access to online courses and online learning courses— Policies and procedures — Course credit - Dissemination of information — Development of local or regional online learning programs.
• WAC 392-121-107 Definition-Course of study
• WAC 392-121-182 Alternative Learning Experience
• WAC 392-121-188 Instruction provided under contract