SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6134
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
As of March 5, 2018
Title: An act relating to modifying definitions for alternative learning experience courses.
Brief Description: Modifying definitions for alternative learning experience courses.
Sponsors: Senators Wellman, Zeiger and Hasegawa; by request of Superintendent of Public Instruction.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Early Learning & K-12 Education: 1/16/18.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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SENATE COMMITTEE ON EARLY LEARNING & K-12 EDUCATION |
Staff: Benjamin Omdal (786-7442)
Background: ALE. ALE courses are courses with learning activities that occur either in part or wholly outside of a regular classroom setting. These courses may include components of direct instruction, and are supervised, monitored, assessed, evaluated, and documented by a certificated teacher employed by the school district.
All ALE coursework requires a written student learning plan (WSLP) that is implemented according to district policy and rules adopted by the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). Courses are categorized in relation to the total weekly time of the course, the estimated average hours per week the student engages in learning activities in order to meet the requirements of the WSLP.
Districts must document student educational progress, and report annually to OSPI annually on course types and offerings, and the number of students participating in each. Courses are categorized as online courses, remote courses, and site-based courses
Online Courses. Online courses are defined as an ALE course when more than half of the course content is delivered online or through computer-based methods. Online course programs can enroll any student who lives in Washington State. To do so, students must request a choice transfer that transfers education responsibility to the new school district.
Remote Courses. Remote courses are defined as those that are not online courses and where the student has in-person instructional contact time for less than 20 percent of the total weekly time for the course. No minimum in-person instructional contact time is required.
Site-Based Courses. Site-based courses are ALE courses where the student has in-person instructional contact time for at least 20 percent of the weekly time for the course.
Summary of Bill: A remote course is defined as an ALE course where the WSLP does not include a requirement for in-person instructional time
A site-based course is defined as an ALE course where the WSLP includes a requirement for in-person instructional contact time.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: Redefining classification of ALE courses will help provide greater clarity. Technical clarification will help districts with data reporting.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Lisa Wellman, Prime Sponsor; Rhett Nelson, Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.