Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Education Committee

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.

Brief Description: Modifying definitions for alternative learning experience courses.

Sponsors: Senators Wellman, Zeiger and Hasegawa; by request of Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Modifies the definitions of "remote course" and "site-based course" in provisions governing alternative learning experience programs.

Hearing Date: 2/19/18

Staff: Ethan Moreno (786-7386).

Background:

Alternative Learning Experience (ALE) programs provide a way for students to be enrolled in public education without being obligated to meet the in-class seat-time requirements for regular instruction. Instruction in ALE programs may be delivered via online courses, remote courses, or site-based courses. Courses offered through ALE programs may be provided to students residing inside or outside of the district offering the course, and may be provided to full or part-time students. Each student participating in an ALE program must have a written student learning plan that is designed to meet the student's individual educational needs and is developed and approved by a certificated teacher.

An ALE course is defined as a course, or coursework for grades kindergarten through eight, that is a delivery method for the state's program of basic education, and that is:

As specified in statutes governing ALE courses, a "remote course" is defined as an ALE course that is not an online course 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 for remote courses. A "site-based course" is an ALE course where the student has in-person instructional contact time for at least 20 twenty percent of the total weekly time for the course.

Summary of Bill:

The ALE definitions of "remote course" and "site-based course" are modified by, in part, removing references to the percentage of in-person instructional contact time. "Remote course" is defined as an ALE course 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. No minimum in-person instructional contact time is required for remote courses. "Site-based course" is defined as an ALE course where the written student learning plan for the course includes a requirement for in-person instructional contact time.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.