HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 1674
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 Reported by House Committee On:
Education
Title: An act relating to changing the term alternative learning experience to personalized learning experience.
Brief Description: Changing the term alternative learning experience to personalized learning experience.
Sponsors: Representatives Rude, Steele, Santos, Jinkins, Bergquist and Doglio.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Education: 2/5/19, 2/7/19 [DP], 1/13/20, 1/23/20 [DP].
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION |
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 17 members: Representatives Santos, Chair; Dolan, Vice Chair; Paul, Vice Chair; Steele, Ranking Minority Member; McCaslin, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Volz, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Bergquist, Caldier, Callan, Corry, Harris, Ortiz-Self, Rude, Stonier, Thai, Valdez and Ybarra.
Staff: Ethan Moreno (786-7386).
Background:
Alternative learning experience (ALE) programs provide a way for students to be enrolled in public education without being required to meet the in-class seat-time requirements for regular instruction. The ALE courses may be delivered via online courses, remote courses, or site-based courses. Courses offered through ALE programs may be provided to students residing outside of the district offering the course, and may be provided to full or part-time students. Districts providing ALE programs may claim state basic education funding for students enrolled in ALE courses and are obligated to satisfy annual reporting requirements.
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Summary of Bill:
Statutory references to the ALEs and associated provisions are changed to personalized learning experiences. The terminology change is made through modifications to numerous statutes, including revisions to provisions governing:
the establishment, operation, and financing of ALE programs;
student truancies; and
staffing ratios for basic education certificated instructional staff.
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Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) The bill passed the House of Representatives unanimously last session, but was held out of respect to the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction and a task force that was looking into associated name change matters. Names are important and the term "alternative" can have a stigma associated with it.
The bill could be improved based upon the ALE rebranding efforts of 2019. A name change, while not necessary, could be part of a broader rebranding effort that includes other policy changes. Stakeholders supported "personalized learning experience" as the preferred option for the new name.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Representative Rude, prime sponsor; Rhett Nelson and Dave Mastin, Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.