BILL REQ. #:  H-4576.1 

READ FIRST TIME 02/02/04.   

     AN ACT Relating to alternative learning experience programs; and adding a new section to chapter 28A.150 RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   A new section is added to chapter 28A.150 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) The board of directors of a school district may operate alternative learning experience programs for eligible full-time students, or eligible part-time students who meet the provisions of RCW 28A.150.350. The board of directors may also provide such programs through contract to the extent permitted under RCW 28A.150.305. The board of directors of a school district claiming state funding for alternative learning experiences shall adopt and periodically review written policies for such programs. The alternative learning experience programs:
     (a) Must address the diverse needs of students for courses of study provided in nontraditional learning environments;
     (b) Must be supervised by certificated staff, who may be employed either by the school district or by a contractor selected by the school district;
     (c) Must provide each student with direct personal contact at least weekly with certificated staff designated by either the school district or by the contractor with the approval of the school district. Direct personal contact is for the purposes of instruction, assignment review, testing, evaluation of student progress, or other learning activities. Direct personal contact may include the use of telephone, e-mail, interactive computer, or interactive video communication;
     (d) Must provide each student with an individualized written student learning plan developed with the assistance of and monitored by certificated staff;
     (e) Must assess the educational progress of enrolled students at least annually, using, for full-time students, the state assessment provided for the student's grade level, and using any other annual assessments required by the school district. Part-time students must also be assessed at least annually. Part-time students who are either receiving home-based instruction under chapter 28A.200 RCW or who are enrolled in private schools under chapter 28A.195 RCW are not required to participate in the assessments required under RCW 28A.655.060;
     (f) May include significant participation by students, parents, and families in the design and implementation of a student's learning experience; and
     (g) May provide individualized courses of study for students.
     (2) The office of the superintendent of public instruction shall adopt rules for the implementation of this section, including program implementation standards and enrollment documentation and reporting.