Background: Alternative Learning Experience (ALE) Programs. 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. There are three primary types of ALE programs identified in statute: online learning programs; parent-partnership programs that include significant participation by parents in the design and implementation of the student's learning; and contract-based learning.

Educational progress of students enrolled in ALE programs is monitored through an individualized student learning plan (SLP). Rules adopted by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) specify the content of an SLP, which must include direct personal contact with a teacher at least once a week, estimated hours per week of learning activities by the student, and monthly progress evaluations to assure that students are making satisfactory progress.

Certain practices are prohibited for ALE programs, such as providing compensation or stipends directly to parents, providing an incentive for district staff to enroll nonresident students, and purchasing curricular activities for ALE students unless substantially similar activities are available for regularly enrolled students.

Online Learning Programs. Most of the requirements regarding ALE programs are in administrative rules adopted by OSPI. However, online learning programs were first authorized in 2005 through legislation, so some of the requirements as they pertain to online programs appear in statute. In addition, legislation enacted in 2009 requires online learning programs offered to students from multiple school districts, either directly by a school district or under contract, to be approved by OSPI. Beginning in the 2013-14 school year, all online learning programs must be approved by OSPI.

Summary of Bill: ALE Courses. ALE programs are redesignated as ALE courses and defined as a delivery method for the program of basic education. The statutes pertaining to ALE courses are aggregated into a new chapter of Title 28A RCW. ALE courses are divided into three types: hybrid courses, where students have instructional contact time in at least 20 percent of the total weekly time in the course; remote courses, where the student has in-person instructional contact time for less than 20 percent of the total weekly time in the course, and online courses.

Instructional Interaction. Students enrolled in ALE courses must have their primary instructional interaction occur with a certificated teacher. Instructional interaction includes, but is not limited to: direct instruction, review of assignments, assessment, testing, progress monitoring, and educational facilitation. Contact time with instructors need not be in person and may be delivered remotely through technological means.

OSPI Study. The bill directs OSPI to conduct a study, in consultation with representatives from school districts that administer ALE courses, for the purpose of creating a proposal for efficiently and sustainably funding such courses. OSPI must report findings from the study to the Legislature by November 1, 2013.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This bill addresses a number of unintended consequences springing from prior reforms to ALE programs. ALE program rules are overly bureaucratic, so this bill allows for more innovation by streamlining the rules. Online learning programs have blossomed in this state and have become a robust option for students that requires regulation. An attractive feature of the bill is that it allows students in grades K-12 to learn remotely via technology. This bill will hopefully decrease the amount of paperwork that accompanies ALE programs. Districts support the full funding of ALE programs, especially since some districts are projecting a funding shortfall on ALE programs. This bill creates a solid pathway for OSPI to address some of the issues in ALE programs, including over $27 million in ALE program costs questioned by the State Auditor's Office. There is a timing issue: the bill comes into effect in late July, and will only give districts six weeks to adjust to the new categories.

CON: Christi Davis' student is enrolled in a parent-partnership program, which allows parents to address unique learning issues that school districts cannot meet. Increasing the amount of required in-class time can have a detrimental effect on the ability of some parent-partnership program students because the student does not get to take advantage of an individualized program and attention.

OTHER: Online programs are modeled off of public schools, not the other ALE programs. Online schools should be separated from ALE programs. There is a misunderstanding that virtual and online schools do not know their students. This bill creates the categories for courses based on the amount of instructional time that occurs, but it is unclear how those categories are funded. All students, K-12, should be able to access any ALE program. The bill does limit options for families by requiring that instructional time be offered only by certificated teachers; this language prohibits districts from contracting with non-certificated teachers, such as community college professors, to deliver ALE content.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Dammeier, prime sponsor; Brad Sprague, WA Assn. for Alternative Learning; Ronald Mayberry, Federal Way Public Schools; Lucinda Young, WA Education Assn.; Karl Nelson, Ken Kanikeberg, OSPI; Marie Sullivan, WA State School Directors Assn.

CON: Christi Davis, citizen.

OTHER: Tammy Alonzo, Jayme Evans, Kris Hirshmann, WA Virtual Academies; Ben Rarick, State Board of Education; Jami Lund, Freedom Foundation.