SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6121
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 January 27, 2014
Title: An act relating to calculation and allocation of appropriations for alternative learning experience courses.
Brief Description: Concerning the calculation and allocation of appropriations for alternative learning experience courses.
Sponsors: Senators Dammeier, Ranker and Eide.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Early Learning & K-12 Education: 1/27/14.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON EARLY LEARNING & K-12 EDUCATION |
Staff: Eric Wolf (786-7405)
Background: Alternative Learning Experience (ALE) Courses. ALE courses 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 courses 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 courses is monitored through an individualized student learning plan (SLP). Rules adopted by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction specify the content of an SLP, which must include direct personal contact with a teacher at least once per 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 courses, 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.
In 2013 the Legislature required that funding for all ALE courses be determined by the statewide Basic Education Allocation rate for grades 9–12, allocated on a student full-time equivalent basis.
Summary of Bill: Funding for ALE career and technical education courses must be determined by the statewide career and technical education allocation rate for grades 9–12, allocated on a student full-time equivalent basis.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: SB 5946 (2013) did not intend to preclude career and technical education (CTE) from ALE courses and reduce their funding; the purpose of the present bill is to restore funding at the CTE rate for CTE ALE courses. The enhanced funding rate for CTE covers the additional costs of supplemental materials, equipment, and program design. The bill replaces the additional CTE funding for ALE courses that the last ALE reform bill inadvertently reduced.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Dammeier, prime sponsor; Jeff Bush, Insight School of WA ; Tim Knue, WA Assn. for CTE.