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 Passed House:
March 7, 2019
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].
Floor Activity:
Passed House: 3/7/19, 97-0.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION |
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 19 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, Kilduff, Kraft, 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.
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 ALE programs;
student truancies; and
staffing ratios for basic education certificated instructional staff.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
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 changes the name of the ALE program for the purpose of reducing the stigma that students can feel with being involved in an alternative program.
Stakeholders have been supportive of the name change, but there are some concerns because the term "personalized learning" has separate assumptions and understandings associated with it. Supporters would be happy to work with the sponsor to modify the language.
The ALE providers do provide personalized learning. The more policymakers and education providers can move away from terminology indicating that the ALE programs are different, the better. The ALE programs are part of regular education.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Representative Rude, prime sponsor; Carolyn Logue, K12, Incorporated; and Rhett Nelson, Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.