2255P - Alternative Learning Experience Programs Procedure

Procedure 2255P

INSTRUCTION

A.    Definitions. Alternative Learning Experience (ALE) programs and courses will be offered consistent with the requirements of Ch. 392-550 WAC . 

a.  Alternative Learning Experience (ALE) means a program, course or, for grades kindergarten through eight, grade-level course work, that is a delivery method of basic education and is:

 i.      Provided in whole or in part independently from a regular classroom setting or schedule, but may include components of direct instruction;                                               

ii.      Supervised, monitored, assessed, evaluated, and documented by a certificated teacher employed or contracted by the school district; and is

iii.      Provided in accordance with a written student-learning plan that is implemented pursuant to the district’s policy and Chapter 392-550, WAC.

b.      Online course is a course or grade-level coursework where:

 i.      More than half of the course content is delivered electronically using the internet or other computer-based methods;

ii.      More than half of the teaching is conducted from a remote location through an online course learning management system or other online or electronic tools;

iii.      A certificated teacher has the primary responsibility for the student's instructional interaction. Instructional interaction between the teacher and the student includes, but is not limited to, direct instruction, review of assignments, assessment, testing, progress monitoring, and educational facilitation; and

iv.      Students have access to the teacher synchronously, asynchronously, or both.

c.       Remote course means an alternative learning experience course or course work that is not an online course. Further, the student-learning plan for the course does not include a requirement for in-person instructional contact time.

d.      Site-based course means an alternative learning experience course or course work that is not an online course where the written student-learning plan for the course includes a requirement for in-person instructional contact time.

 

B.     Student Eligibility and Enrollment.  To enroll in ALE programs offered by Pasco School District, a student must complete an intra-district transfer process out of their current school. Students who wish to enroll in an individual course for purposes of earning or making up credit while maintaining enrollment in their current school must contact their school counselor or administrator to schedule online course participation.

 The following will apply to enrollment in an ALE program:

1.      ALE courses will be available to all students, including students with disabilities.

2.      All students in grades kindergarten through twelfth grade are eligible to participate in ALE programs.

3.      Students who wish to enroll in an ALE program must follow each program’s application process.

4.      Students enrolling in an ALE must have a Written Student Learning Plan (WSLP) as defined in state law.

5.      Families must be notified of the difference between ALE and home-based instruction prior to enrollment.

6.      When enrolling in an ALE program, parents and students must:

1.      Attend informational meetings;

2.      Submit the appropriate transfer paperwork; and

 

C.    Student Performance and Evaluation

1.      Students participating in an ALE program will be evaluated through monthly progress review by a certificated instructional staff, or, for students whose written student learning plans include online classes, school-based support staff, to track student progress toward completion and to establish whether an intervention plan should be developed, in accordance with state law.

2.      The methods for determining satisfactory progress shall be outlined in the written student learning plan and may include:

1.      Progress grades;

2.      Assignment completion rates;

3.      Program expectations;

4.      Non-academic factors such as attendance and behavior; and

5.      Direct contact with school/program representatives.

3.      Students that are determined to be overall unsatisfactory for the month will have an intervention plan within 5 school days which will be developed by a certificated teacher. Intervention plans are intended to support the academic needs of a student. In the event a student is unsatisfactory for three months, the ALE program will work with the family on a substantial change to the written student learning plan that may result in removal from the ALE program and enrollment in a traditional school setting or other district program.

 

D.    Student Responsibilities. Students enrolled in an ALE program must meet the weekly contact requirements defined by state law and each program. This weekly contact will be defined in the program’s handbook (i.e. onsite attendance, email, phone call, text message, or communication through a learning management system such as Teams, Canvas, etc.). All contacts must be documented as two-way between the student and the assigned teacher of the particular course.

 

E.     Parent Responsibilities. Each school/program has its requirements for parents of participating students. For example, Three Rivers HomeLink requires all parents participate in an orientation that is designed to support at-home learning and partnership between the school and parents. All of these requirements will be detailed in each program’s enrollment packet or required informational meeting prior to enrollment.

 

F.     District Verification of Student Work

The District will use reliable methods to verify a student is doing his or her own work. These include, but are not limited to:

a.       Proctored examinations;

b.      Proctored projects;

c.       In-person presentations; or

d.      Real-time presentations using videoconference technology. 

 

Adoption/Revision Date: March 2024