1. WASBO, May 2006OSPI1 Alternative Learning Experiences - Overview of Amended Rules - Martin Mueller,OSPI, mmueller@ospi.wednet.edu mmueller@ospi.wednet.edu 360-725-6050 Kim Thompson, OSPI, kthompson@ospi.wednet.edu kthompson@ospi.wednet.edu 360-725-6306

2. WASBO, May 2006OSPI2 Alternative Learning Experiences: Purpose of Rules Purpose of Rules: provide a method for school districts to claim basic education funding for learning experiences that are conducted in large measure away from school. Recent amendments to rules are designed to better accommodate digital or online learning programs that are delivered in a ‘distance learning’ manner, and to improve ALE program accountability Program Implementation Guidelines: http://www.k12.wa.us/AlternativeEd/default.aspx. http://www.k12.wa.us/AlternativeEd/default.aspx

3. WASBO, May 2006OSPI3 Background Rules allowing ALE date back to mid 1980’s. Major revision to rules in 1995. OSPI efforts to amend rules began in 1999. Growing concerns regarding program practices. Focused audits—2003 and 2004. JLARC study—2004-05. SSB 5828—digital and online learning. Current rule revisions effective August, 2005.

4. WASBO, May 2006OSPI4 Current Political Context Sincere desire to better accommodate technology and innovation. SAO and JLARC have identified practices that result in a substantial credibility gap, both academically and fiscally. ALE is very high profile right now, and not in a positive way.

5. WASBO, May 2006OSPI5 Key Changes to Rules Local oversight/accountability. Role of certificated teacher. Contact time requirements—better accommodate digital/online learning. Method for enrollment reporting. Monthly progress reviews. Assessment requirements. Part time enrollment. Program evaluation requirements. Removal of 70% spending provision.

6. WASBO, May 2006OSPI6 Three Big Issues School district oversight of and accountability for student learning. Use of religious materials by parents and students to accomplish learning plan. Reimbursement practices/Parent accounts –Curriculum/instructional materials/etc –Services to ALE students

7. WASBO, May 2006OSPI7 New Requirements Section By Section Section 1—Introduction/Definitions Certificated teacher requirements Part time enrollment Section 2—School Board Policy Adopt/annually review policy for each ALE program Written student learning plan Identification of staffing ratio Teacher oversight of student performance Weekly contact requirements Monthly review of student progress Designation of responsible staff Annual reporting ‘Reimbursement’ policy

8. WASBO, May 2006OSPI8 New Requirements Section By Section Section 3—Implementation Standards Special education Responsibility for essential learning resources— Instructional materials approval Work-based learning Contracting for ALE Disclosure of enrollment status Verification of student work Accreditation

9. WASBO, May 2006OSPI9 New Requirements Section By Section Section 4—Written Student Learning Plan Each student must have a written plan Teacher holds responsibility and accountability for plan and for student learning Must include: –Beginning and ending dates –Estimate of average hours per week to accomplish plan –Description of weekly contact –Description of learning requirements –Identification of instructional materials –Description of timelines and methods for evaluating student progress –Identify EALRs/district academic goals; specification of whether experience meets graduation requirements.

10. WASBO, May 2006OSPI10 New Requirements Section By Section Section 5—Enrollment Reporting Based on monthly progress reviews. If student progress is satisfactory, report estimated average weekly hours identified in plan. If progress is not satisfactory, in subsequent month student must log hours. If progress in subsequent month is not satisfactory, report actual hours from log. Usual enrollment exclusions apply (i.e.: 20 day absences) Program must document district of physical residence for nonresident students; must also establish procedures for coordinating student counting for state funding.

11. WASBO, May 2006OSPI11 New Requirements Section By Section Section 6—Accountability for Student Performance Monthly progress review by certificated teacher. Review must involve direct personal contact. Teacher must document whether or not student is making satisfactory progress. If student not progressing, must establish intervention plan. If student continues to struggle, must change learning plan. Annual assessments for all ALE students.

12. WASBO, May 2006OSPI12 New Requirements Section By Section Section 7—Program Evaluation Requires periodic evaluation to measure effectiveness student learning and achievement. Continuous improvement model. Requirement may be implemented via school improvement planning efforts. Section 8—Annual Reporting to OSPI Types of programs and course offerings. Student headcount and FTE. Ratio of FTE student to FTE CIS. ALE provided via contract.

13. WASBO, May 2006OSPI13 New Requirements Section By Section Section 9—Documentation Must maintain records for audit (minimum 3 years): –Board policy –Annual reports to school board and to OSPI –Written Student Learning Plans –Student progress reviews, evaluations and assessments –Student enrollment detail substantiating FTE reported to state for basic education funding

14. WASBO, May 2006OSPI14 Questions and Answers ? ? ?