Washington
Alternative Learning Experience Rules
Since 1996, the Washington State Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction has been drafting various revisions to the Washington Administrative Code relating to alternative learning experience programs. These programs recognize and address the diverse needs of students for courses of study provided in non-traditional learning environments.
While alternative learning experience programs are public school programs, they may include significant participation by students, parents, and families in the design and implementation of a student’s learning experience. Students receiving home-based instruction in Washington are not considered to be enrolled in an alternative learning experience program, except as may be permitted on a part-time basis through the proposed rules in the Administrative Code.
In the most recent draft, dated March 29, 2000, students receiving home-based instruction would be permitted to participate in an alternative learning experience program on a part-time basis. This would involve enrollment in the public school for the purpose of participating in the program and would entitle the student to receive instruction and participate in other activities associated with the program. A home-based student’s educational performance would be evaluated the same as other students in the program, except that this student would not be required to participate in state assessments or other annual assessments required by the school district.
Home School Legal Defense Association has received reports that local school districts, operating under the current provisions of the Administrative Code, have enrolled students in alternative learning experience programs as full-time public school students, when the intent of the parent was to conduct home-based instruction. In these cases, the parents were advised that there was no need for the parent to file a declaration of intent indicating that the child was to receive home-based instruction.
Families whose students are enrolled in an alternative learning experience program on a full-time basis are forbidden by the Washington Constitution from including any religious curriculum or instruction in the educational program.
Parents should be aware that if they intend to conduct home-based instruction on a full-time basis and remain free from the restrictions involved in public school enrollment, they should file a declaration of intent to do so with the local public school superintendent and not participate in any alternative learning experience program. On the other hand, if the proposed revisions to existing law are adopted, parents will clearly be entitled to choose participation in these public school programs on a part-time basis while maintaining their status as home-based instructors under the home school law.
HSLDA takes a neutral position on proposed changes in the law entitling home schooled students to participate in public school programs. — Dewitt T. Black
