It is the policy of the Seattle School Board to allow schools or programs to operate as Alternative Learning Experience (ALE) programs, provided the schools or programs are annually approved by the School Board and that the school or program comply with all relevant ALE laws and regulations. This policy is distinct from policies covering Alternative Education because ALEs have a unique funding model and are governed by a legal statute.

The District has established the following schools or programs as alternative learning experience programs as defined in Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 392-121-182:

1. Interagency Academy
2. Cascade Parent Partnership Program
3. Nova Alternative School

District Supervision

The District designates the principal or program manager for each school or program to approve specific alternative learning experience programs or courses and monitor compliance with WAC 392-121-182.

Annual Report to the School Board

The Assistant Superintendent for Academics shall report annually to the District Board of Directors the following information for each alternative learning experience school or program listed above:

1. The alternative learning experience student headcount;
2. Full-time equivalent enrollment claimed for basic education funding;
3. Overall ratio of certificated instructional staff to full-time equivalent students enrolled in each alternative learning experience program;
4. A description of how the program supports the District’s overall goals and objectives for student academic achievement; and
5. The results of the annual school improvement plan.

This policy will be annually reviewed by the Board.

The Superintendent is granted the authority to develop procedures to implement this policy.

Superintendent Procedure:

• 2255SP – Alternative Learning Experience Schools or Programs

Policy Cross References:

• 2020 – Waiver of Core and Extended Core Instructional Materials
• 2024 – Out-of-District Credits and Credit Recovery
• 2254 – Alternative Education

Previous Policies:

• C04.00 – Alternative Courses of Study
• C54.00 – Alternative Education

Legal References:

• RCW 28A.150.305 Alternative educational service providers — Student eligibility.
• Chapter 28A.225 RCW Compulsory school attendance and admission.
• RCW 28A.232.010 Alternative learning experience courses — Generally — Rules — Reports.
• RCW 28A.250.050 Student access to online courses and online learning programs — Policies and procedures — Course credit — Dissemination of information — Development of local or regional online learning programs.
• WAC 392-121-107 Definition — Course of study.
• WAC 392-121-188 Instruction provided under contract.
• WAC 392-137-230 Length of Acceptance.
• Chapter 392-550 WAC Alternative Learning Experience Requirements.

Management Resources:

• WSSDA Policy & Legal News, February 2013; June 2012; October 2011

Last Board Review:

• March 6, 2024 (No Action)

Revisions:

• January 14, 2025 (Administrative Update per Policy No. 1310)
• March 8, 2024 (Administrative Update per Policy No. 1310; see Board Action Report titled Annual Approval of Schools per WAC 180-16-220 approved March 6, 2024)
• November 3, 2021
• August 24, 2016
• August 13, 2013
• February 6, 2013
• June 6, 2012

Adopted by the Board:

• December 7, 2011