Alternative Learning Experience (ALE)
Online Learning
Alternative Learning Experience
RCWs and WACs
Learning Options Feedback Survey
The goal of the Learning Options Feedback Survey is to obtain regular feedback from our stakeholders.
Contact Information
Learning Options
The Alternative Learning Experience (ALE) is public education, available to all public school districts and public charter schools in Washington state, where some or all of the instruction is delivered outside of a regular classroom schedule. The intent of ALE is to ensure that students have educational opportunities designed to meet their individualized needs. ALE follows all public education requirements as well as Chapter 392-550 WAC.
Districts Offering ALE
This list is compiled from the 2021-22 ALE Year End Report and reflects programs identified by local school districts during the 2021-22 school year. Review the ‘Definitions’ tab of the document for more information.
Office Hours
Drop in for office hours to ask your questions about ALE implementation and compliance. We will meet individually with as many attendees as possible.
Office hours will be held on the fourth Friday of each month through May, except for February due to the WALA Spring Conference.
- Friday, March 24 Office Hours | 9-10 a.m.
If you are not able to attend and have questions, please contact us via the Learning Options email.
ALE Guidance
- Guide to Offering Alternative Learning Experiences
- Guidance on truancy in ALE can be found on page 41
- Serving Students with Disabilities
- Certification & Endorsement Guide
- ALE Compliance Reviews
- Core Compliance Self-Study
- Substantially Similar Checklist
Communications & Video Guidance
- ALE Compliance Webinar 9/20/21
- Alternative Learning Experience 101 (Moodle Course)
- CEDARS Reporting for ALE Courses Webinar
- 2021-22 Year End Reporting Webinar
ALE Compliance Forms
Below are sample forms to meet Alternative Learning Experience compliance. Please note that these are just samples and programs are welcome to develop their own to meet ALE requirements.
Written Student Learning Plan (WSLP)
- Sample 1 (K-12)
- Sample 2 (HS)
- Sample 3 (HS)
- Sample Elementary Math
- Sample 1 FDK + Syllabus
- Sample 2 FDK + Syllabus
Syllabus
Weekly Contact Log
Monthly Progress Review (MPR)
- Sample 1 K-8 detail
- Sample 2 HS detail
- Sample 3 short form
- Sample 4 Combined Weekly contact + MPR
- Sample 5 Combined MPR + IntPlan
- Sample FDK MPR
- Sample MPR Log
Intervention Plan (IntPlan)
WAC & RCW Rule Updates
Permanent ALE Rule Change–Effective August 15, 2022
- Expands the methods through which the Washington Inventory of Developing Skills (WaKIDS) assessment and full-day kindergarten can be implemented in an ALE setting to allow observations through in-person or synchronous digital instructional contact. See WAC 392-550-035 and WAC 392-550-050 for more information.
Permanent ALE Rule Change–Effective August 14, 2021
- Outlines a process for determining truancy, required interventions, and a threshold for filing a truancy petition for students enrolled in alternative learning experience courses beginning with the 2021-22 school year. See WAC 392-550-040 for more detail.
Permanent ALE Rule Change–Effective August 10, 2020
- Moves the rules governing ALE to chapter 392-550 WAC and simplifies WAC 392-121-182 to include only enrollment reporting requirements.
- Removes the requirement to obtain a parent signature documenting the parent’s understanding of the difference between home-based instruction and ALE. A requirement to notify families of the difference at enrollment and in school/program materials remains. See WAC 392-550-030(10) for more detail.