OSPI recently issued a press release indicating preliminary enrollment numbers show more student enrollment in alternative learning. Read this press release here.
ALE is funded at the non-vocational Running Start rate.
For 2020-2021, this is $8,679.65 per student. This represents a full year of 1.0 FTE for 10 months.
OSPI issued Bulletin #085-20 to support multilingual/English learners and their families with resources to access distance learning and to offset some of the additional life stressors brought about by the pandemic. OSPI also reminds school districts to meet the civil rights obligations to multilingual/English learners and their families in each phase of reopening schools. School districts are encouraged to use CARES Act funds to address additional language access and educational supports. To assist school districts with meeting civil rights obligations, OSPI has issued guidance, resources, and translated navigation guides in the top nine languages of our multilingual/English learners and their families.
OSSI Continuous School Improvement Funds are now available through iGrants for schools in improvement status
At this moment, 60% of eligible schools have not yet applied for grants this year, though the application closes October 30.
The purpose of these funds is to support the implementation of activities that advance the high-leverage goals identified in the School Improvement Plan (SIP).
Last year over half a million dollars went unclaimed or unspent.
Deadline
Applications must be submitted by 5pm, October 30, 2020
How can I see if my school qualifies?
Click on your school’s name in column 3 of the EDS iGrant screen. Click on the form package profile in the upper left-hand corner. Click on the Reference/URL link to the listing of qualifying schools and award amounts. If your school’s name is listed there, you may initiate the application. If you can’t find your school’s name on the list of schools, and believe you are eligible, contact mary.adams@k12.wa.us.
How do I apply?
- The full fact sheet on these grants is available here.
How long does it take to process applications?
- New applications: up to 30 days for initial review; typically two weeks, depending on the number in queue and the quality of the applications.
Who do I contact for assistance or questions?
The ALE Advisory Committee met on September 23. Representatives from programs across the state, Washington Association for Learning Alternatives (WALA), and the Alternative Learning Department (ALD) discussed the following topics:
- 2020-21 committee norms and goals
- OSPI guidance issued to date and additional guidance needs
- ALE data
For questions about the ALE Advisory Committee, please contact WALA or the ALD.
Join the Alternative Learning Department and ALE school/program representatives on Tuesday November 24 at 2:00 PM for a webinar discussing truancy in ALE rules and examples of implementation.
- Register for the webinar here.
- Submit your questions about truancy in ALE prior to the webinar here. Questions can be submitted until 5:00 PM on Friday November 20.
If you have questions about the webinar, contact the Alternative Learning Department at ALDInfo@k12.wa.us.
The 2021 ALE Administrator Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, January 14 from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM and will be held remotely via zoom.
- Register for this event here.
- Once you complete your registration a link to join the event will be emailed to the address provided.
- Clock hours will be available to anyone who registers, attends the full session, and completes an evaluation.
- An agenda will be available later this year.
If you have questions about the event, contact the Alternative Learning Department at ALDInfo@k12.wa.us.
Online Learning Advisory Committee
The Online Learning Advisory Committee (OLAC) met on October 14, 2020. Members discussed the following topics:
- OSPI 2020-2021 Guidance
- Choice Transfers
- ALE Rule Change
The committee’s next meeting is on February 10th at 9:30 am and is open to the public.
Multi District Online School Program Applications
Online Learning Program Manager, Nicole González, will meet with interested applicants to discuss the Multi District Online School Program approval process. Please contact her to set up a meeting. The application window is January 2021.
First of all – don’t forget the date, which must be within the required timeframe!
We interpret the WAC 392-550 term "Approval" as a signature. Digital signatures are allowed, as long as the signature & date are not easily modified.
Written Student Learning Plan (WSLP)
- Certificated Teacher Approval (signature)
- dated on/before first apportionment claim
Monthly Progress Review
- Evidence that it was completed by Certificated Teacher
- dated on/before the 5th school day of the next month
- Document how shared with Parent (K-8) & Student
Intervention Plan
- Certificated Teacher Approval (signature)
- dated within 5 school days of the determination of unsatisfactory progress
- may be developed by a support staff person for students taking all online courses
- Must show evidence of participation by Student (& Parent for K-8)
Best practice: Including student and parent signatures reinforces communication about student goals and progress.
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Work2BeWell (Providence Hospital initiative) Fall Teen Mental Health Summit, October 28, 3-5 pm. For more information and registration, visit their website.
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McKinney-Vento Liaison Virtual Training: Register for the Autumn sessions November 10, 2020 or December 9, 2020.
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Truancy in ALE Webinar: Tuesday November 24. Register here.
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2021 ALE Administrators Meeting - January 14, 2021, via Zoom. Register here.
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GATE Equity Webinar Series - Regular monthly webinars. Information and registration available through the GATE website.
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WCAN's College Knowledge is a series of 23 digital handouts covering the most requested college readiness topics for supporting students in completing their High School and Beyond Plan or college prep course. They're organized by topic or by grade, and are available in English, Spanish, Somali, Vietnamese and Russian. These materials were developed with input from students and educators across Washington state.
Contact Us!
For more information about Alternative Learning, please contact us at ALDInfo@k12.wa.us, or visit our OSPI Learning Alternatives website.
For specific questions, contact us by email:
ALE Programs: Anissa Sharratt ALE/Reengagement Compliance: Liz Quayle Online Learning: Nicole González
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