Truancy in ALE Webinar: Tuesday, November 24
Join the Alternative Learning Department and ALE school/program representatives for an overview of truancy in ALE rules and examples of implementation.
- Register here.
- Questions about truancy in ALE can be submitted prior to this event via the link here.
Rule Update
OSPI filed an emergency rule to Chapter 392-401A WAC extending the non-truancy remote learning absence period in non-ALE settings until March 1, 2021. During this time period, unexcused absences from remote learning may not accrue for the purposes of filing a truancy petition. For more information on this emergency rule, review Bulletin # 091-20.
The Alternative Learning Department is pursuing options for aligning our truancy in ALE rules, scheduled to take effect January 1, 2021, with this revised policy in non-ALE settings. A follow-up communication with more information on the impact to ALE will be provided through this newsletter as soon as possible.
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.
What counts as weekly contact?
WAC 392-550-020 Definitions.
(10) "School week" means any seven-day calendar period starting with Sunday and continuing through Saturday that includes at least three days when a district's schools are in session or when a charter school is in session.
Weekly contact must be:
- conducted in each week with three (3) or more school days per the school or district calendar;
- between a program certificated teacher and the student (not the parent only);
- related to the WSLP or the courses listed on it;
- interactive (two-way) communication.
- A student completing an assignment is not two-way, but giving the student personalized feedback on that assignment completion is.
How should we document it?
Documentation varies depending on the type of contact and program's needs.
- For students attending weekly classes or conferences (even via digital means): document in an attendance book or online log
- For students not attending weekly classes, use a phone log or other contact log.
- For students doing all online work, maintain a contact log.
- Documentation of weekly contact must kept for five (5) years beyond the end of the school year. Emails should be kept if they are the primary means of contact.
Sample weekly contact documentation forms are available on the ALE website.
Make the contact integral to student learning! This lets them know you are invested in their learning and available for support.
Leaders of Learning Alternatives Focus Area Network
The purpose of the Leaders of Learning Alternatives (LoLA) Focus Area Network is to support collaboration between ESDs and OSPI/OSSI to organize and support regional networks for alternative learning leaders, including:
1) Advancing understanding of best practices; 2) Collaborating with, and learning from colleagues, as well as ESD/OSPI partners; 3) Exploring tools for establishing equity-based, anti-racist, and student-centered school communities; 4) Learning strategies for strengthening data use to inform continuous improvement and system change; and 5) supporting regional reengagement programming.
LoLA Contacts:
ESD 101 - Dianna Harrington, dharrington@esd101.net
ESD 113 - Russ Rice, rrice@esd113.org
ESD 121 - Arthur Dennis, adennis@psesd.org
ESD 123 - Lori Scott, lscott@esd123.org
ESD 189 - Gayle Everly, geverly@nwesd.org
Statewide network, coordinated by ESD 123 – Lori Scott, lscott@esd123.org
WALA
The Washington Association of Learning Alternatives (WALA) is a private nonprofit organization that also provides regional networking options and supports. For more information visit www.walakids.com.
LoLA/OSSI in partnership with Always be Learning
Mark your calendar!
Session #1: Leading Through the Master Schedule January 25, 2021, 9:00 – 10:30 am
Description: This session shall cover the following topics: the why of college and career readiness, the most important factors that predict college and career readiness, and how schools can Lead Through the Master Schedule to improve equity and access outcomes. Schools will have an opportunity to explore their historic baseline data and examples of Leading Through the Master Schedule will be specifically tailored for ALE schools to provide actionable steps for school leaders.
Session #2: Equity in Action: Course Intensity March 22, 2021, 9:00 – 10:30 am
Description: This session shall revisit the importance of course intensity, its role in equity for all students and provide an overview of different strategies available to schools for evaluating and improving course intensity. The session shall examine tools and resources that schools can use to help ensure high quality course content when designing their own courses and/or are issuing competency-based credit, specifically in an ALE setting.
Registration information coming soon!
The September ALE Compliance Webinar is now available online! LINK here.
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Truancy in ALE Webinar: Tuesday November 24. Register here.
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McKinney-Vento Liaison Virtual Training: Register for the Autumn sessions December 9, 2020.
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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.
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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