OSPI’s Website Address Change

We are excited to announce an important update regarding our website URL. As part of our ongoing efforts to improve functionality and increase internet security, we are changing our current URL from k12.wa.us to ospi.k12.wa.us. Read more about this change and its impact. 

  • Facebook
  • OSPI on Twitter
  • Instagram Icon
  • OSPI Medium
  • OSPI LinkedIn
  • OSPI YouTube
  • Subscribe to OSPI GovDelivery

You are here

Home » Student Success » Learning Alternatives » Alternative Learning Experience

Alternative Learning Experience

Subscribe to receive ALE newsletter email updates!
Past ALE newsletter announcements.
RCWs and WACs

Alternative Learning Experience (ALE)

Online Learning

Learning Options Feedback Survey

The goal of the Learning Options Feedback Survey is to obtain regular feedback from our stakeholders.

Contact Information

Anissa Sharratt
ALE Program Manager
360-725-6229

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

School staff with questions regarding ALE implementation and compliance are invited to drop in for one-on-one office hours.  We will meet individually with as many attendees as possible.

Office hours will be held on the third or fourth Friday of each month through May.

If you are not able to attend and have questions, please contact us via the Learning Options email. 

ALE Compliance Webinar

Engaging Students and Promoting Success through Compliance

Join us on Friday, September 29, 10 - 11:30 am for a presentation and Q&A on ALE documentation requirements and hear how using various tools can help your students succeed.

Topics:

  • Basics of ALE documentation
  • Tips for engaging students through WSLPs and MPRs
  • What to expect in an audit or compliance review
  • Rebuilding systems – combining and disassembling requirements
  • Q&A and resources

Friday, September 29 Compliance Webinar Registration | 10 - 11:30 am

If you are not able to attend and have questions, please contact us via the Learning Options email. 

ALE Administrator Meeting

Join OSPI and the Learning Options team for the 2024 ALE Administrator Meeting on Friday, January 19, 9 am - 12 noon. Please review all the information below to ensure proper registration.

  • Friday, January 19 ALE Administrator Meeting Registration | 9 am - 12 noon.
  • 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 in pdEnroller, attends the full session, and completes an evaluation. pdEnroller registration information will be posted later in the fall. 
  • Meeting agenda will be posted later in the fall. 

ALE Guidance

Serving Students with Disabilities

Communications & Video Guidance

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.

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. 

ALE Partners