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Comparison of Education Models

Statement of Understanding

Home-based Instruction and enrollment in an ALE are different educational models. Home-based instruction includes the following: 

  • Instruction is developed and supervised by the parent or guardian as authorized under RCW 28A.200 and 28A.225.010. 
  • The parent has filed an annual Declaration of Intent with the district. 
  • Students are neither enrolled nor eligible for graduation through a public high school unless they meet all district and state graduation requirements. 
  • Students are not subject to the rules and regulations governing public school, including course, graduation, and assessment requirements. 
  • The public school is under no obligation to provide instruction or instructional materials, or to supervise the student’s education. 

Alternative Learning Experience (ALE) includes the following: - Is a public education enrollment option authorized under WAC 392-550. 

  • Subject to all state and federal rules and regulations governing public education. 
  • Curriculum and instructional materials meet district standards and are free from sectarian control or influence. 
  • Learning experiences are:
    • Supervised, monitored, assessed, and evaluated by a certificated teacher.
    • May be planned in collaboration with the student, parent and teacher.
    • Provided via a Written Student Learning Plan (WSLP).
    • Provided in whole, or part, outside the regular classroom. 

Part-time Enrollment of Home-Based Instruction Students

Home-based instruction students may enroll in public school programs, including ALE programs, on a part-time basis and retain their home-based instruction status. In the case of part-time enrollment in ALE, the student will need to comply with the requirements of the ALE written student learning plan, but not be required to participate in state assessments or meet state graduation requirements.

Narrative Description of the Differences Between Home-Based Instruction and Public School Alternative Learning Experiences

Home-based instruction is authorized under Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 28A.225.010 and RCW 28A.200. When a parent or guardian has filed a ‘declaration of intent to provide home-based instruction’ with the district and is meeting the requirements for home-based instruction stated in RCW 28A.225, the student is eligible to receive home-based instruction. Students receiving only home-based instruction are not enrolled in public education, and they do not have to comply with the rules and regulations regarding public schools. Since the student is not registered or enrolled in the public school system, the school district is under no obligation to provide instruction or instructional materials for these students. Home-based instruction students are not required to participate in any district or state testing and/or assessments. Additionally, home-based instruction students are not eligible for graduation through a public high school unless they meet all of the graduation requirements established by the state, district, and the local high school. This includes earning the Certificate of Academic Achievement.

Part-time enrollment

Home-based instruction students may have access to ancillary services and may enroll in a public school course, such as an alternative learning experience course, on a part-time basis where space is available. Part-time enrollment is defined as being less than full-time enrollment. In these cases, the student is responsible for maintaining acceptable attendance and meeting all course and school requirements. For an alternative learning experience, this will mean meeting the requirements of the written student learning plan. The student continues to be considered a home-based instruction student when enrolled part-time in a public school setting. Therefore, except for the individual class requirements, school and district attendance rules, and school behavior policies, the limitations and restrictions noted in the paragraph above are in force.

Full-time enrollment

A student enrolling full-time in a public school alternative learning experience program is not receiving home-based instruction, even if the parent or guardian has filed a ‘declaration of intent  to provide home-based instruction’ with the school district. The student is considered a public school student and is subject to all the rules and regulations governing the actions of all public school students. This includes, but is not limited to, attendance, meeting course requirements, graduation requirements, and assessment requirements. Full-time students are eligible for graduation from a public high school upon meeting all of the school, district, and state requirements.