ALE, or better known as the Alternative Learning Experience program in WA State may be exactly what you are looking for. Here’s how OSPI (The Office of Public Instruction) describes it: “The Alternative Learning Experience (ALE) is public education where some or all of the instruction is delivered outside of a regular classroom schedule. It is available to all public school districts and public charter schools in Washington state. The intent of ALE is to ensure that students have educational opportunities designed to meet their individualized needs.” Sounds attractive. It should! And it is likely one of the best kept secrets in the WA State public school system.
Here are two related stories:
Last week, I attended a planning meeting in the Northshore School District with a representative of their district ALE programs as well as the special education department. Both provided excellent support of my parent – client and were fully transparent throughout the conversation. Most notably, one program, the Northshore Family Partnership model, provides an exceptional framework for home-school families who would like to have additional support on this path. Here is a link to their program: https://northshorelearningoptions.nsd.org/northshore-family-partnerships/all-about-nfp
Years ago, I was a finalist for a position on Orcas Island for a Principal – Special Education Director role; it was a wonderful opportunity but we would have had to move to a relatively remote location. Nevertheless, I learned about their OASIS Program; the first time I heard about the WA State ALE program. The Oasis Program serves students across the state through a home school partnership. Here is a description of the program and how their ALE program may present a “fit”: OASIS
In 2019, I was the Director of Special Education in Quilcene. And I remember my first day on the job like it was yesterday. I learned about the PEARL program; an ALE program serving over 400 students across the state through a parent partnership model. I was simply blown away with the resources provided to parents. In fact, as the Director, I was signing off on payment for Special Education services like Speech or Physical Therapy all across the state for students who were supported by an IEP (Individual Education Plan) and needed specially designed instruction and did not live near the district. We also provided specialized curriculum materials like Orton Gillingham reading materials for students with reading disabilities which were almost impossible to access in other districts. The opportunities to create a true student-guided learning opportunity were extraordinary. And I remember asking, “Why don’t we expand this program further?” P.E.A.R.L. – Home
Nevertheless, the ALE model comes in many forms throughout the state. Some are truly online based, some provide remote classes, and others, like OASIS or PEARL, are in alignment with home school partnerships. In fact, here is a list from OSPI highlighting the programs from last year: aleyearend_districts.xlsx
Yes, there are many opportunities throughout the state which provide alternatives to the traditional programs and one thing we learned from the COVID experience, families are exploring options more now than ever. However, accessing this information often feels like it’s a challenge to clearly grasp the specifics within each program.
