Notice of Rule Change by OSPI
Dated: May
15, 2005
Due to the passing of SB 5828,
allowing school districts to operate Digital Learning Programs, OSPI has proposed a re-write of the rules governing Alternative
Learning Programs WAC 392-121-182.
There is a hearing scheduled
for Tuesday May 24th at 1:00 at OSPI in Olympia. The following link includes the proposed rule changes. http://www.k12.wa.us/safs/pub/wac/WAC%20392-121-182.pdf
CHN is concerned that the proposed rule changes
will allow an expansion of the current models offered by alternative learning programs (ALP) and digital learning programs.
The proposed rule change may allow a new model of public school program commonly known as a “virtual academy.”
“Virtual academies” have created much confusion with independent homeschooling in the states where they currently
operate. CHN was aware of these problems and the potential impact upon the homeschool
community. CHN worked very hard to make sure certain components were put into SB 5828 to hopefully lessen the impact on the
homeschool movement in Washington State.
Virtual Academies are programs offered by for-profit
corporations in conjunction with local school districts. The programs are called “homeschooling” but are funded
with public dollars, and supervised by the public school system. CHN does not support nor endorse government funded or supervised
“homeschooling.”
Since the alternative learning programs are still
under investigation from the legislature and the State Auditor’s Office, it seems premature to propose a re-write at
this time http://www.chnow.org/id51.html
CHN wants to make sure the rules adopted for
digital learning programs are in-line with the new law, and do not create a new model of alternative learning programs. If you share our concerns; please come to the hearing to testify, if you are not able
to come to the hearing you can mail a written testimony to OSPI- we suggest you also copy your legislators and members of
the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee. http://www1.leg.wa.gov/legislature We would appreciate it if you sent us a copy chnow@msn.com.
CHN has many resources available on our web site
here are some links for your use:
ALP toolkit
http://www.chnow.org/id56.html
Article- An Analogy- Government Funded Homeschooling
http://www.chnow.org/id65.html
Report- Can religious curriculum be used in ALPs?
http://www.chnow.org/id66.html
Articles- Home School legal Defense
http://www.hslda.org/docs/nche/Issues/C/CharterSchools.asp
SB 5828 Allowing Digital Learning Programs
http://www.leg.wa.gov/pub/billinfo/2005-06/Htm/Bills/Senate%20Passed%20Legislature/5828-S.PL.htm
Preserving homeschool freedoms for today and tomorrow
© 2005 CHNOW
all rights reserved
Permission to
copy and distribute if copied in its entirety, or contact chnow@msn.com
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