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Public School-At-Home PPP & Virtual Schools > Issues

Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel;
so hear the word I speak and give them warning for me. Ezekiel 3:17

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UPDATE on Alternative Learning Programs 2004-05

In the 2005 legislative session, the legislature passed a law (SB5828) that allowed for the expansion of alternative learning programs (ALPs). The new law allows for digital learning programs, more commonly known as “virtual schools.” As a result, the OSPI was required to write rules to govern these programs.

In addition, during the past couple of years the State Auditor’s Office and the legislature (through the members of the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee) have been conducting an investigation into these programs due to their many abuses and lack of compliance, specifically within the Parent Partnership Programs (PPP).

Because of the new law for “virtual schools” and the investigation by the legislature and the State Auditor’s Office, new rules have been written for all ALPs and the OSPI has developed “implementation guidelines” for these rules.

The new law/rules allow for part-time attendance in all ALPs, which means parents are no longer required to enroll in the program full-time, thereby losing their homeschool status and their freedoms under the home-based instruction law. Some school districts are not complying with this new law/rule.

CHN also worked to have a “full disclosure” form required by law so that parents will be informed of the difference between the program and homeschooling under the home-based instruction law RCW 28A.200. Many sites are not adhering to this legal requirement. This form is called the “Statement of Understanding” we have included a sample for your use.

If your program is not complying with these changes please e-mail us at chnow@msn.com and we will try to assist you.

There has been some confusion among parents who have children enrolled in these programs; much of the confusion can be attributed to the fact that many of the PPPs do not comply with existing laws and rules. Many PPPs do not make it clear to parents that 1) The school district is responsible for supervision of the child’s education and 2) that all curriculum must be approved by the local school district and cannot be religious, even if the parent bought the material and is using it at home. If these hours are claimed for public funding then the teaching must be secular. This is not a change; this has always been the law/rules for alternative learning programs.

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