Can a district determine that an ALE program is not open to part-time enrollment?
If the program is operating under WAC 392-121-182, the answer is no. A district may not arbitrarily determine an alternative learning experience program is not open to part-time enrollment. The relevant law is RCW 28A.150.350. In summary, this law requires school districts to allow part-time enrollment ‘in the same manner as’ for other public school students. Thus, ALE programs should not discriminate between full-time and part-time status when enrolling students in the program. Further, programs that may need to limit student enrollment based on budgetary constraints, or program design issues, or for other reasons, and that establish waiting lists, should not discriminate between full-time and part-time status when enrolling students off the waiting list.
Related Questions
- How did the District determine that it needs to sell $56 million in general obligation bond funds to complete this program?
- What data source should I use for National School Lunch & Breakfast Program enrollment in my district’s schools?
- What cut-off date must a district use to determine age eligibility for the preschool program?