Alternative Learning ExperiencesSchool Board Presentation 2/13/19

• Office of the Washington State Auditor Performance Audit~ALE Course Models in WA~ALE Programs included in study~ALE Program Characteristics

• Other ALE programs near us• Programs in the Chimacum School District• Putting it all Together

Performance Audit

Alternative Learning Experience (ALE)in WashingtonStudent Characteristics and Innovative ApproachesOffice of the Washington State Auditor, April 2018

http://www.sao.wa.gov/state/Documents/PA_ALE_Student_characteristics_Innovative_approaches_ar1021127.pdf

ALE Course Models

• Site-based Weekly: Students receive in person instruction at least once a week and attend monthly progress review meetings.

• Site-based Non-weekly: Students are expected to attend occasionally for labs, assessments, experiential learning, etc. and attend monthly progress reviews.

• Remote: Students are not required to attend in person courses but are still required to maintain weekly contact and monthly progress reviews.

• Online: More than half of the coursework is delivered electronically and more than half of the teaching is conducted from a remote location. Monthly progress reviews are still required.

Updates received from OSPI, November 2018

Programs Visited for the StudyProgram District Average # of Students

Avanti High School Olympia 147

Discovery Alternative High School South Kitsap 195

Independent Learning Center Methow Valley ?33

Kent Phoenix Academy Kent 273

Nova High School Seattle 303

Opportunities Program Eastmont ?

Sky Valley Education Center Monroe 874

Three Rivers Homelink Richland 459

Why These Programs?

“…we identified programs that said they were providing a unique or innovative educational experience. We also considered programs recommended by leaders of OSPI’s Alternative Learning Department (ALD) and the Washington Association for Learning Alternatives (WALA), and any ALE programs that have received Washington’s Innovative Schools designation from OSPI. To further assess these programs, we developed a screening protocol and held interviews with 16 programs. Based on these interviews, we narrowed our selection to eight programs to visit in person.”

Avanti High SchoolOlympia SD

• Approx. 147 students• Grades 9-12• Site-based• Performance Based• “School of Choice”• 2009 Avanti High School was ranked

in the Top 10 for highest performing ALE high schools in Washington State by a BERC Group study for OSPI.

• Mission Statement: Avanti is a small innovative public high school that provides a personalized learning environment. We build lifelong connections to learning, creativity, resourcefulness, and social justice. Our mission is to promote compassion, critical thinking, and creative self-expression, while emphasizing high standards for all students within an interdisciplinary structure.

https://avanti.osd.wednet.edu/our_school/about

Discovery Alternative High SchoolSouth Kitsap SD

• Approx. 195 students• Grades 9-12• Site-based• Performance Based• Provide assistance for students who are

parents by providing on site daycare and support so that students can remain in school and be successful.

• Our MISSION is to provide a supportive, flexible educational process in which alternative students with individual needs learn to become successful and productive citizens.

• Our VISION is to remain committed to developing individuals who will earn a diploma and achieve a successful career. They value family, community, and citizenship, consisting of self-respect, self-esteem, and tolerance for others. They are lifelong learners who self- evaluate and take personal responsibility.

https://discovery.skschools.org/home

Independent Learning CenterMethow Valley SD

• Approx. 33 students ?

• Grades 9-12

• Site-based

• Community Connections

• It is an individualized, self-paced program that offers a standard Washington State diploma.

• Mission Statement: To expect, encourage and facilitate the pursuit of excellence in our students, preparing them for a world in which life-long learning is critical to their success and happiness.

https://methow.org/schools/independent-learning-center/

Kent Phoenix AcademyKent SD

• Approx. 273 students

• Grades 9-12

• Three Program Options

1. Performance Learning Center

2. Kent Virtual High School

3. R.O.A.D.S.

(See next slide for descriptions)

https://www.kent.k12.wa.us/Page/7881

• Mission Statement: Meet every student where they are and provide equitable experiences that result in learning at high levels and college and career readiness prior to graduation.

• Kent Phoenix Academy is based on research of the best educational practices in the nation. We believe all students can thrive and excel in a learning environment where each student is known well, connections are made between learning and student goals, and students have positive adult and community experiences and support.

Kent Phoenix AcademyKent SD

1. Performance Learning Center is a small, non-traditional high school program geared toward students who are not succeeding in the traditional school setting. Offers students the option of taking computer-based, blended, or direct-instruction courses. Project-based learning and service learning combine knowledge, multimedia, collaborative work, active/exploration/inquiry, critical thinking and informed decision making with actual hands on activities that contribute to the community. Full-time only.

2. Kent Virtual High School provides a unique opportunity for high school students in the Kent School District to have a challenging educational experience in a supportive online environment. Students have access to classes across the curriculum anytime, anyplace, anywhere. The Kent Virtual High School offers core classes, interesting electives and Advanced Placement opportunities offered through Edgenuity and Fuel Education. Full or part-time.

3. R.O.A.D.S. Recovery, Opportunity, Achievement, Desire, Success School. In partnership with King County Mental Health and Kent Youth & Family Services. A member of the Association of Recovery Schools.

https://www.kent.k12.wa.us/Page/7881

(cont’d)

Nova High SchoolSeattle Schools

• Approx. 303 students• Grades 9-12• The Nova Project is committed to a student-

centered education. Students choose their classes and are directly involved in creating their schedules. In the classroom and through independent learning contracts, students can follow their own passions while creating unique and individual ways to demonstrate their learning.

• Nova students can also earn credit through independent contracts of their own design, by co-teaching classes at Nova, by taking classes at other schools, or through internships and other programs outside the school.

• To accommodate both student interests and graduation requirements, Nova offers the standard list of high school courses, but often with an intriguing spin - for example, teaching physical science through art or food, math through origami, or medieval history through the literature of the time. Additionally, students often have the flexibility to move in their own directions within a given course. Students are encouraged to pursue the class through their own particular interests and then share those through research, writing, and presentation.

• Mission Statement: Nova is a non-graded, inquiry-based learning community committed to the success of all students through application of learning, performance assessment, building a diverse safe, supportive democratic community. Additionally, Nova's personalized advisory system provides a teacher/advisor for every student at a ratio of 24:1.

https://novahs.seattleschools.org/

Opportunities ProgramEastmont SD

• Approx. ? students

• Grades 9-12

• Off-site and Site-based (1/2 days)

• Opportunity to catch up on credits, work at your own pace, learn some great job skills, receive community support, and add career based credits to your transcript. In addition,

• If you are interested in working as a Mentor with elementary or intermediate aged students, then this is the Opportunity for you!

http://ehs.eastmont206.org/opportunities-program-09d3a91d

Sky Valley Education CenterMonroe SD

• Approx. 874 students• Grades K-12• Six Program Options1. Parent Partnership Program - Grades K-122. Environmental Science School (ESS) - Grades 7-103. STEM Program - Grades 6-8 (Science, Technology,

Engineering, Math)4. Excursion Program - Grades K-55. Montessori Co-op Program - Grades K-106. iLearning - Grades 6-12

• All classes are multi-grade level. If a child is excelling in a subject, the parent can choose to put them into a higher level class. If the student is struggling, they can be enrolled into a lower level class.

• non-graded school/no letter grades• focused on success and excellence for all students.• Mission Statement: Partnering with families and the

community to educate, inspire, and empower students in an innovative environment to discover and nurture their unique potential and passion so they may go confidently in the direction of their chosen future.

https://www.monroe.wednet.edu/svec

Three Rivers HomelinkRichland SD

• Approx. 459 students from 12 districts

• Grades K-12• Parent Partnership Program• Stipend• On-site workshops

• Mission Statement: The mission of Three Rivers HomeLink is to partner with families to assist, support and equip them to provide students a tailored education. Three Rivers HomeLink is a collaborative learning community where students, parents and staff team together as respected life-long learners.

https://threerivershomelink.com/

Characteristics: Students

“… a metric of on-time graduation rates, which is used to define success in the state’s educational system, can be misleading. Often students choose ALE programs because they are already behind in school, and by the time they begin their journey with ALE, may be on track to be a 5th or 6th year senior. By this common metric, some of the programs do not look “successful” on paper.”

Characteristics: Teachers

“We have trouble deciding what level of partnership and what partnership, and how to maintain it. That’s like asking a teacher in any school to develop a partnership with a business. We’re not normally required to do that, it’s so outside of our classroom expertise. We’re expected to be a marketer/PR/counselor/ advisor – not just a teacher.” ~ ALE teacher

Characteristics: Learning Spaces

• Separate building or entrance

• Casual & comfortable common areas

• Access to technology

• Multi-disciplinary & project-based exhibits

• Gender-neutral restrooms

• Off-campus expansions: mentorships, internships, community service

Facing Challenges• Stretching limited resources: Several shared their facility with other alternative programs, or were housed on the same

campus as the local traditional school. Other programs applied for and received community grants or used local levies and bonds to fund new facilities. Independent Learning Center uses space donated by the local community, and Three Rivers Homelink moved to a new building with the use of bond dollars. Avanti plans to renovate and expand its site through bond funding.

• To maximize valuable teacher time, Kent Virtual High School at the Kent Phoenix Academy employs a Site Coordinator whose primary role is to closely track and monitor each student’s progress, be the local “face” for their contracted curriculum/ teacher provider, and to make sure all ALE paperwork is completed. Instituting a coordinator staff role may help other ALE programs ease the workload of teachers, who are often tasked with administrative and reporting duties in addition to their teaching responsibilities.

• Establishing and maintaining community partnerships is not a simple task and is usually resource intensive. Teachers reported that they do not have the necessary time or training to develop relationships with community organizations. The Opportunities Program is adding a part-time staff member expressly to free up the lead ALE teacher to focus on monitoring the mentorship program and to help expand it to other high schools.

• A few parents expressed concerns about the ALE framework moving toward a more traditional model of education.

Other ALE Programs Near Chimacum

Program District Average # of Students

OCEAN Port Townsend 70

PEARL Quilcene 270

OPHC Crescent 100

Sequim Community School Sequim 140

Options & Choice Academy North Kitsap 22 & ?

Barker Creek Community Central Kitsap 401

Homelink Bremerton 34

Renaissance HS Bremerton 135

Explorer Academy South Kitsap 200

Discovery Alt HS South Kitsap 195

OCEANPort Townsend SD

• Approx. 70 students• Grades K-12• Site-based• OCEAN believes that multi-age learning

environments and family involvement in students' education helps create high student learning outcomes and inspires life-long learning. We strive to help students make continuous academic improvement and build deep community connections. At OCEAN we embrace educational excellence.

• Mission Statement: Port Townsend School District’s OCEAN K-12 (Opportunity, Community, Experience, Academics, and Navigation) Program works in partnership with families and community to provides an alternative learning environment where each student develops the knowledge, skills and self-confidence to become creative, successful and engaged citizens.

http://www.ptschools.org/schools/ocean

OPHCCrescent SD

• Approx. 100 students

• Grades K-8

• Students are enrolled as full-time public school students, while learning at home

• Workshops and/or field trip experiences

• Parents remain onsite with their children during these workshops

• Parents are eligible to receive curriculum to assist with the educational needs of their children

• Mission Statement: We believe that parents have ultimate responsibility for their child's education and are their primary instructor. Parents have an inherent right to partner with public and private education programs to provide the best possible education for their children in a safe, professional, family-friendly environment. Our mission is to build a partnership with families by providing opportunities for families to enrich each child's learning experience.

http://crescentschooldistrict.org/ophc_home_school

PEARLQuilcene SD

• Approx. 270 students• Grades K-8• Remote Program• Stipend (materials must be retuned)• Payments to Community Based Instructors

• Mission Statement: The Quilcene School District and the PEARL Program are dedicated to offering quality educational support to familybased education.

The program is designed to serve families who believe they have the primary responsibility for their children's education.We seek to partner with them by providing certificated teachers who will teach, guide, evaluate, assess, and help students to reach their potential and achieve their learning goals. Additionally, the PEARL Program will provide resources and field trips. It is our desire to enable families of lifelong learners to experience the joy of learning while preparing them to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world.

https://www.quilcene.wednet.edu/domain/27

Olympic Peninsula AcademySequim SD

• Approx. 100 students• Grades 1-12• Site-based• Multi-age classes• Cross-curricular• “Homey Environment”

• Mission Statement: to support and encourage students and families by providing customized educational opportunities and resources, with a commitment to flexibility and choices

• academic and enrichment classes, field trips, educational materials and resources including books, computers and Internet access

http://www.sequimschools.org/our_district/district_schools

Options ProgramNorth Kitsap SD

• Grades K-8

• Classroom and field-based

• Student centered

• Not ALE, “school within a school”

• Mission Statement: Community-based education that fosters the development of self directed, life-long learners through significant family involvement, interdependent multi-age learning groups, and curricula that are responsive to the needs and interests of our students…

http://www.nkschools.org/learning/options_program/mission_statement

Choice AcademyNorth Kitsap SD

• Academy 1: 85 students, Parent Assisted LearningK-12 Online Curriculum with weekly teacher meetings

• Academy 2: 20 students, STEM 9-12 All day or partial day. Core classes, electives and CTE classes will be offered. This program provides a flexible schedule, small group setting and individual attention and assistance. Not ALE.

• Academy 3: Credit Recovery and Intervention 9-12This is an online credit recovery program with tutoring and intervention help. Not ALE

• Mission Statement: Choice Academy is designed to meet the diverse needs of students that desire an alternative to typical comprehensive secondary programs. We deliver a rigorous curriculum utilizing both in class instruction and online instruction. Our goal is success for all students in a variety of ways by meeting students where they are educationally. This program is successful for students who have the desire to take part in alternative pathways for their education.

http://pal.nkschools.org/cms/One.aspx?portalId=421210&pageId=15423601

Barker Creek Community SchoolCentral Kitsap SD

• Approx. 400 students• Parent Partnership K–8: Parents are primarily

responsible for teaching. Teachers work with home school parents to coordinate their child's education. Students meet regularly with a teacher. Offer weekly enrichment classes.

• Online Academy 9-12: Independent online courses. Meet weekly with a teacher, evaluate progress and set goals.

• Classroom-based (9-12): Students enroll in up to three classes at a time. Attendance is Monday through Thursday. Most students sign up for morning or afternoon sessions.

• Mission Statement: Delivering curriculum and a variety of educational opportunities in a learning environment that meets individual needs and differences.

Expecting and encouraging all students to reach their potential.

Helping students overcome situations that have had a negative influence on their academic success.

Expecting and encouraging all students to acquire the academic knowledge and personal skills necessary for each student to be a productive member of society, thereby meeting the expectations of self, community, and country.

http://barkercreek.ckschools.org/

Renaissance High SchoolBremerton SD

• Approx. 135 students• Grades 9-12• Site-based• Choice School• Performance is based on a core

philosophy of individual improvement through Attendance, Attitude, and Academics (the three A’s).

• Mission Statement: We believe that all students can become successful, productive and confident members of our society. To assist students we will provide them with an educational environment that is positive, recognizes individual differences and has high expectations for achievement and behavior. We will work to meet the needs of our own community through a program that emphasizes: goal setting, personal responsibility, and choice.

https://www.bremertonschools.org/RenaissanceHighSchool

Explorer AcademySouth Kitsap SD

• Approx. 200 students

• Grades K-12

• Parent Partner Program

• Site-based and Online

• Mission Statement: provide a supportive, flexible educational process in which alternative students with individual needs learn to become successful and productive citizens.

https://explorer.skschools.org/

Discovery Alternative High SchoolSouth Kitsap SD

• Approx. 195 students• Grades 9-12• Site-based• 2 days a week• Block classes• Child-care onsite

• Mission Statement: Provide a supportive, flexible educational process in which alternative students with individual needs learn to become successful and productive citizens.

• VISION: Remain committed to developing individuals who will earn a diploma and achieve a successful career. They value family, community, and citizenship, consisting of self-respect, self-esteem, and tolerance for others. They are lifelong learners who self- evaluate and take personal responsibility.

https://discovery.skschools.org/

ChimacumPrograms

Focus HS Futures/Open Doors

• Not categorized as ALE• Online through APEX• Credit Recovery options• AP options• Must have space in schedule to do

the “class” • No off-campus/after-hours access

• Not categorized as ALE• Reengagement Program (16-21)

Pi Program K-12

Past Missions• Experiential Learning

• Teaching the whole child

• Cross-curricular

• Enrichment

• Personalization

• Community Connections

• ALE compliance

Present• Site-based w/ remote options• Core Classes• Standards focused• Less access to Experiential

Learning• Less personalization• How do we get back to our roots?

Putting it all together…and other noticings

• ALE in CSD has a strong foundation to build upon

• CSD already has many similarities with successful ALE programs around the state (multiple options)

• Districts vary on whether all ALE programs are under one roof, or are run from various locations

• Expanding online options with APEX for 7-12 would provide another avenue for students to meet core 24

• There are risks involved with remote learning: serving special education students, SBAC testing, monitoring stipend spending, accountability for materials, meeting ALE compliance laws, etc.

• SBAC scores for online and remote programs lower than CSD/Pi. Is this the population or not an effective model?

• WINGS is only used in a small percentage of ALE across WA