WNLA's Stance on AEP's While a valid educational choice, AEP's by their very nature do not represent the philosophy of home education. AEP's are a public institution where home educators are not held solely accountable for their child's education. On principle the WNLA can not support any resolution that can or will in the present or future detour home educator's autonomy, accountability, and responsibility for their children's educational needs. It is our position that participation in a AEP or other related programs are detrimental to the autonomous status of home education.

Home Education Compared to Public Alternative Education Programs aka "Homeschool" Alternative Education Programs The regulating laws: Home Education: RCW 28A.200, the Home-Based Instruction Law AEP: WAC 392-121-182, Public School Alternative Learning Experience Who controls your child's education: Home Education: The parents are in responsible and soley accountable for their child's education. AEP: Public school staff and the government are in control of the AEP (Alternative Education Program), ultimately the district makes the decisions. All religious material is against the law and can not be used in anyway with an AEP. Testing/Assessments requirements: Home Education: There are two options - standardized achievement test, or an assessment done by a certified person. All results are for the parents eyes and use only. AEP: Students take the WASL (Washington Assessment of Student Learning). Passing the 10th grade WASL is a graduation requirement for 2008 high school graduation, making it virtually impossible to opt out. What are the requirements for student progress: Home Education: The child has to make progress from the last year. AEP: The students performance is evaluated. If the child isnt progressing to desired levels, the AEP will be revised. Other requirements: Home Education: Must file a declaration of intent to notify the school district you are responsible for your child's education. Must follow all other requirements laid out in RCW 28A.200. AEP: Students loose their home educating status and must follow all other laws and regulation laid out for public schools under WAC 392-121-182. These programs are targeting home educators almost exclusively. Since AEP's operate under the at risk child education WAC's each student that joins an AEP becomes labeled at risk.

 Home Based Instruction and Alternative Education Learning Program Facts

"WAC 392-121-182 Alternative learning experience requirements. An alternative learning experience may be counted as a course of study. An alternative learning experience is an individualized course of study for a student who is not home-based pursuant to RCW 28A.225.010(4), a private school student pursuant to RCW 28A.225.010 (1)(a), or an adult education student. The alternative learning experience is provided in accordance with a written alternative learning experience plan that is implemented pursuant to the school district board's policy for alternative learning experiences."

What does this mean?

It means your child(ren) are public school students. You as a parent(s) are no longer in control/fully responsible for your children's learning and education.

Fact Two: Children enrolled in these programs are mandated to take the WASL.

Children who are enrolled as public students must take the WASL; this includes those participating in AEP's. Students take the WASL (Washington Assessment of Student Learning). Passing the 10th grade WASL is a graduation requirement for 2008 high school graduation making it virtually impossible to opt out. Home based Instructed students have the options of being assessed or taking a comparable standardized test.