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Senate committee clears bill making Alternative Learning Environments optional for districts
Summary
House Bill 1903 would change state law so school districts are not required to provide separate Alternative Learning Environments (ALEs) when they can meet students' needs through other campus-based interventions. Sponsors said the change offers flexibility, while committee members pressed for safeguards and data on outcomes.
The Senate Education Committee advanced House Bill 1903, which would change state law to give school districts the option—rather than the requirement—to provide separate Alternative Learning Environments (ALEs) for students who struggle in traditional classrooms.
Sen. Jane English, sponsor of the bill, said in some small districts ALEs have been provided through consortia or cooperatives and that the statutory requirement led some districts to create separate seats that may not have been needed. "By making this an option and not a requirement, if a school district feels like they need this alternative setting for their students, they can make that available," English said.
Courtney Salas Ford of the Department of Education explained the bill is intended to increase flexibility while preserving supports: districts could still offer ALEs where appropriate, but could also meet needs through other on-campus arrangements. "It just turns that requirement into an option," Salas Ford said.
Committee members probed potential interactions with other legislation creating behavioral health centers intended for the small percentage of students with severe, violent or aggressive behaviors. Senators asked whether the new approach could lead to students being shunted into more restrictive placements or whether it would reduce access to needed services. Salas Ford and other witnesses characterized the measures as complementary: ALEs are for students needing smaller settings or targeted interventions, while behavioral health centers are intended for very short-term, intensive therapeutic interventions for severely aggressive students.
Several members sought assurances that making ALEs optional would not relieve districts of their state and federal obligations to evaluate and serve students with disabilities or behavioral needs. Salas Ford said state and federal law still require districts to assess, evaluate and provide services for all students, and that the bill does not change that responsibility.
After discussion the committee approved a motion that the bill "do pass" by voice vote; no roll call was recorded in the meeting transcript.
