Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Alternative Learning topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
MDE desk audit flags ALC compliance issues; Duluth plans corrective action and explores partner to preserve summer programs
Summary
A Minnesota Department of Education desk audit found partial or noncompliance in the district's alternative learning center (ALC) around recordkeeping, continuous learning plans and teacher licensure; the district must submit an action plan and is pursuing a one-year extension and a possible partnership with Cloquet to continue summer and credit‑recovery services while it corrects procedures.
Director Jen Larva briefed the board on a desk audit of alternative learning programs covering the 2023–24 period. MDE’s review identified three primary areas of concern: organization and administration, admissions (continuous learning plans), and programming.
Key findings included inconsistent recordkeeping for independent‑study membership and attendance (MDE cited reliance on a Google form for student self‑reporting rather than documented, instructor‑verified contact), incomplete or unsigned continuous learning plans (CLPs) for students, and instances where instruction in subject areas lacked documentation of appropriately licensed teachers. The audit also raised questions about a 4‑day flexible instructional schedule that lacked current MDE approval.
MDE has required a corrective action plan within 30 days specifying steps, responsibilities, timelines and evidence. Director Larva said district staff have already begun work on many items: replacing informal Google check‑ins with Canvas‑based structured engagement, revising CLP forms and signatures via secure district workflows, auditing teacher assignments for out‑of‑field placements and submitting appropriate licensure requests, and applying for a one‑year flexible‑learning extension while the district completes corrective work.
Because targeted‑services funding and independent‑study approvals are tied to the ALC designation, the district may be temporarily unable to operate those programs for area students while it is reclassified. Larva said the district is exploring a contingency partnership with Cloquet so Duluth could preserve K–8 summer supports and credit‑recovery services for students during the remediation period; administration also discussed a condensed in‑district summer program that could deliver up to two credits between June 8 and June 30 as a fallback.
Superintendent Maggus said the district accepts responsibility and will work with MDE as a partner to return to compliance. The board asked that administration provide regular progress updates, particularly on impacts to students and any financial or audit implications.
