For the purposes of this chapter the following definitions apply:

(1)(a) "Alternative learning experience" means a course, or for grades kindergarten through eight, grade-level course work, that is a delivery method for the program of basic education and is:

(i) Provided in whole or in part independently from a regular classroom setting or schedule, but may include some components of direct instruction;

(ii) Supervised, monitored, assessed, evaluated, and documented by a certificated teacher employed by the school district or charter school, or under contract as permitted by applicable rules; and

(iii) Provided in accordance with a written student learning plan that is implemented pursuant to the school district's or charter school's policy and this chapter.

(b) The categories of alternative learning experience courses are:

(i) "Online course" means an alternative learning experience course that has the same meaning as provided in RCW 28A.250.010.

(ii) "Remote course" means an alternative learning experience course or course work that is not an online course where the written student learning plan for the course does not include a requirement for in-person instructional contact time.

(iii) "Site-based course" means an alternative learning experience course or course work that is not an online course where the written student learning plan for the course includes a requirement for in-person instructional contact time.

(2) "Alternative learning experience program" is a school or a program within a school that offers alternative learning experience courses or course work.

(3) "Certificated teacher" means an employee of a school district or charter school, of a school district contractor pursuant to WAC 392-121-188, or a charter school contractor pursuant to WAC 392-121-1885, who is assigned and endorsed according to the provisions of chapter 181-82 WAC.

(4) "Direct personal contact" means a one-to-one meeting between a certificated teacher and the student, or, where appropriate, between the certificated teacher, the student, and the student's parent. Direct personal contact can be accomplished in person or through the use of telephone, email, instant messaging, interactive video communication, or other means of digital communication.

(5) "Full-day kindergarten" means a program that is eligible for state-funded full-day kindergarten, as provided for in RCW 28A.150.315 in which any student's alternative learning experience enrollment is claimed as greater than 0.50 full-time equivalent.

(6) "In-person instructional contact" means face-to-face contact between a certificated teacher and the student in a classroom environment. In-person instructional contact may be accomplished in a group setting between the teacher and multiple students.

(7) "Intervention plan" means a plan designed to improve the progress of students determined to be not making satisfactory progress.

(8) "Parent" has the same definition as "parent" in WAC 392-172A-01125.

(9) "Satisfactory progress" means a determination made in accordance with WAC 392-550-025 that a student's progress toward achieving the specific learning goals and performance objectives specified in the written student learning plan is satisfactory.

(10) "School week" means any seven-day calendar period starting with Sunday and continuing through Saturday that includes at least three days when a district's schools are in session or when a charter school is in session.

(11) "School-based support staff" means an employee of a school district or a charter school, of a school district contractor pursuant to WAC 392-121-188, or a charter school contractor pursuant to WAC 392-121-1885, who is supporting a student in an online course. The school-based support staff may or may not hold a teaching certificate.

(12) "Substantially similar experiences and services" means that for each purchased or contracted instructional or cocurricular course, lesson, trip, or other experience, service, or activity identified on an alternative learning experience written student learning plan, there is an identical or similar experience, service, or activity made available to students enrolled in the district's regular instructional program:

(a) At a similar grade level;

(b) At a similar level of frequency, intensity, and duration including, but not limited to, consideration of individual versus group instruction;

(c) At a similar level of cost to the student with regard to any related club, group, or association memberships; admission, enrollment, registration, rental or other participation fees; or any other expense associated with the experience or service;

(d) In accordance with district adopted or charter school adopted content standards or state defined grade level standards; and

(e) That is supervised, monitored, assessed, evaluated, and documented by a certificated teacher.

(13) "Synchronous digital instructional contact" means real-time communication between a certificated teacher and the student using interactive online, voice, or video communication technology.

(14) "Total weekly time" means the estimated average hours per school week the student will engage in learning activities to meet the requirements of the written student learning plan.

(15) "Valid justification" means any reason as determined by the school district or charter school board policy for which a student may miss the contact requirements of WAC 392-550-025 for the purpose of truancy pursuant to WAC 392-550-040.

(16) "WaKIDS" means the Washington kindergarten inventory of developing skills assessment provided under RCW 28A.655.080.

(17) "Written student learning plan" means a written plan for learning that includes the elements outlined in WAC 392-550-025.