Section 6o: Non-resident students

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Rule Text

(o) School districts may accept nonresident students under the school choice enrollment provisions of RCW 28A.225.200 through 28A.225.230 and chapter 392-137 WAC for enrollment in alternative learning experiences. School districts enrolling such students in alternative learning experiences are subject to all school district duties and liabilities pertaining to such students for the full school year, including ensuring the student's compulsory attendance pursuant to chapter 28A.225 RCW, until such time as the student has actually enrolled in another school district, or has otherwise met the mandatory attendance requirements specified by RCW 28A.225.010.

Comments

Over the past six years, a growing number of students take advantage of Washington’s inter-district enrollment options, often referred to as "choice" or "boundary exceptions," to enroll in non-resident districts. The purpose of this subsection is to emphasize the responsibility the non-resident district incurs when agreeing to enroll a student who does not live within the district’s boundaries. This subsection does not create any new requirements but rather emphasizes existing requirements under the "choice" law and administrative rule.

Common Questions

Q. If a non-resident student enrolled in my program under the "choice" provisions fails to make satisfactory progress for three consecutive months despite our intervention efforts, can I terminate our acceptance of the non-resident student?

A. If a student fails to make satisfactory progress for three consecutive months, you must find a course of study that more appropriately meets the student’s educational needs. This may include terminating the "choice" agreement with the student and referring the student back to the resident district. However, you retain responsibility for that student until the student has actually enrolled in the other district, or has otherwise met mandatory attendance requirements.

Last updated: 8/22/2011

Q. What is meant by "retain responsibility?"

A. The district retains responsibility for the non-resident student identically to its responsibility for resident students. This includes legal, ethical, and reporting responsibilities. An example of a legal responsibility is following truancy procedures specified under 28A.225 RCW. An example of an ethical responsibility is actively working with the student and the student’s parent to find a more appropriate educational placement for the student. An example of a reporting responsibility is to code the student as a "dropout" until you have evidence of actual enrollment in another district, such as a request for student records.

Last updated: 8/22/2011

Q. What is meant by "…has otherwise met mandatory attendance requirements?"

A. The three main mandatory attendance requirements are:

  1. Enrollment in a public school;
  2. Enrollment in an approved private school; or
  3. Formally receiving home-based instruction.

Last updated: 8/22/2011

Relevant Forms or Samples

None.