(b)

1. (1) An ALE shall provide a curriculum including mathematics, science, social studies, and language arts aligned with the regular classroom instruction.
2. (2) Reading, writing, and mathematics shall be incorporated into all curriculum areas.
3. (3) An ALE shall use the curriculum frameworks adopted by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education to plan instruction leading to student demonstration of proficiency in the Arkansas academic standards.

(c) As an alternative to the curriculum required by subsection (b) of this section, an ALE may allow an individual student to instead pursue a curriculum aligned with the standards for high school equivalency tests, subject to the following conditions:

1. (1) The student must be sixteen (16) years of age or older;
2. (2) The student must lack sufficient credits to graduate by the time the student turns eighteen (18) years of age; and
3. (3) The student’s parent or guardian, or the student if the student is eighteen (18) years of age or older, must consent in writing.

(d)

1. (1) Computer-based asynchronous instruction programs:

   1. (A) May be used only as a supplement to direct teacher instruction; and
   2. (B) Must constitute less than forty-nine percent (49%) of total instructional time in any one (1) course.

2. (2)

   1. (A) An ALE may use courses or teachers from a digital provider approved by the division.
   2. (B) The instruction provided must be synchronous to be considered direct teacher instruction.
   3. (C) The physical classroom must:

(i) Be staffed by a licensed teacher who will monitor, assist, and facilitate as needed; and

1. (ii) Adhere to the ALE class-size ratios identified in 6 CAR § 272-203(b).

2. (3)

   1. (A) An ALE hybrid program must meet all required components of an ALE program.
   2. (B) Students in an ALE hybrid program must participate onsite for direct support at least twenty percent (20%) of the total instructional time to be counted for funding.

   3. (C)

      1. (i) A district using an ALE hybrid program must develop clear criteria for monitoring student success to determine the need for additional direct support if there is a lack of expected progress.
      2. (ii) Additional direct support may include an increased percentage of:

(b) (b) Additional services and supports.

1. (D) An increased percentage of remote instruction or placement of a student in an ALE hybrid program should only be used to meet a student’s academic, social, and emotional goals outlined in the Student Action Plan, not as a punishment or negative consequence.
2. (4) A student receiving fully remote instruction shall not be considered to be part of an ALE program.

(e)

1. (1) All students attending an ALE operated by a consortium of school districts shall follow the lead district’s school calendar.
2. (2) All students attending an ALE operated by an education service cooperative shall follow a school calendar designated by the cooperative.

(g) Meals provided at ALE facilities shall:

1. (1) Follow the Arkansas child nutrition guidelines; or
2. (2) Be approved by the Child Nutrition Unit.