Running Start Info

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Running Start Enrollment Verification Form
To be used beginning with the 2018–19 school year
Student Name:  Check if this is a revision
Last Name First Name MI
 New Student
Student
Home Phone: Cell Phone:
 Returning Student
Email Address: SSID#:  Student Enrolled in Multiple Colleges
Responsible Parent/Guardian:
 Spring Quarter Eligibility Adjustment
College: College SID #: Form (SQEAF) attached
Running Start Funding Limit Table
School Yr: College Term:  College Quarter  College Semester
Available
Enrolled High School
Fall, Winter, Spring Qtr. / 1st or 2nd sem. College
Max
High School: District: Weekly Max
FTE Allowed
Grade Level:  Junior  Senior  5th Yr Senior○ Minutes * Credits
FTE
High School Counselor/Running Start Advisor
For the college term Δ above, the student will be enrolled in high school and skill center classes 0 ‐ 341 0.00 ‐ 0.20 1.00 15

342 ‐ 457 0.21 ‐ 0.27 0.93 14
equaling full‐time equivalent (FTE).
458 ‐ 557 0.28 ‐ 0.33 0.87 13
Student may register for a maximum of college credits, without
558 ‐ 674 0.34 ‐ 0.40 0.80 12
incurring college tuition costs, based on the above stated high school/skill center FTE.
675 ‐ 790 0.41 ‐ 0.47 0.73 11
* Weekly Minutes based on high school bell schedule.
 For community and technical colleges only, students qualifying for 0.60 FTE college enrollment and 791 ‐ 890 0.48 ‐ 0.53 0.67 10
registered for exactly 10 credits, will be granted a 1 credit waiver for the 10th credit. For four‐year
baccalaureate colleges, students who qualify for 0.60 FTE may only register for 9 credits. 891 ‐1,007 0.54 ‐ 0.60 0.60 ⊗9/10
 A student enrolled in both high school and skill center classes and claimed for more than a combined 1.0
FTE qualifies for 0.20 Running Start FTE. When a student is enrolled in both the high school and skill 1,008 ‐ 1,123 0.61 ‐ 0.67 0.53 8
center and taking less than 1.0 FTE, the standard Running Start calculation applies. 1,124 ‐ 1,223 0.68 ‐ 0.73 0.47 7
Δ For the winter college quarter and for students enrolled in a high school with a semester schedule, use
the student’s second semester schedule. 1,224 ‐ 1,340 0.74 ‐ 0.80 0.40 6
○
Available for meeting district, charter school, or tribal compact school’s graduation requirements only
(WAC 392‐169‐055(4)). 1,341 ‐ 1,456 0.81 ‐ 0.87 0.33 5
Comments: 1,457 ‐ 1,556 0.88 ‐ 0.93 0.27 4
1,557 or more 0.94 ‐ 1.00 0.20 3
Recommended Running Start Classes:
# of College # of HS
College Course (Dept. & Number) High School Equivalency
Credits Credits
=
=
=
=
Signature of High School Counselor Date Signature of College Running Start Advisor Date
High School Counselor Printed Name Phone Number College Running Start Advisor Printed Name Phone Number

I understand that:
 The student is responsible for understanding when his or her choice of schedule will result in tuition charges. If the student enrolls for more high school and
Student & Parent/Guardian
college credits than are identified in the Running Start State Funding Limit Table, the student is responsible for:

1) paying all college tuition and fees associated with exceeding the college credits identified in the table; or
2) withdrawing from the excess college or high school course(s).
 The student is required to pay any class/lab fees charged for college classes.
 Enrollment in specific college classes cannot be guaranteed – even if the classes are needed to fulfill high school graduation requirements.
 If the student begins Running Start in winter or spring term, eligibility for the previous term(s) that year is forfeited.
 To add/withdraw from a course, the student must complete the college Add/Drop process by the college deadline and notify the high school counselor.
 The student is responsible for ensuring that college courses completed as part of the Running Start program will meet high school graduation requirements.
 If the student plans to transfer, it is the student’s responsibilitiy to determine college admissions policies/deadlines and whether credits will transfer.
 The student and parent’s signatures below provide permission for the high school and college to share the Running Start student’s academic records, which
can include the student’s grades, billing, registration, and attendance records regardless of whether FERPA rights belong to the student or parents. See the
FERPA statement on the back of this form.
 After completing the college coursework, students are responsible for requesting offical college transcripts through the college’s registrar office.
I acknowledge that I have read, understand, and will comply with the conditions of Running Start participation and the expectations of college course
enrollment.
Student Signature (REQUIRED) Date Parent/Guardian Signature (REQUIRED) Date

FORM SPI 1674 (3/2018) This is a two page form, with the details and instructions printed on page 2.
Questions: Students & Parents/Guardians contact local high school; High school and business administration staff, call OSPI at 360‐725‐6300.
PURPOSE: The RSEVF ensures that a student’s monthly enrollment does not INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETING THE RSEVF
exceed the allowable combined 1.20 full‐time equivalent (FTE) limitation. This
form provides the college the FTE available for Running Start enrollment, STUDENT SECTION: The RSEVF begins with the student completing the first
provides the high school with the enrolled colleges classes, and notifies the section of the form. Students who are under the age of 18 at the beginning of
student and their parents/guardians if tuition charges will occur. the college term, must provide their parent/guardian information. The
student’s high school student identification number (SSID) is available at the
The RSEVF is required to be completed each college term for each student high school guidance office. If the student does not know his/her college
enrolling in college classes through the Running Start program, including home‐ student identification number (SID), refer to earlier completed RSEVFs. If the
based and private school students. Students attending more than one college student is new to the program, the college SID is available on the processed
for any college term are required to have a separate RSEVF for each college. college application.
When a student will be attending multiple colleges, the appropriate box in the
upper right hand corner of the RSEVF must be checked. HIGH SCHOOL COUNSELOR/RUNNING START ADVISOR SECTION:
The high school counselor and Running Start advisor complete this section.
If the student’s high school or college enrollment changes during the college
term, a revised RSEVF must be completed and the appropriate box in the upper School Year: Indicate the school year during which courses will be taken.
right hand corner of the RSEVF must be checked.
College Term: Select the college term that the student will be enrolling in. For
FTE AND ANNUAL AVERAGE FTE (AAFTE) LIMITATIONS: Running Start students colleges on a quarter calendar, indicate which quarter – Fall, Winter, or Spring.
may not be claimed for a combined high school and college enrollment that For colleges on a semester calendar, indicate which semester – 1st or 2nd.
exceeds 1.20 FTE for any month except January. Neither the high school nor
college enrollment can individually exceed 1.00 FTE, except for students
High School and School District: Fill in the student’s primary high school and
enrolled in a high school and skill center.
resident school district. If the student is enrolled in a charter school or tribal
When a student is enrolled in both a high school and a skill center and claimed compact school, leave “School District” field blank.
for more than a combined 1.0 FTE, the available Running Start enrollment is
limited to a 0.20 FTE. When a student’s combined high school and skill center Grade Level: Indicate the student’s grade level. Students in 11th and 12th
enrollment is less than 1.0 FTE, the standard Running Start calculation applies. grade are eligible to enroll in a Running Start program. Fifth year seniors are
This 1.20 FTE limitation applies to the annual average FTE (AAFTE), where a limited to only taking Running Start classes that will fulfill the student’s district,
Running Start student may not be claimed for a combined high school and charter school, or tribal compact school’s graduation requirements only,
college enrollment that exceeds 1.20 AAFTE for the school year. High school pursuant to WAC 392‐169‐055(4) and must have participated in Running Start
and skill center AAFTE is the 10‐month average of the FTE reported for the during their 11th or 12th grade year.
months September through June. Running Start AAFTE is the 9‐month average
of the FTE reported for the months October through June. Determining the Student’s High School FTE: FTE in high school and skill center
classes is calculated based on a class’s weekly enrolled minutes and eligible
Students that exceed the 1.20 FTE or AAFTE may be charged tuition by the passing time. One thousand, six hundred and sixty five (1,665) weekly minutes
college for the credits in excess of this limitation. equals 1.0 FTE. Refer to the high school and skill center master bell schedule
When the high school first semester and the college winter quarter overlaps in available at the registrar or business administration office for the exact weekly
January, a Running Start student can be claimed for more than a 1.20 FTE for minutes and the FTE for each high school class. Add the FTE for each enrolled
that month only. When planning for the winter quarter and the high school has class to determine the student’s total high school and skill center FTE.
a semester calendar, counselors should use the second semester to determine Determining the Student’s Available Running Start FTE: Running Start FTE is
the available FTE for winter quarter. When this overlap occurs, the student based on the enrolled college credits. Fifteen college credits equal 1.0 FTE. Use
may be subject to a reduced FTE or to paying tuition for the spring college the Running Start Funding Limit Table on the front page to determine a
quarter, if the 1.20 AAFTE would be exceeded. Completion of the Spring student’s available Running Start FTE. Find the row with the student’s high
Quarter Eligibility Adjustment Form (SQEAF) will identify students at risk of school and skill center FTE. Refer to the Max FTE column to determine a
exceeding the 1.20 AAFTE and will calculate the reduced available FTE for the student’s maximum Running Start FTE. The Max Credits column converts the
spring quarter. For students whose spring quarter available FTE is reduced, a maximum Running Start FTE to Running Start credits.
completed SQEAF must be attached to the spring quarter RSEVF and the
appropriate box in the upper right hand corner of the RSEVF must be checked. Recommended Running Start Classes: The student, with the help of the high
Students attending more than one college for the spring quarter must have the school counselor and Running Start advisor, should fill out the requested
SQEAF attached to each college’s RSEVF. college courses. The high school equivalency portion of the table can be
completed by the student if an official high school list of equivalencies is
For more information refer to the annual bulletin regarding the 1.20 Running available. Otherwise, this section is completed by the high school counselor.
Start FTE limitation.
Signatures of High School Counselor and Running Start Advisor: Both the high
FERPA Statement: The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 school counselor and Running Start advisor should review the form for
provides that FERPA rights transfer from the parent to a student who is at least accuracy, enter his/her printed name, date, phone number, and signature.
18 and/or who has enrolled in a college, even while still enrolled in high school. STUDENT & PARENT/GUARDIAN SECTION: The student and parents should
Students 18 and older and/or who have enrolled at a college must give review the completed form for accuracy and understanding, then sign and date
permission in writing to the college in which they have enrolled in Running the acknowledgement at the bottom of the form.
Start classes for another individual to speak to the college staff about their
Running Start academic records, which could include grades, billing, DISTRIBUTION OF RSEVF AND RECORDS RETENTION: Copies of the completed
attendance, and registration records. form should be retained by both the high school and college. The original form
is kept by the student and his/her parent or guardian.
FORM SPI 1674 by Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction is licensed under a

Creative Commons Attribution‐No Derivatives 4.0 International License.

Attachment B
Running Start Enrollment Verification Form

Student Name:  Check if this is a revision
Last Name First Name MI
Student
 New Student
Home Phone: Cell Phone:
 Returning Student
Email Address: SSID#:  Student Enrolled in Multiple Colleges

Responsible Parent/Guardian:
 Spring Quarter Eligibility Adjustment
College:
College SID #: Form (SQEAF) attached

Running Start Funding Limit Table
School Yr: College Term:  College Quarter  College Semester
Tuition‐Free
Enrolled High School
College Credit
Fall, Winter, Spring Qtr. / 1st or 2nd sem.
Weekly Ma x
High School:

District: Minutes *
FTE Max FTE Cre dits

Grade Level:  Junior  Senior  5th Yr Senior○ 0 ‐ 307 0.00 ‐ 0.20 1.00 15
For the college term Δ above, the student will be enrolled in high school and skill center classes
High School Counselor/Running Start Advisor
308 ‐ 412 0.21 ‐ 0.27 0.93 14

equaling full‐time equivalent (FTE).
413 ‐ 502 0.28 ‐ 0.33 0.87 13
Student may register for a maximum of college credits, without 503 ‐ 607 0.34 ‐ 0.40 0.80 12
incurring college tuition costs, based on the above stated high school/skill center FTE. 608 ‐ 712 0.41 ‐ 0.47 0.73 11
Comments:
713 ‐ 802 0.48 ‐ 0.53 0.67 10

803 ‐ 907 0.54 ‐ 0.60 0.60 10 **

908 ‐ 1,012 0.61 ‐ 0.67 0.53 8
* Weekly Minutes based on high school bell schedule.
** For community and technical colleges only, students qualifying for 0.60 FTE college enrollment and 1,013 ‐ 1,102 0.68 ‐ 0.73 0.47 7
registered for exactly 10 credits, will be granted a 1 credit waiver for the 10th credit.
*** A student enrolled in both high school and skill center classes and claimed for more than a combined 1.0 1,103 ‐ 1,207 0.74 ‐ 0.80 0.40 6
FTE qualifies for 0.20 Running Start FTE. When a student is enrolled in both the high school and skill
center and taking less than 1.0 FTE, the standard Running Start calculation applies. 1,208 ‐ 1,311 0.81 ‐ 0.87 0.33 5
Δ For the winter college quarter and for students enrolled in a high school with a semester schedule, use
the student’s second semester schedule. 1,312 ‐ 1,402 0.88 ‐ 0.93 0.27 4
○
Available for meeting district, charter school, or tribal compact school’s graduation requirements only
(WAC 392‐169‐055(4)). 1,403 or 0.94 or
0.20 3
Recommended Running Start Classes: more *** more ***
# of College # of HS
College Course (Dept. & Number) High School Equivalency
Credits Credits
=
=
=
=

Signature of High School Counselor Date Signature of College Running Start Advisor Date

High School Counselor Printed Name Phone Number College Running Start Advisor Printed Name Phone Number
I understand that:
Student & Parent/Guardian
 The student is responsible for understanding when his or her choice of schedule will result in tuition charges. If the student enrolls for more high school and
college credits than are identified in the Running Start State Funding Limit Table, the student is responsible for:
1) paying all college tuition and fees associated with exceeding the college credits identified in the table; or
2) withdrawing from the excess college or high school course(s).
 The student is required to pay any class/lab fees charged for college classes.
 Enrollment in specific college classes cannot be guaranteed – even if the classes are needed to fulfill high school graduation requirements.
 If the student begins Running Start in winter or spring term, eligibility for the previous term(s) that year is forfeited.
 To add/withdraw from a course, the student must complete the college Add/Drop process by the college deadline and notify the high school counselor.
 The student is responsible for ensuring that college courses completed as part of the Running Start program will meet high school graduation requirements.
 If the student plans to transfer, it is the student’s responsibilitiy to determine college admissions policies/deadlines and whether credits will transfer.
 The student gives permission for college staff to release his/her grades to the high school and to discuss various aspects of his/her program participation
with the high school/business adminstration officials.
I acknowledge that I have read, understand, and will comply with the conditions of Running Start participation and the expectations of college course
enrollment.

Student Signature (REQUIRED) Date Parent/Guardian Signature (REQUIRED) Date
FORM SPI 1674 (8/2017) This is a two page form, with the details and instructions printed on page 2.
Questions: Students & Parents/Guardians contact local high school; High school and business administration staff, call OSPI at 360‐725‐6300.
COMPLETING THE RUNNING START ENROLLMENT VERIFICATION FORM (RSEVF)
PURPOSE: The RSEVF ensures that a student’s monthly enrollment does not INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETING THE RSEVF
exceed the allowable combined 1.20 full‐time equivalent (FTE) limitation. This
form provides the college the FTE available for Running Start enrollment, STUDENT SECTION: The RSEVF begins with the student completing the first
provides the high school with the enrolled colleges classes, and notifies the section of the form. Students who are under the age of 18 at the beginning of
student and their parents/guardians if tuition charges will occur. the college term, must provide their parent/guardian information. The
student’s high school student identification number (SSID) is available at the
The RSEVF is required to be completed each college term for each student high school guidance office. If the student does not know his/her college
enrolling in college classes through the Running Start program, including home‐ student identification number (SID), refer to earlier completed RSEVFs. If the
based and private school students. Students attending more than one college student is new to the program, the college SID is available on the processed
for any college term are required to have a separate RSEVF for each college. college application.
When a student will be attending multiple colleges, the appropriate box in the
upper right hand corner of the RSEVF must be checked. HIGH SCHOOL COUNSELOR/RUNNING START ADVISOR SECTION:
The high school counselor and Running Start advisor complete this section.
If the student’s high school or college enrollment changes during the college
term, a revised RSEVF must be completed and the appropriate box in the upper School Year: Indicate the school year.
right hand corner of the RSEVF must be checked.
College Term: Select the college term that the student will be enrolling in. For
FTE AND ANNUAL AVERAGE FTE (AAFTE) LIMITATIONS: Running Start students colleges on a quarter calendar, indicate which quarter – Fall, Winter, or Spring.
may not be claimed for a combined high school and college enrollment that For colleges on a semester calendar, indicate which semester – 1st or 2nd.
exceeds 1.20 FTE for any month except January. Neither the high school nor
college enrollment can individually exceed 1.00 FTE, except for students
High School and School District: Fill in the student’s primary high school and
enrolled in a high school and skill center.
resident school district. If the student is enrolled in a charter school or tribal
When a student is enrolled in both a high school and a skill center and claimed compact school, leave “School District” field blank.
for more than a combined 1.0 FTE, the available Running Start enrollment is
limited to a 0.20 FTE. When a student’s combined high school and skill center Grade Level: Indicate the student’s grade level. Students in 11th and 12th
enrollment is less than 1.0 FTE, the standard Running Start calculation applies. grade are eligible to enroll in a Running Start program. Fifth year seniors are

This 1.20 FTE limitation applies to the annual average FTE (AAFTE), where a limited to take Running Start classes that will fulfill the student’s district,
Running Start student may not be claimed for a combined high school and charter school, or tribal compact school’s graduation requirements only,
college enrollment that exceeds 1.20 AAFTE for the school year. High school pursuant to WAC 392‐169‐055(4) and must have participated in Running Start
and skill center AAFTE is the 10‐month average of the FTE reported for the during their 11th or 12th grade year.

months September through June. Running Start AAFTE is the 9‐month average
of the FTE reported for the months October through June. Determining the Student’s High School FTE: FTE in high school and skill center
classes is calculated based on a class’s weekly enrolled minutes and eligible
Students that exceed the 1.20 FTE or AAFTE may be charged tuition by the passing time. Fifteen hundred weekly minutes equals 1.0 FTE. Refer to the high
college for the credits in excess of this limitation. school and skill center master bell schedule available at the registrar or

When the high school first semester and the college winter quarter overlaps in business administration office for the exact weekly minutes and the FTE for
January, a Running Start student can be claimed for more than a 1.20 FTE for each high school class. Add the FTE for each enrolled class to determine the
that month only. When planning for the winter quarter and the high school has student’s total high school and skill center FTE.

a semester calendar, counselors should use the second semester to determine Determining the Student’s Available Running Start FTE: Running Start FTE is
the available FTE for winter quarter. When this overlap occurs, the student based on the enrolled college credits. Fifteen college credits equal 1.0 FTE. Use
may be subject to a reduced FTE or to paying tuition for the spring college the Running Start Funding Limit Table on the front page to determine a
quarter, if the 1.20 AAFTE would be exceeded. Completion of the Spring student’s available Running Start FTE. Find the row with the student’s high
Quarter Eligibility Adjustment Form (SQEAF) will identify students at risk of school and skill center FTE. Refer to the Max FTE column to determine a
exceeding the 1.20 AAFTE and will calculate the reduced available FTE for the student’s maximum Running Start FTE. The Max Credits column converts the
spring quarter. For students whose spring quarter available FTE is reduced, a maximum Running Start FTE to Running Start credits.
completed SQEAF must be attached to the spring quarter RSEVF and the
appropriate box in the upper right hand corner of the RSEVF must be checked. Recommended Running Start Classes: The student, with the help of the high
Students attending more than one college for the spring quarter must have the school counselor and Running Start advisor, should fill out the requested
SQEAF attached to each college’s RSEVF. college courses. The high school equivalency portion of the table can be
completed by the student if an official high school list of equivalencies is
For more information refer to the annual bulletin regarding the 1.20 Running available. Otherwise, this section is completed by the high school counselor.
Start FTE limitation.
Signatures of High School Counselor and Running Start Advisor: Both the high
school counselor and Running Start advisor should review the form for
accuracy, enter his/her printed name, date, phone number, and signature.

STUDENT & PARENT/GUARDIAN SECTION: The student and parents should
review the completed form for accuracy and understanding, then sign and date
FORM SPI 1674 by Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction is licensed under a
the acknowledgement at the bottom of the form.
Creative Commons Attribution‐NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
DISTRIBUTION OF RSEVF AND RECORDS RETENTION: Copies of the completed
form should be retained by both the high school and college. The original form
is kept by the student and his/her parent or guardian.
MEMORANDUM
DATE: November 2015
TO: Interested Parties
FROM: Office of the Attorney General (AGO)

Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI)
State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC)
State Board of Education (SBE)
Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC)
SUBJECT: Running Start Program – Questions and Answers
The Running Start Program was initiated by the Legislature as a component of the 1990 parent
and student “Choice Act” (Chapter 9, Laws of 1990, 1st Ex. Sess.). As amended, the provisions
of the “Choice Act” that pertain to Running Start are codified at RCW 28A.600.300 to RCW
28A.600.400. It is intended to provide students a program option consisting of attendance at
certain institutions of higher education and the simultaneous earning of high school and
college/university credit.
Eleventh and Twelfth grade students have a right granted by the Legislature to participate in
Running Start at public expense. The exercise of that right is subject only to minimal eligibility
and procedural requirements, which are spelled out, in state administrative rules.
This document is the 2015 updated version of the “brochure” first printed in April 1997. The
answers have been developed in collaboration with a variety of K-12 and higher education
representatives and the Office of the Attorney General. The answers reflect how schools, school
districts, and higher education institutions need to implement or administer various elements of
Running Start in order to be in compliance with state statutes. There are a total of 94 questions
distributed among the following categories:
 Attendance 3 questions (p.1)

 Credit and Financial Aid Eligibility 10 questions (p. 1-3)
 Disability Services 5 questions (p. 4)
 Eligibility 37 questions (p. 5-9)
 Fees and Tuition 7 questions (p. 9-10)
 Foreign Exchange / International Students / Study Abroad 2 questions (p. 10-11)
 Graduation Requirements 8 questions (p. 11-12)
 Homeschool / Private School Students 10 questions (p. 12-13)
 Parental Rights and Responsibilities 2 questions (p. 13-14)
 Student Activities 4 questions (p. 14)
 Transcript Information 5 questions (p. 14-15)
The applicable statutes are RCW 28A.600.300 through 28A.600.400, RCW 28A.150.260,
RCW 28A.150.290, and RCW 28B.50.535.
The applicable implementing rules are found in Chapter 392-169 WAC (OSPI rules).
RUNNING START PROGRAM
Questions and Answers
November 2015
Office of the Attorney General (AGO)

For additional information contact:
Dixie Grunenfelder Linda Drake

Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction State Board of Education
PO Box 47200 PO Box 47206
Olympia, WA 98504-7200 Olympia, WA 98504-7206
(360) 725-0415 (360) 725-6028
mike.hubert@k12.wa.us linda.drake@k12.wa.us
Web site: http://www.k12.wa.us Web site: http://www.sbe.wa.gov
Scott Copeland Noreen Light

State Board for Community and Technical Washington Student Achievement
Colleges Council
(360) 704-4397 (360) 753-7811
scopeland@sbctc.edu nlight@wsac.wa.gov
Web site: http://www.sbctc.edu Web site: http://www.wsac.wa.gov
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Attendance
Q-1. May a district require that one of its public high school students attend the high school for the
purpose of completing non-credit requirements such as a High School & Beyond Plan or other local
district non-credit graduation requirement?
A. Yes. See answers to Q-66, Q-67 and Q-68.
Q-2. If a student has completed state graduation requirements, but has not yet graduated, and drops out
of any courses being taken through Running Start, is the student considered truant?
A. No. Technically, meeting state graduation requirements with or without a diploma satisfies the compulsory
attendance requirement. RCW 28A.225.010 See also Q-39.
Q-3. Can a student withdraw from a class taken through Running Start without the permission of the high
school or school district?
A. Yes. School districts should closely coordinate with colleges to ensure that the student does not become
truant due to the withdrawal from a Running Start Class. The student may have to be enrolled in additional
high school coursework to avoid truancy. Students withdrawing from a Running Start class are responsible
for following Add/Drop policies of the college consistent with their terms of enrollment. Colleges may only
claim students who participated in instructional activity sometime during the prior month. District’s
notification of a student’s withdrawal from the Running Start class ensures that the college does not
incorrectly over-claim these students.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Credit and Financial Aid Eligibility
Q-4. May a high school district elect to reduce the rate of credit granted a Running Start student for five-
quarter (credit) hours of college work to less than one credit?
A. No. RCW 28A. 230.090 and 1997 c 222 has established that five-quarter (credit) hours shall equal one high
school credit. School districts therefore, are required to grant one full high school credit for every five-
quarter credit hours of work successfully completed by a Running Start student.
Q-5. Can a high school or school district impose a sequence requirement on Running Start students?
A. Yes. A rational course sequence requirement could be imposed as long as it applied to all high school
students.
Q-6. May high school districts split the credits between required and elective courses?
A. Yes, but not on a uniform rate basis, but rather on a case-by-case evaluation of the extent to which a college
course is the equivalent of required high school course work. An arbitrary uniform rate is squarely at odds
with the course-by-course comparison and judgment required by WAC 392-169-050. It is permissible for the
common school district superintendent, on an individual course basis, to split the credit for a course that is
not comparable, following consultation with a college representative. The total credit awarded must still
equate to the five-quarter credits equals one high school credit basis.
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Q-7. Can a district refuse to establish Occupational Education or Arts dual credit equivalencies?
A. Yes. Each high school or school district board of directors has the authority to adopt course equivalencies
for Running Start Occupational Education or Arts courses offered to students. However, the Legislature has
also made it clear that its intent “is to encourage maximum student access.” School districts are encouraged
to establish any and all appropriate equivalencies, reflecting legislative intent for this program.
Q-8. May a high school restrict Running Start students from taking two like subjects in the same
academic year? (Example: English 101 and 102).
A. No.
Q-9. Are Running Start students allowed to take online classes for dual credit?
A. Yes.
Q-10. May a Running Start student "challenge" a course and be claimed for state funding?
A. Generally, no. State funding for Running Start is based on monthly enrollment counts. Students can only
be claimed on enrollment counts if they participate in instructional activities during the month prior to the
count, and are subject to the 1.2 FTE monthly enrollment limit. Accelerated completion of a course is likely
to exceed a student’s monthly enrollment limits, and could result in a charge back to the student. Students
are also responsible for paying fees associated with the challenge.
Q-11. Which college courses may a Running Start student take?

A. The entire college catalog is available to Running Start students, assuming that they have met any pre-
requisites that the college requires of all students.
Q-12. Do Washington community and technical college credits transfer to out-of-state colleges or
universities?
A. Transferability issues for courses taken while in Running Start are the same as for all other community and
technical college course work. Parents and students are encouraged to educate themselves about the
transferability of credits to another college, especially for all private and out-of-state universities and 4-year
colleges. The receiving school has the right to determine which credits it will accept.
Q-13. Do credits earned through dual enrollment programs like Running Start affect a student’s NCAA
eligibility?
A. No. NCAA Bylaw 14.2.2.3 Joint College/High School Program states:” A student-athlete’s eligibility under
the five-year rule does not begin while a student is enrolled in a collegiate institution in a joint high
school/college academic program for high school students in which the courses count as both high school
graduation credit and college credit, provided the student has not officially graduated from high school and
does not participate in intercollegiate athletics while enrolled in the joint program.” (Revised: 11/01/2001
effective 8/01/2002)
College courses may be used to satisfy NCAA core-curriculum requirements if the courses are accepted and
awarded credit by the high school for any student and meet all other requirements for core courses. College
courses must be placed on the student’s high school transcript.
Q-14. How do credits earned through dual enrollment programs impact a student’s financial aid eligibility?
A. Financial aid eligibility of students while in Running Start. Running Start students are not eligible for
federal or state financial aid. Institutions may use their institutional financial aid fund for these students if
they choose. Students are encouraged to inquire with the college to determine if there is assistance
available for books, transportation, or any remaining tuition charges if enrolled in credits above and beyond
those authorized for Running Start (unsubsidized college tuition expenses). See answers to Q53 and 58 for
tuition and fee waiver eligibility.
Financial aid eligibility of former Running Start students. Basic eligibility for federal and state need-
based aid is dependent on the student and family’s financial strength, not participation in Running Start.
Having earned credits as a Running Start student will, however, affect the length of time a student can
continue to receive aid, the satisfactory academic progress evaluation, as well as the annual maximum
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award amounts for federal student loan programs.
Tip: Students with questions about the effect of Running Start on their student aid or scholarship packages
should always check directly with the school’s admissions, financial aid, and scholarship offices.
Maximum Timeframe
Many types of financial aid have a maximum timeframe for eligibility that limits the length of time to receive
aid. The limitation depends on the state, federal, and institutional policy, but is generally either 125 or 150
percent of the program length.
For Example:
If the Student Has 90 Credits From Running Start Accepted By the School
And the four-year And the Minimum The maximum credits that And the remaining credits that
College’s Maximum Needed For a BA can be earned before losing can be earned without
Timeframe policy is: Degree is: student aid eligibility is: jeopardizing student aid is:
150% 180 270 180

125% 180 225 135
Appeals of the Timeframe

Depending on the school, individual students may be allowed to appeal the limit. Appeals, if accepted, are
based on each student’s individual circumstances. Appeals often revolve around changes to the student’s
major, reconsideration of earlier remedial coursework, or unavoidable circumstances that extend the
student’s course of study.
Effect of Year-in-School on Maximum Annual Federal Student Loan Amounts

The federal student loan programs permit higher awards for second- and third-year students than for first-
year students. Running Start students who achieve third-year status at the end of their Running Start
program will qualify for the higher loan amounts right out of high school.
Satisfactory Academic Progress

One of the requirements for financial aid eligibility is that students maintain satisfactory academic progress
(SAP). Poor academic performance in Running Start, including withdrawing from courses, can negatively
impact student aid eligibility.
SAP is a measurement of academic performance in terms of GPA and completed credits. Specific
standards may vary by institution. All prior college coursework, including that taken through Running
Start, will be evaluated for SAP.
Scholarships
Private Donor and Institutional Scholarships
Policies surrounding private scholarships rest with the donor. The awarding of institutional scholarships is
controlled by each college.
It is up to each private donor or each institution to determine how Running Start credits impact consideration
for scholarships that are reserved for freshmen.
Many four-year universities and colleges allow Running Start students to apply for scholarships. Students
should check with the scholarship office of the school in which they are enrolling to understand the college
or university policy.
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QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Disability Services
Q-15. What should a high school student with an IEP or 504 plan do to seek accommodations from the
college as part of their participation in Running Start?
A. Unlike students in K-12 schools, Running Start students have a responsibility to request any necessary
accommodations from their college directly. The student should contact the college’s disability services
office well in advance of any published deadlines to make the request. The college may require
documentation in support of a request for accommodations.
Q-16. Who is responsible for covering the costs associated with ADA or section 504 accommodations for
Running Start students?
A. Institutions of higher education are responsible for providing reasonable accommodations to qualified
students under the ADA and section 504. As with any other enrolled qualified student, colleges and
universities must cover the costs of complying with ADA or section 504 for Running Start students who are
enrolled in classes located at the college or university.
Q-17. Who is responsible for covering the costs associated with special education services that are
outlined in a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP)?
A. School districts are responsible for providing the services outlined in an Individualized Education Program
(IEP) for an eligible student. See WAC 392-169-080. Colleges and high schools should work together to
ensure that a student’s needs are being met, including, where appropriate, entering into an interagency
agreement to assure that each agency is complying with its respective duties to provide appropriate
accommodations to the disabled student under state and federal law. School districts providing special
education services to a student can claim eligible students on the P223H for special education funding. The
enrolled hours of special education services that are part of a high school program may be claimed as a
partial FTE on the P223 for basic education funding, provided that the combined high school and Running
Start FTE does not exceed 1.20 FTE.
Q-18. How long is a student with an IEP or section 504 plan eligible for Running Start?
A. Running Start is intended to provide the equivalent of two academic years of eligibility for dual credit. An
IEP or section 504 plan, however, may indicate a student’s need to extend the length of time required to
complete his or her secondary education program. It is also possible that the academic and calendar year
may not coincide under the IEP or section 504 plan. Eligibility for Running Start may continue, if appropriate
to the IEP or section 504 plan, while the student continues work toward the diploma so long as the courses
being taken continue to address specific credit requirements necessary for high school graduation and the
student is otherwise eligible.
Q-19. Does an IEP automatically qualify a student for Running Start if identified in the student’s transition
plan?
A. No. The student must be eligible for Running Start in order to be claimed as a Running Start student. The
IEP doesn’t override or trump that requirement. Under the law, a transition plan is simply a course of
instruction that is part of a student’s IEP.
4
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Eligibility
Q-20. What are the definitions of an FTE and AAFTE?

FTE (Full Time Equivalent) is the measurement of a student’s instructional enrollment. For high school
and skills center classes, 1.0 FTE is equal to 25 instructional weekly hours or 1,500 weekly minutes. For
part-time high school enrollment, FTE is calculated by dividing the student’s enrolled weekly minutes by
1,500.
For Running Start college course, FTE is based on the number of enrolled college credits. The formula to
calculate a student’s FTE is (# of enrolled credits ÷ 15).
AAFTE (Annual Average Full Time Equivalent) is defined as the annual average FTE. For high school
classes, AAFTE is the 10-month average of reported enrollment from September through June. For
Running Start courses, AAFTE is the 9-month average of reported enrollment from October through June.
Q-21. Must the high schools/districts and community and technical colleges use the statewide Running
Start Enrollment Verification Form (RSEVF)?
A. Yes. A RSEVF is required to be completed prior to the beginning of the Running Start class for each
Running Start student including those attending private schools and are home-based, for each term, and for
each college. Completion would include the student, parent, high school, and college signatures. Copies of
each student’s completed form should be retained at the high school and college, as well as, a copy given to
the student. The original completed RSEVF should be given to the Running Start student.
Q-22. How frequently will the RSEVF be updated by OSPI and the SBCTC?
A. The RSEVF will be updated by OSPI and the SBCTC at least annually and be available on the OSPI
website at: http://www.k12.wa.us/SecondaryEducation/CareerCollegeReadiness/RunningStart.aspx.
Q-23. May a student change their high school or college course schedule after the RSEVF has been
signed?
A. Yes. If a student changes his high school or college schedule after the RSEVF has been signed, a new
RSEVF must be completed and submitted immediately, reflecting the revised Running Start FTE eligibility.
This informs all parties of the effect the schedule change on the claimable FTE and gives the college the
opportunity to contact the parents/student for tuition.
Q-24. Would an electronic signature from a Running Start advisor be acceptable for the RSEVF?
A. There is no legal requirement that prohibits colleges from using digital signatures on enrollment verification
forms. However, colleges are responsible for ensuring the validity and authenticity of any electronic
signatures used (RCW 19.34.310).
Q-25. May a student elect to take more than a combined 1.20 FTE of high school and college classes in a
college quarter?
A. Yes. A student may elect to take additional college classes above the 1.20 FTE, but must pay for the
additional college credits. See also Q-59 and Q-62.
Q-26. May a Running Start student be enrolled full-time at a participating college or university and also
enroll in a class at the high school?
A. Yes. A Running Start student may be claimed up to a combined 1.20 FTE between the high school and the
participating college or university with a maximum of 1.00 FTE at each entity. A student attending Running
Start full-time and taking up to 15 credits can also attend the high school and be claimed for a 0.20 FTE.
A student enrolling for more than the combined 1.20 FTE may be required to pay tuition to the college for the
additional college credits or may qualify to receive a low-income tuition waiver from the college.
5
Q-27. If a student takes a “college orientation” class or any course in August, will it be funded through
Running Start?
A. No. Running Start enrollment is limited to the standard K-12 school year funding months (September
through June). Enrollment in August is outside this funding period and cannot be claimed for state
apportionment.
Q-28. Can the college claim and bill for a compressed class completed prior to the October “count” date?
A. Running Start enrollment is based on enrollment on or prior to the “count” day and the Running Start FTE is
based on the student enrolled. Often times, students may take a compressed class offered at the college
campus in September. Colleges can choose to base the October count on the compressed September
class or choose to count the student’s fall term college classes. Colleges are limited to one of these choices
and the student’s September compressed class and the fall term enrollment cannot be combined. Colleges
are limited in claiming the September compressed class for the October count day only.
Q-29. Can school districts limit a student’s enrollment in Running Start?
A. A school district cannot limit a student’s enrollment in Running Start by requiring the student to be enrolled
full-time in high school classes and restricting the student’s enrollment at the college to 0.20 FTE.
Students who qualify for Running Start can enroll up to 15 college credits, provided that they satisfy the
college’s prerequisite requirements and do not surpass the combined 1.20 FTE and AAFTE maximums.
Q-30. May a school district condition a student’s eligibility for enrollment as a student in the Running Start
Program upon a determination by school district personnel that the student is academically qualified
to take college or university course work?
A. No. The determination of whether or not a student is competent to profit from college or university course
work is within the jurisdiction and authority of the college or university. WAC 392-169-045
Q-31. May a school district condition a student's eligibility for enrollment in the Running Start Program
upon the maintenance of a particular grade point average?
A. No. The eligibility requirements for participation in the Running Start Program are set forth in statute and rule
to the exclusion of any GPA requirement. Nothing in statute or rule implies any authority for school districts
to impose additional requirements or conditions upon a student who meets the minimum requirements
imposed by law.
Q-32. How is junior/senior standing determined?

A. It is the responsibility of the school district to establish junior/senior standing. Any criteria used
to establish grade placement must be applied uniformly in accordance with district policy to students
irrespective of their status as Running Start students. See also Q-77.
Q-33. May a student start the Running Start Program mid-year?

A. Yes. Students may begin to take Running Start classes at the start of any term during their junior or senior
academic year (excluding summer college quarter).
Note: In order to receive the full benefit of the Running Start program allowable under the law, students
should start at the beginning of the first term of their junior year in high school.
WAC 392169-055
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Q-34. May a second-year senior enroll in the Running Start Program?
A. A second-year senior may enroll in the Running Start Program if they have been enrolled previously as a
junior or a senior, but may only take those specific courses needed to graduate from high school. A
second-year senior is generally understood as being a student who has failed to meet high school
th
graduation requirements by the end of the student’s 12 grade academic year. WAC 392-169-055
Q-35. Can a student have all the credits for a diploma and still attend Running Start if they do not take the
step of graduating? (This is the same question as Q-68. It is included under two different topics because
it pertains to both.)
A. It would depend. A student who has not as of the beginning of a school year earned the credits needed for a
high school diploma is eligible to attend Running Start until the end of the school year. Students who have
completed all the credits needed for high school graduation before the beginning of a school year are not
eligible to participate in Running Start. WAC 392-169-020
Q-36. Can a student in second-year senior status stay in Running Start just to complete an associate
degree?
A. No. Running Start is a dual credit program and is intended to advance students toward the earning of credit
to complete high school graduation requirements, RCW 28A.600.360, WAC 392.160.015. The pursuit of an
associate degree is not the intent of the Running Start program.
Q-37. May a high school deny Running Start participation to students under the age of 21?
st
A. No. A student who is under the age 21 as of September 1 of the new school year is eligible to participate in
Running Start for that school year, provided they have not met their district’s graduation requirements. A
student who turns 21 during the school year, has not met the school districts graduation requirements, and
is determined to be a junior or senior by the school district may continue to participate for that school year
but could not continue for the next school year.
Q-38. Can a Running Start student retake a course to improve their grade?
A. Yes, if repeating the course is allowed by both high school and college local policies.
Q-39. Are Running Start students subject to the compulsory attendance laws?
A. Yes, Running Start students are subject to the compulsory attendance laws, as set out in RCW
28A.225.010.
Q-40. May a student expelled from high school for a serious offense continue to be enrolled in Running
Start?
A. Yes. Students who have been suspended or expelled from their high school for a violation of school district
policies may continue to participate in college classes through the end of the academic term. Colleges may
not discipline Running Start students who have been suspended or expelled from high school unless the
college determines that the student has violated the college’s own student conduct code. . Districts and
colleges should address the applicability of their respective discipline policies in contractual agreements or
memoranda of understanding.
Q-41. May a student who has been previously expelled from high school enroll in a college course through
Running Start?
A. Yes, contingent upon being reenrolled in a high school.
Q-42. If a currently-enrolled Running Start student moves out of the high school district, can the student
continue Running Start through the original district?
A. Yes. A student who moves to a new school district in Washington state after enrolling in Running Start,
attends an institution of higher education located in the new school district, and takes no classes at any high
school in the new district, shall be deemed to have retained his or her residence in the school district of
initial Running Start enrollment for high school graduation, funding, and other purposes under the Running
Start Program. WAC 392-169-020(2)
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Q-43. Is a student who completes Grade 12 in one district, then transfers the following year to another
district where the student is placed as a 12th grader (not as a second-year senior) eligible to be
coded as a first-year senior in Running Start?
A. No. The student is limited to second-year senior standards. RCW 28A.600.330
Q-44. Do Running Start students need to meet all district and state graduation requirements in order to
earn a district high school diploma?
A. Yes.
Q-45. May Running Start students earning a district high school diploma be excused from the required
statewide proficiency tests because the testing conflicts with college classes?
A. No. Arrangements should be made at the college or high school to accommodate the student who is taking
the high school test required by the state.
Q-46. If a Running Start student withdraws from the college, can the high school prohibit the student from
returning to the high school?
A. No. It is the duty of the high school to provide an education for students residing in the district or who have
been released from their resident district to attend the district through a choice transfer as otherwise
provided by law.
Q-47. What is the responsibility of the school district to inform potential Running Start students about the
Running Start program?
A. A school district shall provide general information about the program to all pupils in grades ten, eleven, and
twelve and the parents and guardians of those pupils, including information about the opportunity to enroll
in the program through online courses available at state institutions of higher education and including the
college high school diploma options under RCW 28B.50.535. To assist the district in planning, a pupil shall
inform the district of the pupil's intent to enroll in courses at an institution of higher education for credit.
Students are responsible for applying for admission to the institution of higher education. RCW 28A.600.320
Q-48 Who determines which university or college the students will attend?
A. The students and their parents. Although students will generally attend the college closest to their high
school district, they may attend any eligible state institution of higher education.
Q-49. Is a school district required to provide transportation to a student with disabilities who wants to take
classes through Running Start?
A. A school district would be responsible for necessary transportation of a Running Start student to and from
college if the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) provides for Running Start enrollment in an
institution of higher education.
Q-50. Can a school district deny a student’s application to enroll in Running Start if the student does not
want a diploma from the district or the high school?
A. No. If the student meets all eligibility requirements, the school district cannot keep a student from
participating.
Q-51. Can a college or university limit the proportion of Running Start students in any individual class?
A. No. A college cannot deny access to Running Start students for participation in any single course or
program. Under the law, any policy adopted to limit Running Start enrollment must be generally applicable
and related to physical facility limitations, operating funds limitations, academically efficient class size, or a
student’s ability to benefit from a particular class, course or program.
8
Q-52. Can a school district impose a registration deadline or otherwise limit registration times for Running
Start?
A. No. However, the college can impose a registration deadline. It is recommended that high schools and
colleges work together to define a mutually agreeable deadline for registration. Schedules must include
enough flexibility not to impose barriers on students’ Running Start participation. A complete Running Start
Verification Form (RSEVF) must be in place prior to the start of the Running Start class.
Q-53. Must students disclose their immigration status on Running Start application forms?
A. No. Provided that the student meets the definition of an enrolled student pursuant to WAC 392-121-106, a
student’s immigration status does not prohibit them from enrolling in classes that receive basic education
funding, including Running Start. Residency is defined in WAC 392-137-115.
However, residency determinations must be made for students who exceed the 1.2 FTE, enroll in non-
college level courses during the regular term, or enroll in any course(s) during the summer term between
junior and senior years of high school, as these possibilities would not be covered under the Running Start
reimbursement and would be subject to residency for tuition determination as defined in RCW 28B.15.012.
Q-54. Must students disclose their social security or Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) on
Running Start application forms?
A. No. However, colleges may ask all students, including Running Start students, to provide their social
security numbers or ITIN for federal tax reporting purposes. Under federal law, colleges must have a legally
permissible need to collect this information, must inform individuals that disclosure is voluntary, and must
explain the legal basis for seeking the numbers and how the college intends to use them.
Q-55. Can a student residing outside of Washington take online courses with Washington colleges
through Running Start?
A. No. In order to meet the definition of an enrolled student, the student must be a resident of a Washington
state district pursuant to WAC 392-121-106. Running Start funding is only available to Washington state
residents enrolled in a Washington state public high school and living in Washington. Residency is defined
within WAC 392-137-115 defines residency based on the expectation that the student resides in the district
for a minimum of 20 days.
Q-56. Can a student who is attending a nonresident district pursuant a choice transfer participate in
Running Start at a college near their home district?
Yes. This can be accomplished in two ways. The choice district can completed a RSEVF with the college in
the student’s home district and the college would report the student’s enrollment to the choice district. Or the
choice district can enter into an inter-district agreement with the home district, releasing a portion of the
student’s FTE for the home district to use for the student’s Running Start enrollment. Refer to Bulletin #008-
14 for more information on choice transfers and inter-district agreements.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Fees & Tuition
Q-57. May a high school or college seek reimbursement from a Running Start student for failure of a
course?
A. No.
Q-58. May colleges charge fees to Running Start students?

A. Yes. Running Start students attending community and technical colleges must pay mandatory fees. Four-
year institutions may charge technology fees. Colleges and universities must make available fee waivers for
low income Running Start students. A Running Start student shall be considered low income, and eligible
9
for a fee waiver upon proof that the student is currently qualified to receive free or reduced-price lunch.
Acceptable documentation of low-income status may also include:
A. Student has been deemed eligible for free-reduced-price lunches in the past five years
B. Family income is equal to or less than 50 percent of the state median
C. Family income is less than 200 percent of the federal poverty level
D. Receiving any state or federal assistance funds
E. Foster youth
Note: Consumable supplies, textbooks, and other materials retained by the student" are not within the
definition of fees and therefore not subject to the mandatory low-income waiver provisions
Q-59. What is the maximum credits a student can enroll in and receive state fundingand when do colleges
charge tuition?
A. Running Start students may enroll tuition-free for a maximum of 15 college credits but is limited to a
combined 1.20 FTE when enrolled in both high school and Running Start. When a Running Start student
seeks more credits, colleges should charge appropriate per-credit rates for any credits beyond the 15 credit
maximum or beyond 1.20 FTE, up to the maximum credits allowed for all enrolled students by institutional
policy.
Q-60. Can school districts assess a fine or fee against students for failing Running Start courses,
withdrawing from Running Start courses, or never showing up for Running Start courses?
A. No.
Q-61. Can GET (Guaranteed Education Tuition) credits be used to pay for unsubsidized college tuition?
A. If enrolled in credits above and beyond those authorized for Running Start, Guaranteed Education Tuition
(GET) funds may be used to cover qualified expenses such as tuition charges, fees, and books/supplies.
However, it may be more advantageous to use GET units for qualified expenses following Running Start
enrollment.
Q-62. Are low income tuition waivers available for community and technical college students who want to
take additional credits above the combined 1.20 FTE limit?
A. Low income Running Start students at the community and technical colleges are eligible for tuition waivers
for credits they choose to take above the 1.20 FTE or 15 credits. Low income may be defined as eligible for
free or reduced-price lunch at the high school – check requirements per local college.
Q-63. Are community and technical colleges Running Start students able to receive a tuition waiver for
one additional college credit if they are taking 9 RS Tuition-Free College Credits (0.60 FTE)?
A. Yes. The State Board for Community and Technical Colleges approved an additional tuition waiver for one
college credit for those Running Start students with eligibility per the Running Start Enrollment Verification
Form for exactly 9 Running Start Tuition-Free College Credits (0.60 FTE) who enroll for exactly 10 college
credits. The 10th credit of tuition will be waived in cashiering using Financial Aid Program Code (FAPC) of
W8A. The waiver is only for tuition. If the Running Start student registers for anything other than 10 credits
exactly, they will not be eligible for this waiver.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Foreign Exchange / International Students / Study Abroad
Q-64. Are foreign exchange students eligible to participate in Running Start?

A. Yes. Based upon reviews of federal and state law, it is determined that a J-1 visa “Exchange Visitor”
student who has enrolled in the eleventh or the twelfth grade is eligible to participate in Running Start. J-1
10
visa students must be mindful of any restrictions on enrollment established by the student’s exchange
program sponsor and must comply with all federal requirements.
Students with F-1 “Academic Student” visas who attend secondary school, must pay the school the full cost
of education by repaying the school system for the full, unsubsidized, per capita cost of providing the
education. As such, they cannot be claimed for state funding under the Running Start program.
Students with visas in other categories should check with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate that processed
their visa application to ensure that Running Start enrollment is consistent with the terms of their visas.
Q-65. Can Running Start students participate in study abroad programs offered by their college?
A. Yes. Running Start students have access to all the classes offered in the college catalog. The student can
be claimed for the standard Running Start reimbursement rate. Students are responsible for any additional
costs. While the allowance for study aboard programs permits a student, who is resident of a Washington
state district, to attend that college’s student aboard program, it does not permit a student who is not
ordinarily a resident of Washington state to participate in a college’s online program while living outside of
Washington state.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Graduation Requirements
Q-66. Can the district require progress toward the district diploma and require that students not only earn
credits, but complete other requirements for graduation, such as the High School and Beyond Plan
or a senior project?
A. Yes. Students who are seeking a high school diploma from a school district must meet all requirements of
the state and the district. However, the intent of Running Start law is to encourage maximum student access
to the Running Start program. Districts should not adopt policies and procedures that intentionally create
barriers to student participation in the program. Requiring daily attendance in a culminating project class
would logically hinder participation. Districts that have such requirements are strongly encouraged to offer
accommodations to students participating in Running Start.
Q-67. Does a student seeking a high school diploma through an associate degree at the college need to
complete local school district requirements?
A. No. Running Start students who earn an associate degree may request a high school diploma from the
college. If a student fails to earn an associate’s degree, he or she would need to meet the requirements of
the district to be awarded a high school diploma through the district.
Q-68. Can a student have all the credits for a diploma and still attend Running Start if she does not take
the step of graduating? (This is the same question as Q-35. It is included under two different topics
because it pertains to both.)
Q-69. Can a Running Start student who earns an associate degree from a college receive a high school
diploma from that college?
A. Yes. The community and technical colleges are authorized to issue high school diplomas for Running Start
students who enroll in the college and complete an associate degree. Students must provide a written
request to the college registrar’s office (or designee) to receive a high school diploma from the college.
RCW 28B.50.535.
11
Q-70. When can Running Start students who have completed their associate degree request the college-
based high school diploma?
A. A Running Start student may request the college-based high school diploma when they apply for graduation
with their associate degree or anytime thereafter.
Q-71. Should secondary schools continue to track a student’s graduation status if the student has
indicated intent to pursue his or her high school diploma through a college?
A. Yes. All Running Start students are considered public high school students and as such should be served
and treated like all other high school students. Providing all enrolled students with guidance as to
graduation requirements and status is consistent with the guidance role of the high school, regardless of
student intent relative to possible alternative graduation options.
For purposes of graduation rates (and related Adequate Yearly Progress implications), students who are
successful in earning their high school diploma under the provisions of RCW 28B.50.535 will count as
graduates of the home high school, and students who are unsuccessful in completing graduation
requirements either through the school district or under the provisions of RCW 28B.50.535 will be
considered non-graduates.
Q-72. If a student earns a high school diploma through the college, how would the high school document
the student as a graduate, and thereby get credit that the student graduated?
A. When the high school is informed by the college that the student has earned a high school diploma issued
by the college under the provisions of RCW 28B.50.535 the high school may withdraw the student using the
Withdrawal code “GA” (Graduated through associate degree).
Q-73. If Running Start students earn associate degrees after their expected graduation dates, can they be
documented in their student records as an extended graduation student so they will not count
against the secondary schools for Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP)?
A. Yes. If students retain Running Start eligibility as a second-year senior student and completed remaining
requirements for an associate degree, the high school, if informed by the college, could code such students
“GA.”
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Homeschool / Private School Students
Q-74. May home school and private school students enroll in the Running Start Program?
A. Yes. Any student seeking credit through Running Start must enroll through the local public school district or
high school, have a completed Running Start Verification Form in place for each term and each college, and
have obtained junior or senior standing. Junior or senior standing is determined in accordance with a school
district’s grade placement policies. The home school student so enrolled does not have to attend classes in
the public high school in order to participate in Running Start. Students receiving home-based instruction
under chapter 28A.200 RCW and students attending private schools approved under chapter 28A.195 RCW
are not required to meet the student learning goals, obtain a certificate of academic achievement or a
certificate of individual achievement to graduate from high school, or to master the essential academic
learning requirements. RCW 28A.600.310 (1)
For state and federal accountability reporting purposes: A student receiving home-based instruction enrolling
in a public high school for the sole purpose of participating in courses or programs offered by institutions of
higher education shall not be counted by the school district if the student's parents or guardians filed a
declaration of intent to provide home-based instruction and the student received home-based instruction
during the school year before the school year in which the student intends to participate in courses or
programs offered by the institution of higher education.
Note: Enrolling any student in the Running Start program means that the student is also enrolled as a public
high school student in order to access state funding allotted for the Running Start program.
12
Q-75. Do homeschool families need to have a Declaration of Intent on file for the year preceding Running
Start participation?
A. No. See OSPI Bulletin No. 098-07.
Q-76. Do homeschool students enrolled in Running Start need to complete local district graduation
requirements if seeking a diploma through the associate degree?
A. No. See RCW 28B.50.535 (2).
Q-77. How is junior/senior standing determined for private school and home school students who wish to
participate in Running Start?
A. For students seeking admission to Running Start, it is the responsibility of the school district to establish
grade placement criteria. Once that grade placement is made, making the student eligible, a change to
another school district will not alter the initial grade placement, consistent with WAC 392-169-020(2). Some
schools consider age appropriateness; others review credits and prior learning. In other cases, a
standardized achievement test may be used in the absence of adequate documentation of a student's
home-based education. Any district criteria used to establish grade placement must be applied uniformly to
students, regardless of intent to enroll in Running Start or intent to graduate from the high school. See Q-
237.
Q-78. Can parents appeal local school district grade placement eligibility decisions?
A. This is a local decision. Parents may appeal only if the district has a policy/procedure for such appeal. See
WAC 392-169-020(3).
Q-79. A homeschool student is in 11th grade, but wants to take a year off next year as a declared
homeschool student to then return the following year and become a 12th grader to do Running Start.
Would this student be able to return after one year off and do Running Start as a 12th grader?
A. It is up to the resident district to establish and interpret grade placement to students who enroll. In this case,
th
the student could potentially be placed as either a 12 grade student or as a second-year senior. WAC
392-169-020(3)
Q-80. A homeschool student did not utilize third quarter (spring) of Grade 11 eligibility due to illness. Can
that third quarter be carried over so that the student can utilize six quarters of enrollment?
A. No. Junior year eligibility would be complete. However, the student would be eligible for the three quarters
of 12th grade and may be eligible for the second-year senior year. WAC 392-169-055(4) Running Start
eligibility is not based on six quarters. It is based on two academic years for junior and senior standing only.
Q-81. Does a school district have to post Running Start course grades in the grade history file of a
homeschool student who is only taking Running Start classes?
A. Yes. All earned credit must be recorded on an official school transcript.
Q-82. May a school district or school award a diploma to a private school student who enrolls in the public
district, but takes classes only through Running Start?
A. Yes, but only if all state and local school district graduation requirements are met.
Q-83. Are private school and home-based instruction students, who have enrolled in Running Start,
exempt from the 1.20 FTE limitation?
A. No. All students are eligible for up to a maximum of 1.00 FTE or 15 credits at the college and a combined
high school and college FTE of 1.20. The completed Running Start Verification Form will inform the district,
college, student and parents how the student’s FTE will be claimed.
13
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Parental Rights and Responsibilities
Q-84. Is the parent of a Running Start student entitled to review attendance and grade information held by
the college or university?
A. Under federal law, students who attend postsecondary educational institutions hold the confidentiality rights
to their education records. They have the right to consent prior to any disclosure of information from
education records held by the postsecondary institution. However, an exception to the consent requirement
allows the parents of dependent children to review their child's education records without the consent of the
student. Proof of dependency is usually provided by a copy of the most recent year’s federal tax form
showing that the parent claims the student as a dependent. Neither the age of the student nor the parent's
status as a custodial parent is relevant. If a student is claimed as a dependent by either parent for tax
purposes, then either parent may have access under this provision. See 34 CFR § 99.31(a)(8).
Q-85. May Running Start students participate in field trips that are scheduled as a part of the college
course?
A. Yes, but written parental permission should be obtained for all field trips for Running Start students under
the age of 18. If parents do not give permission, faculty should consider providing alternative options to that
student. Most Running Start Coordinators collect a blanket permission form early in the enrollment process.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Student Activities
Q-86. May Running Start students participate in college or university campus activities, such as student
government, organizations, and clubs?
A. Yes. With the exception of intercollegiate sports, Running Start students may participate in any activities on
the college/university campus, consistent with the institution’s general requirements for participation in
extracurricular activities.
Q-87. May Running Start Students participate in high school activities including sports?
A. Yes. Running Start students may participate in any high school activities including sports, consistent with
the high school and school district’s own eligibility requirements and Washington Intercollegiate Activities
Association (WIAA) guidelines.
NOTE: WIAA guidelines allow participation by Running Start students.
Q-88. Can a school prohibit a student from participating in the high school graduation ceremony, taking
classes at the high school, or participating in extracurricular activities if the student is choosing to
receive a high school diploma from the college?
A. Running Start students and parents should be informed as to state rules relative to eligibility to enroll in
classes at the high school, as well as participate in extracurricular activities. Participation in the high school
graduation ceremony is to be determined by local district policy and is not linked to state statute related to
diploma requirements and should be covered in parent and student guidance.
Q-89. Can a school district or high school preclude a student from being eligible to be senior class
valedictorian or senior class salutatorian if the student enrolls in one or more classes via Running
Start?
A. Such preclusion could violate equal protection principles. A 12th grade Running Start student and a 12th
grade regular high school student are each entitled to participate equally in a high school graduation
ceremony. A school should have criteria, other than mere status as a Running Start student, for these
14
honors. For example, if the sole criterion for being selected were a high grade point average (GPA), a
Running Start student with a high GPA would be just as eligible as a non-Running Start student with a high
GPA. On the other hand, if the eligibility threshold is a high GPA, coupled with a certain level of participation
in class or school activities (e.g., serving as class officer or other leadership activity), it is possible that a
Running Start student would have a more difficult time qualifying.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Transcript Information
Q-90. When a student in Running Start drops a class at the college, and receives a "W" on their college
transcript, should the high school post the grade as an "F" on the high school transcript?
A. It must be posted as a "W" on the high school transcript.
Q-91. If a Running Start student fails to pay his fees to a college, but otherwise completes the coursework
satisfactorily, can the college withhold his grades? Can the student be prevented from graduating
from high school?
A. The answer to the first question lies in the applicable policy of the particular institution. The answer to the
second question is no. The failure to pay college fees related to the earning of college credit via Running
Start is separate from the issue of whether the student satisfactorily met the course requirements to pass
and apply the earned credits toward high school graduation. The college is limited to withholding the
student's grades only pertaining to issuing the student's college transcript. In the situation described above,
the high school counselor and the Running Start coordinator at the college must communicate with one
another in order for the high school to be apprised of the student's grade. It is possible for a student to
receive high school credit, but not college credit, in the situation described.
Q-92. Are all Running Start courses shown on the high school transcript?
A. Yes. Running Start courses need to be recorded on the transcript. The standardized transcript must contain
a designation of “R” for courses completed and credit earned through Running Start. WAC 392-415-070
Q-93. Are colleges required to send individual transcripts to school districts in order to provide evidence
of successful completion of courses taken through the program?
A. No. Nothing in law or administrative code (WAC 392-169-085) mandates that a school district must receive
an official transcript from the college. The college must supply “evidence” of successful completion of
courses. Evidence may include college-generated spreadsheets.
Q-94. How does the high school transcribe a grade from a college class through Running Start if the
college uses a different grading scale than the high school (e.g., the college bases a B- on a 2.6 and
the high school uses 2.7)? Will the student have different grades on the high school and college
transcripts?
A. It is possible that the respective transcripts will show different grades. However, the high school transcript
needs to record the grade in compliance with WAC 392-415-050. The high school would transcribe the
grade appropriate to the rules for K-12 and the college would transcribe the grade appropriate to its policy.
15
Student Enrollment Options in Washington
Revised July 2014
Randy I. Dorn
State Superintendent of Public Instruction
www.k12.wa.us
The information in this booklet was updated in June 2014, but is subject to change based on legislative or agency action.
When referencing this document, please visit the OSPI website to confirm you have the most current version.
Updates will be posted to

www.k12.wa.us/GeneralInfo/EnrollmentOptions.aspx
OSPI provides equal access to all programs and services without discrimination
based on sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status,
sexual orientation including gender expression or identity, the presence of any sensory, mental,
or physical disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability.
Questions and complaints of alleged discrimination should be directed to the Equity and Civil Rights Director
at 360-725-6162/TTY: 360-664-3631 or P.O. Box 47200, Olympia, WA 98504-7200.
Learning by Choice
Student Enrollment Options in Washington
Prepared by:
Mike Hubert
Director, Guidance and Counseling
Nathan Olson
Communications Manager
Kristen Jaudon
Communications Specialist
Dan Newell
Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education and Student Support
Randy I. Dorn
Superintendent of Public Instruction
Ken Kanikeberg
Chief of Staff
Alan Burke, Ed.D.

Deputy Superintendent of K–12 Education
July 2014
Table of Contents
P–Public School Student Options (including Charter Schools)
Pr–Approved Private School Student Option
H–Home-Based Student Option
Introduction 1
Enrollment Basics
Compulsory Attendance (P, Pr, H) 2
General Enrollment into Washington Public Schools (P) 2
Immigrant Students’ Right to Attend Public Schools (P) 5
Public School Choice–Transfers (P) 6
Charter Schools (P) 9
The Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunities for Military Children (P) 10
ESEA & Persistently Dangerous Schools (P) 13
High School Coursework Before 9th Grade (P, Pr) 14
Specialized/Dual Credit Enrollment Options

Alternative Learning Experience (P, H) 16
Online Learning (P) 17
Part-Time & Ancillary Services (Pr, H) 19
Advanced Placement (P, Pr, H) 19
College in the High School (P, Pr, H) 20
International Baccalaureate (P, Pr, H) 21
Running Start (P, Pr, H) 21
Associate Degrees and the Issuance of High School Diplomas (P, Pr, H) 25
Tech Prep (P, Pr, H) 26
Skill Centers (P, Pr, H) 27
i
Services Upon Identification
English Language Development Program (P) 28
Gifted/Highly Capable (P) 30
Special Education (P, Pr, H) 31
Section 504 (P, Pr, H) 32
Homeless Students and the McKinney-Vento Act (P) 32
Other Enrollment Options

Alternative Schools (P) 33
Approved Private School Programs (Pr) 33
Attending Schools Contiguous to Washington (P) 34
Dropout Reengagement Programs (P, Pr, H) 34
Home-Based Instruction (H) 35
Non-high School District Option (P) 35
University of Washington Early Entrance Program 36
For More Information 36
ii
Introduction
Most students in Washington go to the public schools that are closest to their homes. But parents and
guardians have many enrollment options for their kids. Students can attend an approved private school,
enroll in an Alternative Learning Experience program (such as an online school), be taught at home, or
attend a charter school. In some circumstances, they also can transfer to other schools within or outside
the district in which they live.
In 1990, the state Legislature formalized some of the public school options by passing the Learning by
Choice law. The law consists of three major components:
1. Family Choice allows parents to select which public school(s) their children will attend, within
certain limitations;
2. Running Start permits students in 11th and 12th grade to enroll in courses or programs in a
community or technical college, as well as selected public universities and tribal colleges, without
paying college tuition; and
3. Seventh- and Eighth-Grade Choice gives students in those grades credits for completing high
school courses.
In 2001, the U.S. Congress passed the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), which was an update of the
Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) enacted in 1965. NCLB created additional enrollment
options for students who are in low-performing schools or whose schools are considered “persistently
dangerous.”
This booklet contains answers to the most commonly asked questions about the Learning by Choice law,
options created by the NCLB Act, descriptions of programs that may be available to students if they meet
program eligibility criteria, and other enrollment options available to students in public, private, and home-
based instruction.
The table of contents is organized into four broad categories of enrollment-related information:
1. Basic information about public school enrollment options

2. Specialized/dual credit enrollment options
3. Services upon identification at time of enrollment
4. Other enrollment options available to Washington students
The table of contents entries indicate whether they apply to public (P), private (Pr), and/or home-based (H)
students.
1
Enrollment Basics
COMPULSORY ATTENDANCE
(Public School, Approved Private School, or Home-Based Student Option)
All Washington children between the ages of 8 and 18 must attend school. Parents or guardians may enroll
them in the public school of the district in which they live, public charter school, an approved private school,
or declare an intent to provide a home-based education.
There are, however, a few approved reasons parents or guardians may choose not to enroll their child in
school. Some reasons include if the child is 16 and has already met graduation requirements, is regularly
employed, or is receiving qualified home-based instruction. Please refer to RCW 28A.225.010 for a detailed
explanation.
GENERAL ENROLLMENT INTO WASHINGTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS

(Public School Student Option)
A parent or legal guardian should accompany students when registering and bring:
 Proof of age (e.g., birth certificate or passport)
 Health history; name, address, and phone number of child’s doctor and dentist
 Proof of residency (e.g., utility bill, tax statement)
 Parent’s or guardian’s telephone numbers (day and evening)
 Student immunization records
 Withdrawal form or report card from the last school attended
 Expulsion statement
Proof of age. A birth certificate or other official verification of age (such as a passport, visa, or Department of
Social and Health Services [DSHS] Medicaid voucher) is required for students who have not previously
enrolled in school. Kindergarten students must be five on or before midnight August 31; first graders must be
six. School districts may adopt regulations that provide for individual exceptions to these entry qualifications.
If a certified copy of the child’s birth record cannot be obtained, the person enrolling the child must submit a
sworn statement setting forth the child’s age and explaining the inability to present a certified copy of the
birth record.
2
Health history. Health Information: Schools are responsible for the health and safety of students during all
school-related activities. According to RCW 28A.210.320 and WAC 392-380, if a student has a life-threatening
condition, the family must inform the school and follow through on the requirements listed below. A
condition is “life-threatening” if it could put a student in danger of death, unless he or she receives
medication or treatment.
Before these students come to school, their parents/guardians must do three things:
1. Provide the school with a written medication and/or treatment order from a licensed health care
provider,
2. Provide medication and/or equipment outlined in that order, and
3. Contact the school nurse to help him/her create a nursing plan, known as an Individualized
Healthcare Plan.
Your school may have developed their own forms to gather accurate and complete information. Please use
those forms if they are available. If you have questions, please contact your school.
Proof of residency. Proof of residency shows you live within the service area for that school and district.
Examples include a rental agreement, a utility bill from your current residence, or a driver’s license that
shows your current address.
If a child has no regular, fixed residence but lives within the school district in a temporary shelter, institution,
or place not ordinarily used as a residence, the school district may accept an alternative form of address that
it considers appropriate.
Parent’s or guardian’s telephone numbers. The school must be able to contact parents or guardians in case
of emergency or to communicate other important information.
Student immunization records. A Washington Certificate of Immunization must be completed with the
month, day, and year of inoculation on the day of registration. Vaccines are required for school in Grades K‒
12. Visit your local Regional Health District or family physician for more information about immunizations
and/or Certificates of Exemption. Specific information about a medical, religious, philosophical, or personal
exemption from immunizations is available from school districts.
Withdrawal form or report card from the last school attended. School report cards, progress reports, and
transcripts are very helpful in making sure your child is placed in the right classes.
Expulsion statement. When a student is registered, the parent or guardian must provide a sworn statement
about whether the child has been expelled. The statement must indicate whether the child has been expelled
from attending a private school, another public school in Washington, or a school in another state for an
offense involving weapons, alcohol or drugs, or for willful infliction of injury to another person.
3
Questions & Answers
1. How do I enroll my child in school for the first time?
If this is the first time your child will attend school, call the school and ask what you must bring with
you to enroll your child. At a minimum, most schools require the following documents: birth
certificate, proof of custody/guardianship (documentation that determines where the child resides
and who has decision-making authority), proof of residency, and record of immunizations.
2. How do I transfer my child from one school to another?

Call the school your child last attended. Ask them to prepare a packet of information for you to take
to the new school. It should include items like immunization records and documents that will help
your student get into the right educational program and classes. Tell them the last day your child will
attend school. Ask if you may pick up the packet, or if it can be mailed to you or the new school, or
be brought home to you by your child. The packet will contain all the information you need to enroll
your child in the new school. Washington schools do have the ability to transfer some of this
information electronically.
Call your child’s new school and schedule an appointment. Bring the information packet you received
from the previous school. The appointment will ensure that time is set aside to speak with you and
to answer your questions. Be sure to find out what items you need to bring with you to enroll your
child in the new school.
3. Why is proof of custody/guardianship required?

Proof of custody/guardianship is required to identify who is legally responsible for the child and who
can be contacted in case of an emergency. This tells the school authorities who can make
educational decisions for the child. Each local school system determines which documents will be
accepted as proof (e.g., a court order, a separation or divorce decree, parenting plan, or a birth
certificate that identifies the parents). Call the school and ask what documents are acceptable.
4. Why is proof of residency required?

Where a child lives determines his/her local public school. Each school district decides what they will
accept as proof of residency. You should call the school where you plan to enroll your child to find
out what is accepted. Generally accepted documents are current rental agreement, current utility
bills containing applicant’s name and address, or a current property tax bill.
5. Why do I need to bring proof of age?

Proof of age is particularly important the first time a child enrolls in school. It helps determine which
services and programs are available to the child. The mandatory attendance law applies to children
between the ages of 8 and 18.
4
A birth certificate and other documents as determined by each local school system may be used as
proof of age. A copy of your documentation will be made by the school and attached to your child’s
record. Call the school to see what documents other than the birth certificate will be accepted as
proof of age.
6. Why do I need to bring immunization records?

All children need to have an up-to-date copy of immunization records to be enrolled in and attend
school. If your child’s immunizations need to be updated and you can bring written proof of an
appointment within 20 days to obtain the immunizations, you may temporarily enroll your child
pending receipt of the required immunizations. Your doctor or health clinic can provide the (DOH
Form 348-013) form for you to take to the school.
7. Should I bring the current Individualized Education Program (IEP) for my child who receives special
education services?
While not required, providing a current IEP will help assist the school in providing appropriate special
education and related services that are specifically developed for your child. It will also provide the
school with the dates for the annual IEP review of your child’s program, as well as any re-evaluations
that may be required.
8. Do I need to bring the most recent report card and/or withdrawal grades?
This information is very helpful in matching up a continuing program for your child. It tells the school
what courses your child was taking and may indicate the instructional level. For elementary children,
it may indicate the reading or math series with which your child was being taught. For high school
students, it may indicate credit earned and/or graduation requirements which have been met.
IMMIGRANT STUDENTS' RIGHTS TO ATTEND PUBLIC SCHOOLS

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Plyler vs. Doe (457 U.S. 202 (1982)) that undocumented children and young
adults have the same right to attend public primary and secondary schools as do U.S. citizens and permanent
residents. Like other children, undocumented students are obliged under state law to attend school until
they reach a mandated age. As a result of the Plyler ruling, public schools may not:
 Deny admission to a student during initial enrollment or at any other time on the basis of
undocumented status.
 Treat a student differently to determine residency.
 Engage in any practices to "chill" the right of access to school.
 Require students or parents to disclose or document their immigration status.
5
 Make inquiries of students or parents that may expose their undocumented status.
 Require Social Security numbers from all students, as this may expose undocumented status.
Students without Social Security numbers should be assigned a number generated by the school. Adults who
apply for the free lunch and/or breakfast program on behalf of a student do not need a Social Security
number either.
Changes in the F-1 (Student) visa program do not alter the Plyler obligations to undocumented children.
These changes apply only to students who apply for a student visa from outside the U.S.
Finally, school personnel—especially building principals and those involved with student intake activities—
should be aware that they have no legal obligation to enforce U.S. immigration laws. (U.S. Supreme Court,
1982)
Resources
 Immigrant Student Rights to Attend Public Schools:
www.k12.wa.us/MigrantBilingual/ImmigrantRights.aspx
 Help Ensure That Immigrant Students Have Access to Educational Opportunities:
www.k12.wa.us/MigrantBilingual/pubdocs/LegalIssues.doc
PUBLIC SCHOOL CHOICE—TRANSFERS

The state Legislature created Family Choice in the mid-1990s. This gives families the opportunity for their
children to attend schools of choice through inter- or intra-district transfers.
Questions & Answers

9. What is Family Choice?
Family Choice allows parents to select which public school(s) their children will attend, within certain
limitations. However, a school district is not required to accept a student requesting a transfer if the
district does not have space for additional students or the student does not meet other acceptance
standards stated in the district’s policy.
10. How do I transfer my child to another school within the same school district?
Each public school district is required to have a policy governing a student’s transfer to another
school within the district. Copies of the policy may be obtained by contacting the school district
office.
6
11. How do I transfer my child to a school in a different school district?
If the student is enrolling in an online school program, the parent/guardian (or student age 18 or
older) should fill out a Choice Transfer request form provided by the resident school district.
If the student is enrolling in a non-online school program, the process varies. Contact the
nonresident school district program before starting the transfer process. Make sure they are
accepting new students and find out how to make the transfer request.
Ultimately, the student must be released from his/her resident district and be accepted by the
district in which he/she wants to enroll. The student’s home school district must allow the student to
attend school in another district if:
 The student’s financial, educational, safety, or health conditions would likely be improved,
or
 Attendance in the nonresident district is more accessible to the parent’s/guardian’s place of
work or to the location of child care, or
 There is a special hardship or detrimental condition, or
 The purpose of the transfer is for enrollment in an online course or school program offered
by an OSPI-approved provider.
12. Why was my transfer request denied?

A resident district may deny a transfer request if it would adversely affect the district’s desegregation
plan or if none of the four conditions noted above exists. A nonresident district may deny a transfer
request based on the acceptance and rejection standards stated in the district’s policy. An approved
transfer may also be revoked according to conditions listed in the nonresident district’s policy.
13. Is there a charge to transfer to another school district?

A nonresident school district may not charge a transfer fee or tuition for nonresident students.
14. May I appeal a transfer denial?

School districts are required to provide written notification of acceptance or rejection of the transfer
request. If the request is rejected, the notification must include the reasons for the denial, the steps
to appeal the decision within the district, and the right to appeal the decision to the Office of
Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). The student may appeal the resident district’s denial to
release the student if the nonresident district is willing to accept the student. The student may also
appeal the nonresident district’s refusal to accept the student.
If a district does not respond to a request for admission or a release within 45 days of the request,
the request is treated as a denial and the parent or guardian can appeal the refusal to admit or
refusal to release a student.
7
15. How do I appeal the transfer denial?
If a district does not allow your child to transfer, you may appeal to the Office of Superintendent of
Public Instruction at the following address: Administrative Resource Services, Old Capitol Building,
P.O. Box 47200, Olympia, WA 98504-7200, or by going online, completing, and submitting the
Nonresident Transfer appeals form: www.k12.wa.us/ProfPractices/adminresources/appeals.aspx.
Completed appeals applications must be mailed, and are heard by the Office of Administrative
Hearings (OAH), OSPI’s designee. A decision by the OAH may be appealed to the state Superior
Court.
16. Is a transfer student eligible for extracurricular activities?

It depends. For participation in athletics, contact your school district for local eligibility rules. For
state eligibility rules, contact the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (www.wiaa.com
or 425-687-8585). The general rule is that the student athlete must be enrolled in the nonresident
district for one calendar year without interruption.
Transfer students may participate in nonathletic extracurricular activities just as non-transfer

students do.
17. How does a transfer student get to their school of choice?

If existing district transportation routes do not meet the needs of the transferring student, the
student and parent or guardian are responsible for arranging for school transportation.
Policy
 RCW 28A.225.220 Adults, children from other districts, agreements for attending school — Tuition.
When a district, receiving students from another district, may charge tuition/fees.
 RCW 28A.225.225 Applications from school employees' children, nonresident students, or
students receiving home-based instruction to attend district school — Acceptance and rejection
standards — Notification. How a district can accept or reject applications from nonresident students
or home-based instruction students to attend the school district and the notification process.
 RCW 28A.225.230 Appeal from certain decisions to deny student's request to attend nonresident
district — Procedure. Appeal process from certain decisions of the receiving school district for a
nonresident student to enroll in the district.
 RCW 28A.225.270 Intradistrict enrollment options policies. Process for a student to request a
transfer from one school to another within his/her resident school district.
 RCW 28A.225.280 Transfer students' eligibility for extracurricular activities. Eligibility of transfer
students for extracurricular activities under Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA)
rules.
 RCW 28A.225.290 Enrollment options information booklet (as amended by 2009 c 450). Duty of the
superintendent of public instruction to prepare the enrollment options booklet.
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 RCW 28A.225.300 Enrollment options information to parents. Duty of each school district board of
directors to inform parents of the intra-district and inter-district enrollment options available to
parents/students.
 RCW 28A.225.310 Attendance in school district of choice — Impact on existing cooperative
arrangements. Cooperative agreements between the sending and receiving districts when a student
wants to attend another district.
Resources
 WIAA Eligibility Information: www.wiaa.com/ConDocs/Con951/Eligibility.pdf
 WIAA Eligibility Documents: www.wiaa.com/subcontent.aspx?SecID=351#Eligibility
Contact Information
 Contact your local school district’s main office for information about how to address intra- or inter-
district transfers.
CHARTER SCHOOLS
Charter schools are public schools that are free and open to all students in Washington.
A charter school is governed by a charter school board and operated by a nonprofit organization according
to the terms of a charter contract with an authorizer. Charter schools may be authorized either by the
Washington Charter School Commission (for charter schools located anywhere in the state) or by local
school districts approved by the State Board of Education (for charter schools located within the district).
The charter contract is intended to permit the charter school to operate with greater flexibility; to set
curriculum; and make decisions about budget, staffing, and learning opportunities, while holding the school
to high standards for performance.
A charter school must meet local, state, and federal health, safety, parents’ rights, civil rights, and
nondiscrimination laws to the same extent as a school district, provide a basic education, and meet other
state requirements set forth in the charter school law.
A maximum of 40 charter schools may be established during a five-year period, with no more than eight
established per year. As of spring 2014, eight charter schools have been authorized in the following districts:
Kent, Seattle, Spokane, and Tacoma. All but one is scheduled to open in fall 2015.
Charter schools may not limit admission except on the basis of age group, grade level, or capacity. They are
open to any student, no matter where he or she lives. If the school does not have space to enroll all students
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who apply, the school must select students through a lottery to ensure fairness (only giving preference to
siblings of students who are already enrolled).
Resources
 Washington State Board of Education Charter Schools: www.sbe.wa.gov/charters.php
 Washington State Board of Education Charter Schools FAQ: www.sbe.wa.gov/faq/charters.php
 Washington State Charter Schools Commission:
www.governor.wa.gov/issues/education/commission
Policy
 RCW 28A.710 CHARTER SCHOOLS
 Initiative Measure No. 1240
 WAC 180-19 CHARTER SCHOOLS
 WAC Title 108 CHARTER SCHOOL COMMISSION
Contact Information
 Charter School Commission: Colin.Pippin-Timco@charterschool.wa.gov or 360-515-0802;
Joshua.Halsey@charterschool.wa.gov or 360-584-9272
 Washington State Board of Education: Jack.Archer@k12.wa.us or 360-725-6025
THE INTERSTATE COMPACT ON EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

FOR MILITARY CHILDREN
The Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children (SSB 5248) passed in 2009. The goal
was to reduce the educational and emotional issues encountered when the children of military personnel
move from one state to another. The law is intended to provide as much consistency as possible with other
states, relative to school policies and procedures, while honoring the existing laws that govern public
education in our state.
NOTE: The compact applies to public schools only, and pertains to children of active duty members of the
uniformed services, National Guard, and Reserve on active duty orders. Members or veterans who are
medically discharged or retired for one year are eligible for assistance under the compact.
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Questions & Answers
18. What is covered in the compact relative to enrollment?
 Unofficial or “hand-carried” education records. If official education records cannot be released
to the parents, the custodian of the records in the sending state shall prepare and furnish to the
parent a complete set of unofficial educational records containing uniform information as
determined by the Interstate Commission. Upon receipt of the unofficial education records by a
school in the receiving state, the school shall enroll and appropriately place the student based
on the information provided in the unofficial records pending validation by the official records,
as quickly as possible.
 Official education records/transcripts. Simultaneous with the enrollment and conditional
placement of the student, the school in the receiving state shall request the student’s official
education record from the school in the sending state. Upon receipt of this request, the school in
the sending state will process and furnish the official education records to the school in the
receiving state within ten (10) days or within such time as is reasonably determined under the
rules promulgated by the Interstate Commission.
 Immunizations. Compacting states shall give thirty (30) days from the date of enrollment or
within such time as is reasonably determined under the rules promulgated by the Interstate
Commission, for students to obtain any immunization(s) required by the receiving state. For a
series of immunizations, initial vaccinations must be obtained within thirty (30) days or within
such time as is reasonably determined under the rules promulgated by the Interstate
Commission.
 Grade Placement. Students shall be allowed to continue their enrollment at grade level in the
receiving state commensurate with their grade level (including kindergarten) from a local
education agency in the sending state at the time of transition, regardless of age. A student that
has satisfactorily completed the prerequisite grade level in the local education agency in the
sending state shall be eligible for enrollment in the next highest grade level in the receiving
state, regardless of age. A student transferring after the start of the school year in the receiving
state shall enter the school in the receiving state on their validated level from an accredited
school in the sending state.
19. How are placements and attendance covered by the Military Compact?
 Course placement. When the student transfers before or during the school year, the receiving
state school shall initially honor placement of the student in educational courses based on the
student’s enrollment in the sending state school and/or educational assessments conducted at
the school in the sending state if the courses are offered. Course placement includes, but is not
limited to: Honors, International Baccalaureate, Advanced Placement, vocational, technical, and
career pathways courses. Continuing the student’s academic program from the previous school
and promoting placement in academically and career challenging courses should be paramount
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when considering placement. This does not preclude the school in the receiving state from
performing subsequent evaluations to ensure appropriate placement and continued enrollment
of the student in the course(s).
 Educational program placement. The receiving state school shall initially honor placement of
the student in educational programs based on current educational assessments conducted at
the school in the sending state or participation/placement in like programs in the sending state.
Such programs include, but are not limited to, (1) gifted and talented programs; and (2) English
as a second language (ESL). This does not preclude the school in the receiving state from
performing subsequent evaluations to ensure appropriate placement of the student.
 Eligibility for enrollment. A local education agency shall be prohibited from charging local tuition
to a military child placed in the care of a non-custodial parent or other person standing in loco
parentis who lives in a jurisdiction other than that of the custodial parent—i.e., a military child,
placed in the care of a non-custodial parent or other person standing in loco parentis who lives
in a jurisdiction other than that of the custodial parent, may continue to attend the school in
which he/she was enrolled while residing with the custodial parent.
 Eligibility for extracurricular participation. State and local education agencies shall facilitate the
opportunity for military children’s inclusion in extracurricular activities, regardless of application
deadlines, to the extent they are otherwise qualified.
20. What are the options for meeting graduation requirements relative to the Interstate Compact?
 The receiving state shall waive courses required for graduation if similar course work has been
completed in another state LEA.
 Flexibility shall be used in accepting the sending state’s exit or end of course exams, national
achievement tests, or alternative testing in lieu of testing requirements for graduation in the
receiving state.
 As an alternative to graduating from the state, a student shall be allowed to receive a diploma
from the sending school to accommodations for exit exams and graduation requirements that
the student doesn’t have time to meet.
 Should a waiver not be granted to a student who would qualify to graduate from the sending
school, the LEA shall provide an alternative means for acquiring course work so graduation may
occur on time.
Policy
 RCW 28A.705 INTERSTATE COMPACT ON EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY FOR MILITARY CHILDREN
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Resources
 OSPI Military Kids—Resources and Links: www.k12.wa.us/MilitaryKids/Resources.aspx
 Interstate Compact for Military Children: www.k12.wa.us/MilitaryKids/InterstateTransfers.aspx
 Military Students on the Move: A Toolkit for Military Parents:
http://hanscomservices.com/graphics/School%20Liaison/PDFs/A-Toolkit-for-Military-
Parents_2012.pdf
Contact Information
 OSPI Military Kids Resource: 360-725-4968
ESEA & PERSISTENTLY DANGEROUS SCHOOLS

When the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) was reauthorized as the No Child Left Behind
(NCLB) Act and signed into law in 2002, it required states to test students in reading and math in Grades 3–8
and once in high school.
The major focus of ESEA is to close student achievement gaps by providing all children with a fair, equal, and
significant opportunity to obtain a high-quality education. The U.S. Department of Education emphasizes four
pillars within the bill:
 Accountability: Ensures those students who are disadvantaged achieve academic proficiency.
 Flexibility: Allows school districts flexibility in how they use federal education funds to improve
student achievement.
 Research-based education: Emphasizes educational programs and practices that have been proven
effective through scientific research.
 Parent options: Increases the choices available to the parents of students attending Title I schools.
ESEA provides an enrollment option for parents concerned about the safety of their student.
Question & Answer

21. What ESEA enrollment option is available to parents/guardians?
If a student attends a persistently dangerous school or is a victim of a violent criminal offense while
on school grounds, the student must be allowed to attend a safe school within the same school
district.
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Policy
 PL 107-110 No Child Left Behind Act. This legislation was first introduced in the U.S. Congress in
January of 2001, and was ultimately signed into law by President George W. Bush on January 8, 2002.
Resource
 OSPI NCLB: www.k12.wa.us/esea/NCLB.aspx
Contact Information
 OSPI School Safety Center: 360-725-6044
HIGH SCHOOL COURSEWORK BEFORE 9TH GRADE

(Public School or Approved Private School Student Option)
Under this program, a student may receive credits for completing high school courses before entering 9th
grade. Credits may be applied to fulfilling high school graduation requirements if:
 The course is taken with high school students, the academic level of the course exceeds the
requirements for 7th- and 8th-grade classes, and the student successfully completes and passes the
same course requirements and examinations as the high school students enrolled in the class; or
 The academic level of the course exceeds the requirements for 7th- and 8th-grade classes and the
course qualifies for high school credit because the course is similar or equivalent to a course offered
at a high school in the district. The teacher must also be qualified to teach at the high school level.
Students who have taken and successfully completed high school courses are not required to take an
additional competency examination or perform any other additional assignment to receive credit.
Questions & Answers

22. What conditions must be met for a student taking a high school course before entering high school
to earn credit for that class?
There are three conditions that must be addressed upon completion of a high school course taken
before attending high school to receive high school credit:
 The student and his or her family should make the request that the course be counted for high
school purposes, and included on the high school transcript.
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 If the academic level of the course exceeds the requirements for 7th- and 8th-grade classes, the
course must be taken with high school students. The student must complete the same
coursework and pass the same tests as the high school students enrolled in the class.
 If the academic level of the course exceeds the requirements for 7th- and 8th-grade classes, the
course would qualify for high school credit, because the course is similar or equivalent to a
course offered at a high school in the district as determined by the school district board of
directors, and the teacher is qualified to teach at the high school level.
23. Can a high school course taken using this opportunity later be removed from the high school
transcript, should the student see the grade as a liability?
Once a high school-level course is on a student’s transcript, it cannot be removed. The transcript
must include the student’s academic history for all high school-level courses attempted, including
courses taken before high school when the student or family requests the course to be added.
24. Are algebra and geometry courses taken prior to high school required and automatically included
on the transcript because they are graduation requirements?
Courses taken before 9th grade are not automatically included on the high school transcript, even if
they are state graduation requirements. The student or family must request that high school–level
courses taken before high school be included on the transcript. High school students may meet math
graduation requirements without receiving credit for courses taken prior to 9th grade in a variety of
ways.
Policy
 RCW 28A.230.090 High school graduation requirements or equivalencies — Reevaluation of
graduation requirements — Review and authorization of proposed changes — Credit for courses
taken before attending high school — Postsecondary credit equivalencies.
Contact Information
 Contact your school’s principal or counselor/advisor for information about how to enroll in these
courses and to request that the class and grade be posted to the high school transcript.
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Specialized/Dual Credit Enrollment Options
ALTERNATIVE LEARNING EXPERIENCE
(Public School or Home-Based Student Option)
An Alternative Learning Experience (ALE) is primarily defined by learning activities that occur in whole or in
part outside of a regular classroom setting. ALEs are intended to give public schools the flexibility to serve a
diverse student population. The specific requirements and expectations of these alternative learning
activities are detailed in a written student learning plan (WSLP) developed and supervised by a certificated
public school teacher. Check with your school or district to see if an ALE program is offered or how you may
access an ALE program from another school. Information on how to enroll in an online school program can
be found on the OSPI Digital Learning Department (DLD) website.
OSPI provides general support, consultation, and technical assistance regarding alternative education with a
primary focus on implementing ALE under WAC 392-121-182.
Questions & Answers

25. What is ALE?
ALE is a course or, for Grades K–8, grade-level coursework for public school students that is primarily
characterized by learning activities that occur away from the regular public school classroom setting.
OSPI’s DLD maintains a website that addresses specific requirements and expectations of these
learning activities. To receive state basic education funding for ALE, a school district must comply
with the ALE funding requirements detailed in WAC 392-121-182.
26. How is ALE different from home-based instruction?

Although ALE may be similar to home-based instruction because it occurs away from school, it is not
home-based instruction. ALE is a public school learning experience that is planned, developed, and
supervised by a certificated public school teacher. Home-based instruction is subject to specific state
laws (RCW 28A.200 and RCW 28A.225.010)—with planning and supervision falling under the
authority of the parent who is encouraged to work with a certificated teacher in their resident district
for planning and progress checks. Home-based students may enroll part-time in public school classes
and programs, including ALE.
27. What are the different types of ALE?

Because of the flexible and innovative nature of ALE, it is difficult to categorize these learning options
or programs into specific types. An ALE program may offer different types of ALE courses or
coursework. Check with your local district to see what options are offered.
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The following is a brief, generalized overview of types of ALE courses:
 Online: Online courses are courses where more than half of the content is online, more than half
the instruction is delivered remotely, and a certificated teacher has the primary responsibility for
the student’s instructional interaction. Computer-based learning that occurs solely in a
classroom setting under the direct supervision of a teacher is not ALE.
 Remote: An ALE course is remote when it is not an online course, and the student has less than
20 percent instructional contact time with the teacher during the total weekly time for the
course.
 Site-based: An ALE course is site-based when it is not an online course, and the student has at
least 20 percent instructional contact time with the teacher during the total weekly time in the
course.
Policy
 WAC 392-121-182 Alternative learning experience requirements.
Resource
 OSPI Digital Learning Department’s frequently asked questions about ALE:
digitallearning.k12.wa.us/ale/support/faq.php
Contact Information
 OSPI Digital Learning Department: DLDinfo@k12.wa.us or 206-616-9940
ONLINE LEARNING
Students can either enroll in a full-time or part-time online school program, or take individual online courses
coordinated with their local school district. Information about online learning options is provided in the
“Parent Guide” on the OSPI Digital Learning Department (DLD) website.
Every district in the state has a board policy and a set of procedures regarding online learning. These policies
and procedures lay out the options each district is making available to their students. Check with your local
district to see what online options they’ve made available for your child.
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Questions & Answers
28. How does my child participate in a full-time or part-time online school program?
Your local district may offer an online school program. If not, you may need to transfer your student
to another district that does offer a program. You can start your search by examining the online
school programs that have been approved by OSPI.
29. Will a full-time, online school program cost me extra?

All students in Washington are entitled to a free basic education. All OSPI-approved online school
programs are Washington public schools and will serve students at no charge. Note, however, that
students are subject to the serving school district’s regular student fee schedule (for fines, materials,
fees, etc.). Also, many online school programs require the student to provide their own computer
and access to the Internet.
30. How does my child participate in individual online courses?

Contact the school to learn of your options and the enrollment procedures. Your student’s school
may be using the Digital Learning Department (DLD) online course offerings or may offer access to its
own individual online courses (either developed by the district or purchased from an online
provider). Information about DLD online courses can be found on the DLD website. Courses offered
to students for which the district claims state education funding or that are included as part of the
regular school day will be paid for by the school district.
31. Who decides how my student’s online credit will be reflected on his/her transcripts?
If the course is from an OSPI-approved online provider, the district must award credit for online
courses that meet graduation requirements. The school/district in which your student is enrolled has
final say on how that credit is reflected on your student’s transcript.
Policy
 RCW 28A.250 ONLINE LEARNING
Resource
 OSPI Digital Learning Department: www.digitallearning.k12.wa.us
Contact Information
 OSPI Digital Learning Department: DLDinfo@k12.wa.us or 206-616-9940
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PART-TIME & ANCILLARY SERVICES
(Approved Private School or Home-Based Student Option)
State law allows home-based and private school students to enroll in their resident public school to take a
course or receive an ancillary service not available in the private school or home-based setting. By definition,
these students would then become part-time students in the public school.
An ancillary service is any co-curricular service or activity, any healthcare service or activity, and any other
services or activities. This could include, but is not limited to, counseling, psychological services, testing,
remedial instruction, speech and hearing therapy, healthcare services, and tutorial services such as home or
hospital instruction for students who are expected to be unable to attend school for four weeks or longer
due to illness, and sports activities (WAC 392-134-005). To qualify to participate in interscholastic activities, a
student must meet eligibility criteria. Such criteria are determined by the Washington Interscholastic
Activities Association (WIAA).
Policy
 RCW 28A.150.350 Part time students — Defined — Enrollment authorized — Reimbursement for
costs — Funding authority recognition — Rules, regulations.
Contact Information
 Contact your local public high school or school district for information about part- time enrollment.
 OSPI Program Coordinator for Private Education: PrivateSchools@k12.wa.us or 360-725-6433
(menu option 1)
ADVANCED PLACEMENT
The Advanced Placement (AP) program allows students to take rigorous courses while still in high school.
Students may earn college credit and/or advanced placement into upper-level college courses by taking AP
exams. Many colleges and universities recognize AP courses when making admissions decisions.
Resources
 OSPI Advanced Placement Office: www.k12.wa.us/AdvancedPlacement
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Contact Information
 Contact your local high school or school district for information about AP opportunities.
 OSPI Advanced Placement Supervisor: Barbara.Dittrich@k12.wa.us or 360-725-6097
COLLEGE IN THE HIGH SCHOOL

College in the High School (CHS) is a program governed by a local contract between a high school and a
college or university. It is an opportunity for 11th- and 12th-grade students to be enrolled in high school and
college at the same time and to earn high school and college credit in the same course. The course and
instruction must be fully equivalent to the course and instruction that occurs on the college or university
campus. Together the high school and college or university define any additional criteria for student
eligibility.
Some colleges and universities contract with local school districts to provide college courses on their high
school campuses. Such interlocal agreements may be written outside of the formal CHS model. However,
they must be compliant with all state laws and administrative rules. These agreements may allow students
to participate before they reach 11th grade.
Policy
 RCW 28A.600.290 College in the high school program — Rules.
 RCW 28A.320.015 School boards of directors — Powers — Notice of adoption of policy.
 RCW 28B.50.140 Boards of trustees — Powers and duties.
 RCW 28B.20.130 Powers and duties of regents — General. (University of Washington)
 RCW 28B.30.150 Regents — General powers and duties. (Washington State University)
 RCW 28B.35.120 Trustees — General powers and duties of board. (Regional universities)
 RCW 28B.40.120 Trustees — General powers and duties of board. (The Evergreen State College)
Resource
 State Board of Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) College in the High School:
www.sbctc.ctc.edu/college/_e-collegeinhighschool.aspx
Contact Information
 Contact your local public high school or school district for information about CHS or other college-
level opportunities with the high school.
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INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE
(Public School or Approved Private School Option)
The International Baccalaureate (IB) program is designed as an academically challenging and balanced
program of education with final examinations that prepares students, normally aged 16 to 19, for success at
university and life beyond. The program is normally taught for two years and has gained recognition and
respect from the world’s leading universities.
Students may take individual IB courses and take exams to earn college credit. Students may study up to six
courses and take exams at higher level or standard level in an effort to earn an IB diploma.
In addition, the program has three core requirements that are included to broaden the educational
experience and challenge students to apply their knowledge and understanding: the extended essay, a
“Theory of Knowledge” course, and a service requirement.
Resource
 International Baccalaureate: www.ibo.org
Contact Information
 Contact your high school or school district IB coordinator for information about IB opportunities.
 OSPI Advanced Placement Program Supervisor: Barbara.Dittrich@k12.wa.us or 360-725-6097
RUNNING START
Running Start is a program designed for 11th- and 12th-grade students. It allows eligible students to enroll in
college-level (100 or higher) academic or vocational courses or programs in a community college, technical
college, and select four-year universities (currently Central Washington University, Eastern Washington
University, Washington State University, Northwest Indian College, and Spokane Tribal College).
Both high school and university/technical college credits may be obtained for successfully completed
courses. Evidence of successful completion of each course will be included in the student’s public high school
records and transcripts.
 The combined number of classes/credits that a Running Start student can take for which the state
would reimburse the school district and the college/university may not exceed 1.2 full-time
equivalent (FTE) enrollment status. For example, a student taking 15 credits at a college would be
considered a 1.0 FTE. Likewise, in many high schools, a student enrolled in five classes would also be
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considered a 1.0 FTE. This maximum allowable FTEs will require students and parents to work closely
with their school and college counselors/advisors to make sure that they do not exceed the allowable
maximum and thereby be required to pay tuition for any such excess credits.
 If the secondary school student is accepted for college enrollment, the college must send written
notice to the student, the student’s school district, and OSPI within 10 days of acceptance. The
notice must indicate the course(s) and hours of enrollment for that student.
State funds will be transferred from the school district to the college, not to exceed 1.2 FTE as noted
in a previous question.
Questions & Answers

32. How can students enrolled in a private school or home schooling participate in Running
Start?
Eligible students enrolled in a private school or home schooling may also participate in Running Start
by making arrangements with the public school district in which they are eligible to enroll, and with
the college/university of their choice.
33. Who determines whether a student may enroll in Running Start?

Both the public high school and the college must decide. The school district must first determine
that:
 The student is eligible to be in the 11th or 12th grade, and
 The college courses selected by the student qualify for high school credit.
 The student may be required to take a placement test administered by the college.
The college determines if the student qualifies for admission.
34. Are there any costs or fees to participate in Running Start that are the responsibility of
students/parents?
 College tuition that occurs as a result of combined enrollment status that exceeds 1.2 FTE is the
responsibility of the student/parent(s).
 Colleges/universities have the authority to charge Running Start students all other mandatory
fees and/or up to 10 percent of tuition and fees (waivers may be issued to low-income students).
The presidents of the community and technical colleges have not sought a tuition charge for
Running Start as of this publication date.
 Cost of transportation to and from the community or technical college and cost of college books
and other student-owned or consumable supplies are the responsibility of the student.
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35. Are Running Start students eligible for financial assistance?
 Any student who is still associated with his or her high school is not eligible for federal or state
financial aid, with one exception: public colleges and universities are permitted, but not
required, to offer institutional financial assistance to needy Running Start students.
 Basic eligibility for federal and state need-based aid is dependent on the student’s and family’s
financial strength, not participation in Running Start. Having earned credits as a Running Start
student will, however, affect the length of time a student can continue to receive aid, as well as
the annual maximum award amounts for federal student loan programs.
 Students with questions about the effect of Running Start on their student aid or scholarship
packages should always check directly with the college/university’s admissions, financial aid, and
scholarship offices.
36. When can an eligible student begin to participate in Running Start and for how long?
 A student must inform the public school district of his/her intent to apply for admission to a
university or community or technical college course for Running Start credit. Prospective
Running Start students are urged to notify the high school of their intent to apply to a college as
early as possible. It is wise to notify the high school early so the high school can evaluate and
establish the eligibility of the student and proposed college coursework for high school credit
purposes. A student in Grade 11 may not receive high school and community college or technical
college credits for more than the equivalent of the coursework for two academic years.
 Each year of eligibility (Grades 11 & 12) runs from September to June. Students are encouraged
to begin their Running Start coursework during fall term to ensure maximum opportunity for
participation.
Policy
 RCW 28A.600.300 Running start program — Definition. This law provides for the definition of the
Running Start program.
 RCW 28A.600.310 Running start program — Enrollment in institutions of higher education —
Student fees — Fee waivers — Transmittal of funds — Report on program financial support.
(Changed by E2SHB 1795 in 2011.) This law provides for the transfer of funds between school
districts and higher education institutions and places a cap on the amount of funding available (2.0
FTE to 1.2 FTE).
 RCW 28A.600.320 Running start program — Information on enrollment. This law requires districts
to provide enrollment information about the program to students in Grades 10–12.
 RCW 28A.600.330 Running start program — Maximum terms of enrollment for high school credit.
This law describes the maximum number of academic years a student may be enrolled in Running
Start.
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 RCW 28A.600.340 Running start program — Enrolled students not displaced. This law states that a
Running Start student must not displace another student.
 RCW 28A.600.350 Running start program — Enrollment for secondary and postsecondary credit.
This law allows the student to receive both high school and postsecondary school credits.
 RCW 28A.600.360 Running start program — Enrollment in postsecondary institution —
Determination of high school credits — Application toward graduation requirements. This law deals
with awarding of high school credit for postsecondary coursework, including if a similar course is not
available within the school district.
 RCW 28A.600.370 Running start program — Postsecondary credit. The law allows the institution of
higher education to award postsecondary credit to students who complete college level courses
while in high school; no fee shall be charged for the award.
 RCW 28A.600.380 Running start program — School district not responsible for transportation. This
law states that transportation to the higher education institution is not the responsibility of the
school district.
 RCW 28A.600.385 Running start program — Cooperative agreements with community colleges in
Oregon and Idaho. This law allows border school districts to enter into cooperative agreements with
community colleges in Oregon and Idaho, using the same funding formula available in Washington,
so students can earn college credit while in high school.
Resources
 OSPI Running Start Office:
www.k12.wa.us/SecondaryEducation/CareerCollegeReadiness/RunningStart.aspx
 State Board of Community and Technical Colleges Running Start:
www.sbctc.edu/college/s_runningstart.aspx
Contact Information
 Contact your local public high school’s counseling office for information about Running Start program
eligibility, application, and guidance.
 OSPI Guidance and Counseling Director: RunningStart@k12.wa.us or 360-725-0415
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ASSOCIATE DEGREES AND THE ISSUANCE
OF HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMAS
RCW 28B.50.535 allows students earning an associate degree from a community or technical college to
receive a high school diploma from the college, upon written request, even if they have not otherwise met
the high school graduation requirements. The program is open to 11th- and 12th-grade students who have
participated in the Running Start program. Upon completion of their associate degree, students may submit
a written request to receive their high school diploma from the college. Check with your high school
administration or counseling office for more details.
Questions & Answers

37. When can Running Start students, who have completed an associate degree, request the college-
A Running Start student may request the college-based high school diploma when they apply for
graduation with their associate degree or anytime thereafter.
38. Should your school continue to track your graduation status if you have indicated intent to
pursue your high school diploma through a college under the provisions of RCW 28B.50.535 (SHB
1758) and Running Start?
All Running Start students are considered public high school students. They should be served and
treated like other high school students. Providing all enrolled students with guidance for graduation
requirements and status is consistent with the guidance role of the high school, regardless of
possible alternative graduation options. For purposes of graduation rates (and related ESEA
implications), students who are successful in earning their high school diploma under RCW
28B.50.535 will count as graduates of the home high school, and students who are unsuccessful in
completing graduation requirements, either through school district or under the provisions of RCW
28B.50.535 (SHB 1758), will be considered non-graduates.
Policy
 RCW 28B.50.535 Community or technical college — Issuance of high school diploma or certificate.
This law provides for issuance of a high school diploma from a community college by meeting the
requirements for high school completion, enrolling in Running Start and earning an associate degree,
or a student 21 or older, who earns an associate degree, may request a high school diploma from the
college.
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Resource
 OSPI Associate Degrees and the Issuance of High School Diplomas:
www.k12.wa.us/SecondaryEducation/CareerCollegeReadiness/pubdocs/DegreesDiplomas.pdf
Contact Information
 OSPI Guidance and Counseling Director: RunningStart@k12.wa.us or 360-725-0415
TECH PREP
Students enrolled in Tech Prep can earn college credit in high school courses that are formally aligned—or
articulated—with college courses. Teachers from high schools and colleges work together to ensure the high
school classes match the course competencies of the college-level course.
Most of the Tech Prep high school classes articulated are part of a Career and Technical Education (CTE)
program and they connect with a college certificate or degree. There are CTE programs across Washington’s
community and technical colleges, all representing high-demand, high-level professions, from construction to
healthcare to information technology.
Tech Prep students gain advantages by preparing for their post-secondary education while in high school.
They pursue the credential that is right for them—it may be an associate or bachelor’s degree, or a
postsecondary industry certification.
Tech Prep is a dual-credit program, which means you earn high school and college credit for completing the
same course.
Typically, a student begins his or her Tech Prep program of study in 9th grade and can link two or more years
of high school with at least two years of college. Some students begin exploratory Tech Prep courses in 9th
and 10th grades.
Resources
 OSPI Career and Technical Education (CTE) Tech Prep Office:
www.k12.wa.us/careerteched/TechPrep.aspx
 State Board of Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) Tech Prep:
www.sbctc.ctc.edu/college/_e-wkforcetechprep.aspx
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Contact Information
 Contact your local public high school or school district for information about Tech Prep
opportunities.
SKILL CENTERS
Skill centers are an integral part of an overall expansion of Career and Technical Education programming in
Washington. Skill centers are regional secondary schools that serve high school students from multiple
school districts. They provide instruction in preparatory programs that are either too expensive or too
specialized for school districts to operate individually. Currently, there are 18 skill centers and branch
campuses in Washington.
The primary purpose of skill centers is to give students the academic and work skills to successfully enter the
job market or advanced education/training. Skill centers provide cost-effective, quality job training programs
that would be too expensive to offer at every high school.
Instructors use competency-based, individualized instruction to help each student learn occupational,
academic, and technical skills at a high level. Instructors challenge, motivate, and provide opportunities for
students to achieve in basic skills, critical thinking, leadership, and work skills through hands-on education,
applied academics, and technology training.
Questions & Answers

39. Who is eligible to attend a skill center?
Juniors and seniors from member public school districts are eligible, as is anyone age 16 to 20 who
has not received a high school diploma, including students who have earned GEDs.
40. What is the cost to attend a skill center?

There is no cost for students of member districts. However, some programs have a lab fee or require
specialized clothing. Other programs, such as cosmetology, may have additional fees to cover
program costs and tools for the program.
41. How do students get to the skill center?

Bus transportation is provided by each of the school districts at no cost to the students. Students
wishing to drive may be required to have the permission of their parents and sending school
principal.
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42. Do students earn credits?
Area high schools issue credits that count toward high school graduation. Some classes may count for
partial credit in required subjects such as math, science, and English language arts.
43. Can students earn college credit?

Many programs allow students the opportunity to get Tech Prep college credit for what they do in
the program when they receive an “A” or “B” grade.
Policy
 RCW 28A.245 SKILL CENTERS
Resources
 OSPI Skill Centers: www.k12.wa.us/CareerTechEd/SkillsCenters.aspx
 Washington Skill Centers: www.washingtonskillscenters.org
Contact Information
 Contact your local public high school or school district to obtain information on skill center program
eligibility, application, and guidance.
 Skill centers: www.washingtonskillscenters.org
Services Upon Identification

ENGLISH LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
School districts must ensure that students with limited English proficiency are able to participate
meaningfully in school and are not denied access to equal educational opportunities. Since knowing and
using English well is necessary for success in school, it is important that students who need additional help
learning English get it.
Even if students appear to be fluent, they may still need support in developing the language skills they need
to be successful in school. Research has demonstrated that achievement of “academic” English, the level
needed to participate in instruction in English without help, takes four to seven years to develop.
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The Transitional Bilingual Instruction Program is funded by the state of Washington. The Title III program is
funded by the federal government. The goal of both is for students to develop English language proficiency
while developing academics at grade level.
Questions & Answers

44. How do students qualify for a district’s English language development program?
When students enroll in school, parents are asked, “What language did your child first learn to
speak?” and “What language does your child use the most at home?” If the answer to either
question is a language other than English, the student takes the Washington English Language
Proficiency Assessment (WELPA). Students who score at levels 1 (beginning), 2 (intermediate), or 3
(advanced) on the Placement Test qualify for additional help to improve their English. Students
continue in the program as long as they need help learning English. Students successfully transition
from the program when they meet the exit criteria on the WELPA. The school district must provide
additional academic support to students who need it for two years after scoring at a Level 4 on the
WELPA and exiting from the program.
45. Do parents have the right to decline services?

Yes, parents can choose to remove their children from the English language development program.
However, parents should first discuss this decision with an administrator who can explain the
benefits of participation in the program. Parents should also ask about the programs and methods of
instruction available at the district. Parents have the right to choose another program or method of
instruction, if available.
46. How can parents be involved in a district’s English language development program?
Districts are required to inform parents how they can be active participants in assisting their children
to learn English, to achieve high levels in core academic subjects, and to meet the same academic
standards that all students are expected to meet.
Districts must ask for parent input into the program or method of instruction used in the English
language development program and into the district’s Title III plan. Parents can attend district
meetings and provide suggestions/ideas on how to improve services for their children and families.
47. How can a parent who does not speak English be involved?
Parents can ask the district to provide an interpreter at school meetings and to provide important
written documents in a language other than English. School districts have the responsibility to
communicate with parents who have limited English skills.
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Resources
 OSPI Transitional Bilingual Instructional Program and Title III Office:
www.k12.wa.us/MigrantBilingual/Parents.aspx
Contact Information
 OSPI Migrant and Bilingual Education Office: BilingualEducation@k12.wa.us or 360-725-6147
GIFTED/HIGHLY CAPABLE
Our state defines highly capable students (WAC 392-170-035; 036) as those who perform or show potential
for performing at significantly advanced academic levels when compared with others of their age,
experiences, or environments. Outstanding abilities are seen within students’ general intellectual aptitudes,
specific academic abilities, and/or creative productivities within a specific area. These students are present
not only in the general populace, but are present within all protected classes as defined by RCWs 28A.640
and 28A.642.
Highly capable students may possess, but are not limited to, these learning characteristics:
 Capacity to learn with unusual depth of understanding, to retain what has been learned, and to
transfer learning to new situations;
 Capacity and willingness to deal with increasing levels of abstraction and complexity earlier than
other kids their age;
 Creative ability to make unusual connections among ideas and concepts;
 Ability to learn very quickly in their area(s) of intellectual strength;
 Capacity for intense concentration and/or focus.
Districts have the local authority to develop identification procedures, for Grades K–12, that comply with
WAC 392-170 for the purpose of determining which students are the most highly capable and selecting
students to receive highly capable program services.
Districts determine the variety and continuum of services made available to students, Grades K–12, who
have been identified to receive highly capable program services.
Policy
 WAC 392.170 SPECIAL SERVICE PROGRAM—HIGHLY CAPABLE STUDENTS
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Resource
 OSPI Highly Capable Office: www.k12.wa.us/HighlyCapable
Contact Information
 Contact the local school district for identification procedures and program options and services
available to the identified highly capable students.
 Highly Capable Program Supervisor: Kristina.Johnstone@k12.wa.us or 360-725-4991
SPECIAL EDUCATION
Special education and related services are provided annually to about 132,000 eligible students across the
state. The federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires that eligible children with
disabilities have access to a free appropriate public education (FAPE). Eligible students receive services to
address their individual needs, based on their disabilities, and to progress in the general educational
curriculum.
Resource
 OSPI Special Education family guidance: www.k12.wa.us/SpecialEd/Families
Contact Information
 To find out information about eligibility for special education services, contact your school district
directly.
 OSPI Special Education: SpecEd@k12.wa.us or 360-725-6075
SECTION 504
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a federal civil rights law. Section 504 prohibits discrimination
on the basis of disability in any program or activity that receives federal financial assistance, including public
schools. A student is protected under Section 504 if he or she has a physical or mental impairment that
substantially limits one or more major life activities. Major life activities include, but are not limited to,
caring for one's self, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning,
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working, eating, sleeping, reading, concentrating, thinking, communicating, and major bodily functions (such
as the functions of the digestive, immune, respiratory, circulatory, and endocrine systems).
Section 504 evaluation and placement decisions are made by a team of people, including someone
knowledgeable about the student, someone knowledgeable about the evaluation data, and someone
knowledgeable about placement options. Once a student is evaluated and determined eligible for Section
504, the school district must provide the student any accommodations, aids, or services that the Section 504
team determines the student needs to access and benefit from his or her education to the same extent as
his or her non-disabled peers. These accommodations, aids, or services are typically detailed in a Section 504
plan.
Resources
 OSPI Equity and Civil Rights Office: www.k12.wa.us/Equity
 Frequently Asked Questions About Section 504 and the Education of Children with Disabilities (U.S.
Department of Education Office of Civil Rights): www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/504faq.html
Contact Information
 Contact your local public school or school district Section 504 Coordinator
(www.k12.wa.us/Equity/ContactList.aspx) for information about Section 504 and the school’s
referral processes.
 OSPI Equity and Civil Rights Office: Equity@k12.wa.us or 360-725-6162
 U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights (OCR), Seattle Office: Seattle@ed.gov or 206-
607-1600
HOMELESS STUDENTS AND THE MCKINNEY-VENTO ACT

The federal McKinney-Vento Act provides specific protections for children and youth (including
unaccompanied youth) who are experiencing homelessness by ensuring immediate school enrollment, equal
access, and school stability. Children and youth who are homeless, as defined by the federal McKinney-Vento
Act, have a right to remain in their school of origin whenever possible and according to their best interest.
Homeless students who lack records, including records normally required for enrollment such as previous
academic records, medical records, proof of residency, birth certificates, or other documents, are to be
immediately enrolled and served. Because homeless students will not necessarily follow the same processes
as housed students when enrolling in schools or transferring between districts, it is important that families
contact their local school district’s homeless liaison for more information about the rights of homeless
students, school enrollment options, and the provision of student services as outlined in the McKinney-Vento
Act.
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Resources
 Washington school district homeless liaisons: www.k12.wa.us/HomelessEd/ContactList.aspx
 National Center for Homeless Education: http://center.serve.org/nche
Contact Information
 Homeless Education Supervisor: Melinda.Dyer@k12.wa.us or 360-725-6050
Other Enrollment Options

ALTERNATIVE SCHOOLS
Alternative education includes a number of approaches to teaching and learning other than mainstream or
traditional education approaches. These programs often emphasize the value of a small class size, close
relationships between students and teachers, and a sense of community. More than 300 public alternative
schools and programs in school districts exist across the state. Contact your local school district for more
information.
Policy
 RCW 28A.150.305 Alternative educational service providers — Student eligibility.
Contact Information
 Contact your local public high school or school district to learn about alternative school options.
APPROVED PRIVATE SCHOOLS

(Approved Private School Student Option)
Approved private schools are schools that have met the requirements established by the Washington State
Board of Education for approval. The schools must follow certain laws and rules to maintain their annual
approval.
Resource
 OSPI Private Education Office: www.k12.wa.us/PrivateEd/PrivateSchools
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Policy
 RCW 28A.195 Private Schools
 WAC 180-90 Private Schools
Contact Information
 OSPI Program Coordinator for Private Education: PrivateSchools@k12.wa.us or 360-725-6433
(menu option 1)
ATTENDING SCHOOLS CONTIGUOUS TO WASHINGTON

Students in Washington may attend neighboring school districts in Idaho or Oregon if an agreement exists
between the school districts involved and the laws of the other states permit.
Policy
 RCW 28A.225.260 Reciprocity exchanges with other states
Contact Information
 Contact your local public high school or school district.
DROPOUT REENGAGEMENT PROGRAMS

Youth between the ages of 16 and 21 who have dropped out of school or are not expected to graduate from
high school by the age of 21 may be able to participate in a dropout reengagement program for education
and services.
Dropout reengagement programs must offer:
 Academic instruction, academic skills, and college- and work-readiness preparation that generates
high school credit for a diploma and has the goal of academic and work readiness, including high
school equivalency certificates preparation;
 Instruction by certificated teachers or college instructors whose credentials are established by the
college;
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 Case management, counseling, and resource and referral services; and
 Opportunity for qualified students to enroll in college courses tuition-free, if the program provider is
a college.
Policy
 RCW 28A.175 DROPOUT PREVENTION, INTERVENTION, AND RETRIEVAL SYSTEM
 WAC 392.700 DROPOUT REENGAGEMENT
Contact Information
 This is a new program option for communities. Contact your local school district for more
information.
HOME-BASED INSTRUCTION
(Home-Based Student Option)
Policy
 RCW 28A.200 Home-based instruction — Certain decisions responsibility of parent unless
otherwise specified.
Resources
 OSPI Home-Based Education Office: www.k12.wa.us/PrivateEd/HomeBasedEd
 Washington Home School Organization (WHO): www.washhomeschool.org
 Christian Heritage Home Educators of Washington: www.christianheritageonline.org
Contact
 OSPI Program Coordinator for Private Education: HomeBased@k12.wa.us or 360-725-6433 (menu
option 1)
NON-HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT OPTION

A student living in a school district that does not offer the grade in which the student is eligible to enroll may
attend another school in any other school district in the state that offers that grade.
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Policy
 RCW 28A.545.040 "Student residing in a nonhigh school district" defined.
Contact Information
 Contact your local public high school or school district.
UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON EARLY ENTRANCE PROGRAM

The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction funds the University of Washington (UW) for the education
of academically gifted students through a two-step early entrance program:
 The Transition School is one of the most prestigious early university entrance programs in the nation.
It is a one-year college preparatory program for students who intend to enter the Early Entrance
Program at the University of Washington. To enroll, students leave the K–12 school system, usually
after finishing 8th grade. They accept 16 students into the program each year.
 The UW Academy is the premier early university admission program for students in Washington
finishing their 10th-grade year. It admits up to 35 academically advanced and highly motivated
students each year.
Resource
 Early Entrance Program: www.depts.washington.edu/cscy/programs/early-entrance-program
Contact Information
 Halbert and Nancy Robinson Center for Young Scholars: 206-543-4160
 OSPI Special and Federal Accountability: 360-725-6100
For More Information

For information concerning Learning by Choice or other enrollment options, contact your local school district.
If you have questions not answered in this booklet, please call OSPI at 360-725-6000.
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To order more copies of this document, please call 888-59-LEARN (888-595-3276)
or visit www.k12.wa.us/publications
Please refer to the document number below for quicker service:
14-0029
This document is available online: www.k12.wa.us/GeneralInfo/EnrollmentOptions.aspx
This material is available in alternative format upon request.

Contact the Resource Center at 888-595-3276, TTY 360-664-3631.
Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Old Capitol Building
P.O. Box 47200
Olympia, WA 98504-7200
MEMORANDUM
DATE: November 2015
TO: Interested Parties
FROM: Office of the Attorney General (AGO)

SUBJECT: Running Start Program – Questions and Answers
The Running Start Program was initiated by the Legislature as a component of the 1990 parent
and student “Choice Act” (Chapter 9, Laws of 1990, 1st Ex. Sess.). As amended, the provisions
of the “Choice Act” that pertain to Running Start are codified at RCW 28A.600.300 to RCW
28A.600.400. It is intended to provide students a program option consisting of attendance at
certain institutions of higher education and the simultaneous earning of high school and
college/university credit.
Eleventh and Twelfth grade students have a right granted by the Legislature to participate in
Running Start at public expense. The exercise of that right is subject only to minimal eligibility
and procedural requirements, which are spelled out, in state administrative rules.
This document is the 2015 updated version of the “brochure” first printed in April 1997. The
answers have been developed in collaboration with a variety of K-12 and higher education
representatives and the Office of the Attorney General. The answers reflect how schools, school
districts, and higher education institutions need to implement or administer various elements of
Running Start in order to be in compliance with state statutes. There are a total of 94 questions
distributed among the following categories:
 Attendance 3 questions (p.1)

 Credit and Financial Aid Eligibility 10 questions (p. 1-3)
 Disability Services 5 questions (p. 4)
 Eligibility 37 questions (p. 5-9)
 Fees and Tuition 7 questions (p. 9-10)
 Foreign Exchange / International Students / Study Abroad 2 questions (p. 10-11)
 Graduation Requirements 8 questions (p. 11-12)
 Homeschool / Private School Students 10 questions (p. 12-13)
 Parental Rights and Responsibilities 2 questions (p. 13-14)
 Student Activities 4 questions (p. 14)
 Transcript Information 5 questions (p. 14-15)
The applicable statutes are RCW 28A.600.300 through 28A.600.400, RCW 28A.150.260,
RCW 28A.150.290, and RCW 28B.50.535.
The applicable implementing rules are found in Chapter 392-169 WAC (OSPI rules).
RUNNING START PROGRAM
Questions and Answers
November 2015
Office of the Attorney General (AGO)

For additional information contact:
Dixie Grunenfelder Linda Drake

Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction State Board of Education
(360) 725-0415 (360) 725-6028
mike.hubert@k12.wa.us linda.drake@k12.wa.us
Web site: http://www.k12.wa.us Web site: http://www.sbe.wa.gov
Scott Copeland Noreen Light

State Board for Community and Technical Washington Student Achievement
Colleges Council
(360) 704-4397 (360) 753-7811
scopeland@sbctc.edu nlight@wsac.wa.gov
Web site: http://www.sbctc.edu Web site: http://www.wsac.wa.gov
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Attendance
Q-1. May a district require that one of its public high school students attend the high school for the
purpose of completing non-credit requirements such as a High School & Beyond Plan or other local
district non-credit graduation requirement?
A. Yes. See answers to Q-66, Q-67 and Q-68.
Q-2. If a student has completed state graduation requirements, but has not yet graduated, and drops out
of any courses being taken through Running Start, is the student considered truant?
A. No. Technically, meeting state graduation requirements with or without a diploma satisfies the compulsory
attendance requirement. RCW 28A.225.010 See also Q-39.
Q-3. Can a student withdraw from a class taken through Running Start without the permission of the high
school or school district?
A. Yes. School districts should closely coordinate with colleges to ensure that the student does not become
truant due to the withdrawal from a Running Start Class. The student may have to be enrolled in additional
high school coursework to avoid truancy. Students withdrawing from a Running Start class are responsible
for following Add/Drop policies of the college consistent with their terms of enrollment. Colleges may only
claim students who participated in instructional activity sometime during the prior month. District’s
notification of a student’s withdrawal from the Running Start class ensures that the college does not
incorrectly over-claim these students.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Credit and Financial Aid Eligibility
Q-4. May a high school district elect to reduce the rate of credit granted a Running Start student for five-
quarter (credit) hours of college work to less than one credit?
A. No. RCW 28A. 230.090 and 1997 c 222 has established that five-quarter (credit) hours shall equal one high
school credit. School districts therefore, are required to grant one full high school credit for every five-
quarter credit hours of work successfully completed by a Running Start student.
Q-5. Can a high school or school district impose a sequence requirement on Running Start students?
A. Yes. A rational course sequence requirement could be imposed as long as it applied to all high school
students.
Q-6. May high school districts split the credits between required and elective courses?
A. Yes, but not on a uniform rate basis, but rather on a case-by-case evaluation of the extent to which a college
course is the equivalent of required high school course work. An arbitrary uniform rate is squarely at odds
with the course-by-course comparison and judgment required by WAC 392-169-050. It is permissible for the
common school district superintendent, on an individual course basis, to split the credit for a course that is
not comparable, following consultation with a college representative. The total credit awarded must still
equate to the five-quarter credits equals one high school credit basis.
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Q-7. Can a district refuse to establish Occupational Education or Arts dual credit equivalencies?
A. Yes. Each high school or school district board of directors has the authority to adopt course equivalencies
for Running Start Occupational Education or Arts courses offered to students. However, the Legislature has
also made it clear that its intent “is to encourage maximum student access.” School districts are encouraged
to establish any and all appropriate equivalencies, reflecting legislative intent for this program.
Q-8. May a high school restrict Running Start students from taking two like subjects in the same
academic year? (Example: English 101 and 102).
A. No.
Q-9. Are Running Start students allowed to take online classes for dual credit?
A. Yes.
Q-10. May a Running Start student "challenge" a course and be claimed for state funding?
A. Generally, no. State funding for Running Start is based on monthly enrollment counts. Students can only
be claimed on enrollment counts if they participate in instructional activities during the month prior to the
count, and are subject to the 1.2 FTE monthly enrollment limit. Accelerated completion of a course is likely
to exceed a student’s monthly enrollment limits, and could result in a charge back to the student. Students
are also responsible for paying fees associated with the challenge.
Q-11. Which college courses may a Running Start student take?

A. The entire college catalog is available to Running Start students, assuming that they have met any pre-
requisites that the college requires of all students.
Q-12. Do Washington community and technical college credits transfer to out-of-state colleges or
universities?
A. Transferability issues for courses taken while in Running Start are the same as for all other community and
technical college course work. Parents and students are encouraged to educate themselves about the
transferability of credits to another college, especially for all private and out-of-state universities and 4-year
colleges. The receiving school has the right to determine which credits it will accept.
Q-13. Do credits earned through dual enrollment programs like Running Start affect a student’s NCAA
eligibility?
A. No. NCAA Bylaw 14.2.2.3 Joint College/High School Program states: “A student-athlete’s eligibility under
the five-year rule does not begin while a student is enrolled in a collegiate institution in a joint high
school/college academic program for high school students in which the courses count as both high school
graduation credit and college credit, provided the student has not officially graduated from high school and
does not participate in intercollegiate athletics while enrolled in the joint program.” (Revised: 11/01/2001
effective 8/01/2002)
College courses may be used to satisfy NCAA core-curriculum requirements if the courses are accepted and
awarded credit by the high school for any student and meet all other requirements for core courses. College
courses must be placed on the student’s high school transcript.
Q-14. How do credits earned through dual enrollment programs impact a student’s financial aid eligibility?
A. Financial aid eligibility of students while in Running Start. Running Start students are not eligible for
federal or state financial aid. Institutions may use their institutional financial aid fund for these students if
they choose. Students are encouraged to inquire with the college to determine if there is assistance
available for books, transportation, or any remaining tuition charges if enrolled in credits above and beyond
those authorized for Running Start (unsubsidized college tuition expenses). See answers to Q53 and 58 for
tuition and fee waiver eligibility.
Financial aid eligibility of former Running Start students. Basic eligibility for federal and state need-
based aid is dependent on the student and family’s financial strength, not participation in Running Start.
Having earned credits as a Running Start student will, however, affect the length of time a student can
continue to receive aid, the satisfactory academic progress evaluation, as well as the annual maximum
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award amounts for federal student loan programs.
Tip: Students with questions about the effect of Running Start on their student aid or scholarship packages
should always check directly with the school’s admissions, financial aid, and scholarship offices.
Maximum Timeframe
Many types of financial aid have a maximum timeframe for eligibility that limits the length of time to receive
aid. The limitation depends on the state, federal, and institutional policy, but is generally either 125 or 150
percent of the program length.
For Example:
If the Student Has 90 Credits From Running Start Accepted By the School
And the four-year And the Minimum The maximum credits that And the remaining credits that
College’s Maximum Needed For a BA can be earned before losing can be earned without
Timeframe policy is: Degree is: student aid eligibility is: jeopardizing student aid is:
150% 180 270 180

125% 180 225 135
Appeals of the Timeframe

Depending on the school, individual students may be allowed to appeal the limit. Appeals, if accepted, are
based on each student’s individual circumstances. Appeals often revolve around changes to the student’s
major, reconsideration of earlier remedial coursework, or unavoidable circumstances that extend the
student’s course of study.
Effect of Year-in-School on Maximum Annual Federal Student Loan Amounts

The federal student loan programs permit higher awards for second- and third-year students than for first-
year students. Running Start students who achieve third-year status at the end of their Running Start
program will qualify for the higher loan amounts right out of high school.
Satisfactory Academic Progress

One of the requirements for financial aid eligibility is that students maintain satisfactory academic progress
(SAP). Poor academic performance in Running Start, including withdrawing from courses, can negatively
impact student aid eligibility.
SAP is a measurement of academic performance in terms of GPA and completed credits. Specific
standards may vary by institution. All prior college coursework, including that taken through Running
Start, will be evaluated for SAP.
Scholarships
Private Donor and Institutional Scholarships
Policies surrounding private scholarships rest with the donor. The awarding of institutional scholarships is
controlled by each college.
It is up to each private donor or each institution to determine how Running Start credits impact consideration
for scholarships that are reserved for freshmen.
Many four-year universities and colleges allow Running Start students to apply for scholarships. Students
should check with the scholarship office of the school in which they are enrolling to understand the college
or university policy.
3
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Disability Services
Q-15. What should a high school student with an IEP or 504 plan do to seek accommodations from the
college as part of their participation in Running Start?
A. Unlike students in K-12 schools, Running Start students have a responsibility to request any necessary
accommodations from their college directly. The student should contact the college’s disability services
office well in advance of any published deadlines to make the request. The college may require
documentation in support of a request for accommodations.
Q-16. Who is responsible for covering the costs associated with ADA or section 504 accommodations for
Running Start students?
A. Institutions of higher education are responsible for providing reasonable accommodations to qualified
students under the ADA and section 504. As with any other enrolled qualified student, colleges and
universities must cover the costs of complying with ADA or section 504 for Running Start students who are
enrolled in classes located at the college or university.
Q-17. Who is responsible for covering the costs associated with special education services that are
outlined in a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP)?
A. School districts are responsible for providing the services outlined in an Individualized Education Program
(IEP) for an eligible student. See WAC 392-169-080. Colleges and high schools should work together to
ensure that a student’s needs are being met, including, where appropriate, entering into an interagency
agreement to assure that each agency is complying with its respective duties to provide appropriate
accommodations to the disabled student under state and federal law. School districts providing special
education services to a student can claim eligible students on the P223H for special education funding. The
enrolled hours of special education services that are part of a high school program may be claimed as a
partial FTE on the P223 for basic education funding, provided that the combined high school and Running
Start FTE does not exceed 1.20 FTE.
Q-18. How long is a student with an IEP or section 504 plan eligible for Running Start?
A. Running Start is intended to provide the equivalent of two academic years of eligibility for dual credit. An
IEP or section 504 plan, however, may indicate a student’s need to extend the length of time required to
complete his or her secondary education program. It is also possible that the academic and calendar year
may not coincide under the IEP or section 504 plan. Eligibility for Running Start may continue, if appropriate
to the IEP or section 504 plan, while the student continues work toward the diploma so long as the courses
being taken continue to address specific credit requirements necessary for high school graduation and the
student is otherwise eligible.
Q-19. Does an IEP automatically qualify a student for Running Start if identified in the student’s transition
plan?
A. No. The student must be eligible for Running Start in order to be claimed as a Running Start student. The
IEP doesn’t override or trump that requirement. Under the law, a transition plan is simply a course of
instruction that is part of a student’s IEP.
4
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Eligibility
Q-20. What are the definitions of an FTE and AAFTE?

FTE (Full Time Equivalent) is the measurement of a student’s instructional enrollment. For high school
and skills center classes, 1.0 FTE is equal to 25 instructional weekly hours or 1,500 weekly minutes. For
part-time high school enrollment, FTE is calculated by dividing the student’s enrolled weekly minutes by
1,500.
For Running Start college course, FTE is based on the number of enrolled college credits. The formula to
calculate a student’s FTE is (# of enrolled credits ÷ 15).
AAFTE (Annual Average Full Time Equivalent) is defined as the annual average FTE. For high school
classes, AAFTE is the 10-month average of reported enrollment from September through June. For
Running Start courses, AAFTE is the 9-month average of reported enrollment from October through June.
Q-21. Must the high schools/districts and community and technical colleges use the statewide Running
Start Enrollment Verification Form (RSEVF)?
A. Yes. A RSEVF is required to be completed prior to the beginning of the Running Start class for each
Running Start student including those attending private schools and are home-based, for each term, and for
each college. Completion would include the student, parent, high school, and college signatures. Copies of
each student’s completed form should be retained at the high school and college, as well as, a copy given to
the student. The original completed RSEVF should be given to the Running Start student.
Q-22. How frequently will the RSEVF be updated by OSPI and the SBCTC?
A. The RSEVF will be updated by OSPI and the SBCTC at least annually and be available on the OSPI
website at: http://www.k12.wa.us/SecondaryEducation/CareerCollegeReadiness/RunningStart.aspx.
Q-23. May a student change their high school or college course schedule after the RSEVF has been
signed?
A. Yes. If a student changes his high school or college schedule after the RSEVF has been signed, a new
RSEVF must be completed and submitted immediately, reflecting the revised Running Start FTE eligibility.
This informs all parties of the effect the schedule change on the claimable FTE and gives the college the
opportunity to contact the parents/student for tuition.
Q-24. Would an electronic signature from a Running Start advisor be acceptable for the RSEVF?
A. There is no legal requirement that prohibits colleges from using digital signatures on enrollment verification
forms. However, colleges are responsible for ensuring the validity and authenticity of any electronic
signatures used (RCW 19.34.310).
Q-25. May a student elect to take more than a combined 1.20 FTE of high school and college classes in a
college quarter?
A. Yes. A student may elect to take additional college classes above the 1.20 FTE, but must pay for the
additional college credits. See also Q-59 and Q-62.
Q-26. May a Running Start student be enrolled full-time at a participating college or university and also
enroll in a class at the high school?
A. Yes. A Running Start student may be claimed up to a combined 1.20 FTE between the high school and the
participating college or university with a maximum of 1.00 FTE at each entity. A student attending Running
Start full-time and taking up to 15 credits can also attend the high school and be claimed for a 0.20 FTE.
A student enrolling for more than the combined 1.20 FTE may be required to pay tuition to the college for the
additional college credits or may qualify to receive a low-income tuition waiver from the college.
5
Q-27. If a student takes a “college orientation” class or any course in August, will it be funded through
Running Start?
A. No. Running Start enrollment is limited to the standard K-12 school year funding months (September
through June). Enrollment in August is outside this funding period and cannot be claimed for state
apportionment.
Q-28. Can the college claim and bill for a compressed class completed prior to the October “count” date?
A. Running Start enrollment is based on enrollment on or prior to the “count” day and the Running Start FTE is
based on the student enrolled. Often times, students may take a compressed class offered at the college
campus in September. Colleges can choose to base the October count on the compressed September
class or choose to count the student’s fall term college classes. Colleges are limited to one of these choices
and the student’s September compressed class and the fall term enrollment cannot be combined. Colleges
are limited in claiming the September compressed class for the October count day only.
Q-29. Can school districts limit a student’s enrollment in Running Start?
A. A school district cannot limit a student’s enrollment in Running Start by requiring the student to be enrolled
full-time in high school classes and restricting the student’s enrollment at the college to 0.20 FTE.
Students who qualify for Running Start can enroll up to 15 college credits, provided that they satisfy the
college’s prerequisite requirements and do not surpass the combined 1.20 FTE and AAFTE maximums.
Q-30. May a school district condition a student’s eligibility for enrollment as a student in the Running Start
Program upon a determination by school district personnel that the student is academically qualified
to take college or university course work?
A. No. The determination of whether or not a student is competent to profit from college or university course
work is within the jurisdiction and authority of the college or university. WAC 392-169-045
Q-31. May a school district condition a student's eligibility for enrollment in the Running Start Program
upon the maintenance of a particular grade point average?
A. No. The eligibility requirements for participation in the Running Start Program are set forth in statute and rule
to the exclusion of any GPA requirement. Nothing in statute or rule implies any authority for school districts
to impose additional requirements or conditions upon a student who meets the minimum requirements
imposed by law.
Q-32. How is junior/senior standing determined?

A. It is the responsibility of the school district to establish junior/senior standing. Any criteria used
to establish grade placement must be applied uniformly in accordance with district policy to students
irrespective of their status as Running Start students. See also Q-77.
Q-33. May a student start the Running Start Program mid-year?

A. Yes. Students may begin to take Running Start classes at the start of any term during their junior or senior
academic year (excluding summer college quarter).
Note: In order to receive the full benefit of the Running Start program allowable under the law, students
should start at the beginning of the first term of their junior year in high school.
WAC 392169-055
6
Q-34. May a second-year senior enroll in the Running Start Program?
A. A second-year senior may enroll in the Running Start Program if they have been enrolled previously as a
junior or a senior, but may only take those specific courses needed to graduate from high school. A
second-year senior is generally understood as being a student who has failed to meet high school
graduation requirements by the end of the student’s 12th grade academic year. WAC 392-169-055
Q-35. Can a student have all the credits for a diploma and still attend Running Start if they do not take the
step of graduating? (This is the same question as Q-68. It is included under two different topics because
it pertains to both.)
Q-36. Can a student in second-year senior status stay in Running Start just to complete an associate
degree?
A. No. Running Start is a dual credit program and is intended to advance students toward the earning of credit
to complete high school graduation requirements, RCW 28A.600.360, WAC 392.160.015. The pursuit of an
associate degree is not the intent of the Running Start program.
Q-37. May a high school deny Running Start participation to students under the age of 21?
A. No. A student who is under the age 21 as of September 1st of the new school year is eligible to participate in
Running Start for that school year, provided they have not met their district’s graduation requirements. A
student who turns 21 during the school year, has not met the school districts graduation requirements, and
is determined to be a junior or senior by the school district may continue to participate for that school year
but could not continue for the next school year.
Q-38. Can a Running Start student retake a course to improve their grade?
A. Yes, if repeating the course is allowed by both high school and college local policies.
Q-39. Are Running Start students subject to the compulsory attendance laws?
A. Yes, Running Start students are subject to the compulsory attendance laws, as set out in RCW
28A.225.010.
Q-40. May a student expelled from high school for a serious offense continue to be enrolled in Running
Start?
A. Yes. Students who have been suspended or expelled from their high school for a violation of school district
policies may continue to participate in college classes through the end of the academic term. Colleges may
not discipline Running Start students who have been suspended or expelled from high school unless the
college determines that the student has violated the college’s own student conduct code. Districts and
colleges should address the applicability of their respective discipline policies in contractual agreements or
memoranda of understanding.
Q-41. May a student who has been previously expelled from high school enroll in a college course through
Running Start?
A. Yes, contingent upon being reenrolled in a high school.
Q-42. If a currently-enrolled Running Start student moves out of the high school district, can the student
continue Running Start through the original district?
A. Yes. A student who moves to a new school district in Washington state after enrolling in Running Start,
attends an institution of higher education located in the new school district, and takes no classes at any high
school in the new district, shall be deemed to have retained his or her residence in the school district of
initial Running Start enrollment for high school graduation, funding, and other purposes under the Running
Start Program. WAC 392-169-020(2)
7
Q-43. Is a student who completes Grade 12 in one district, then transfers the following year to another
district where the student is placed as a 12th grader (not as a second-year senior) eligible to be
coded as a first-year senior in Running Start?
A. No. The student is limited to second-year senior standards. RCW 28A.600.330
Q-44. Do Running Start students need to meet all district and state graduation requirements in order to
earn a district high school diploma?
A. Yes.
Q-45. May Running Start students earning a district high school diploma be excused from the required
statewide proficiency tests because the testing conflicts with college classes?
A. No. Arrangements should be made at the college or high school to accommodate the student who is taking
the high school test required by the state.
Q-46. If a Running Start student withdraws from the college, can the high school prohibit the student from
returning to the high school?
A. No. It is the duty of the high school to provide an education for students residing in the district or who have
been released from their resident district to attend the district through a choice transfer as otherwise
provided by law.
Q-47. What is the responsibility of the school district to inform potential Running Start students about the
Running Start program?
A. A school district shall provide general information about the program to all pupils in grades ten, eleven, and
twelve and the parents and guardians of those pupils, including information about the opportunity to enroll
in the program through online courses available at state institutions of higher education and including the
college high school diploma options under RCW 28B.50.535. To assist the district in planning, a pupil shall
inform the district of the pupil's intent to enroll in courses at an institution of higher education for credit.
Students are responsible for applying for admission to the institution of higher education. RCW 28A.600.320
Q-48 Who determines which university or college the students will attend?
A. The students and their parents. Although students will generally attend the college closest to their high
school district, they may attend any eligible state institution of higher education.
Q-49. Is a school district required to provide transportation to a student with disabilities who wants to take
classes through Running Start?
A. A school district would be responsible for necessary transportation of a Running Start student to and from
college if the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) provides for Running Start enrollment in an
institution of higher education.
Q-50. Can a school district deny a student’s application to enroll in Running Start if the student does not
want a diploma from the district or the high school?
A. No. If the student meets all eligibility requirements, the school district cannot keep a student from
participating.
Q-51. Can a college or university limit the proportion of Running Start students in any individual class?
A. No. A college cannot deny access to Running Start students for participation in any single course or
program. Under the law, any policy adopted to limit Running Start enrollment must be generally applicable
and related to physical facility limitations, operating funds limitations, academically efficient class size, or a
student’s ability to benefit from a particular class, course or program.
8
Q-52. Can a school district impose a registration deadline or otherwise limit registration times for Running
Start?
A. No. However, the college can impose a registration deadline. It is recommended that high schools and
colleges work together to define a mutually agreeable deadline for registration. Schedules must include
enough flexibility not to impose barriers on students’ Running Start participation. A complete Running Start
Verification Form (RSEVF) must be in place prior to the start of the Running Start class.
Q-53. Must students disclose their immigration status on Running Start application forms?
A. No. Provided that the student meets the definition of an enrolled student pursuant to WAC 392-121-106, a
student’s immigration status does not prohibit them from enrolling in classes that receive basic education
funding, including Running Start. Residency is defined in WAC 392-137-115.
However, residency determinations must be made for students who exceed the 1.2 FTE, enroll in non-
college level courses during the regular term, or enroll in any course(s) during the summer term between
junior and senior years of high school, as these possibilities would not be covered under the Running Start
reimbursement and would be subject to residency for tuition determination as defined in RCW 28B.15.012.
Q-54. Must students disclose their social security or Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) on
Running Start application forms?
A. No. However, colleges may ask all students, including Running Start students, to provide their social
security numbers or ITIN for federal tax reporting purposes. Under federal law, colleges must have a legally
permissible need to collect this information, must inform individuals that disclosure is voluntary, and must
explain the legal basis for seeking the numbers and how the college intends to use them.
Q-55. Can a student residing outside of Washington take online courses with Washington colleges
through Running Start?
A. No. In order to meet the definition of an enrolled student, the student must be a resident of a Washington
state district pursuant to WAC 392-121-106. Running Start funding is only available to Washington state
residents enrolled in a Washington state public high school and living in Washington. Residency is defined
within WAC 392-137-115 defines residency based on the expectation that the student resides in the district
for a minimum of 20 days.
Q-56. Can a student who is attending a nonresident district pursuant a choice transfer participate in
Running Start at a college near their home district?
Yes. This can be accomplished in two ways. The choice district can completed a RSEVF with the college in
the student’s home district and the college would report the student’s enrollment to the choice district. Or
the choice district can enter into an inter-district agreement with the home district, releasing a portion of the
student’s FTE for the home district to use for the student’s Running Start enrollment. Refer to Bulletin #008-
14 for more information on choice transfers and inter-district agreements.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Fees & Tuition
Q-57. May a high school or college seek reimbursement from a Running Start student for failure of a
course?
A. No.
Q-58. May colleges charge fees to Running Start students?

A. Yes. Running Start students attending community and technical colleges must pay mandatory fees. Four-
year institutions may charge technology fees. Colleges and universities must make available fee waivers for
low income Running Start students. A Running Start student shall be considered low income, and eligible
9
for a fee waiver upon proof that the student is currently qualified to receive free or reduced-price lunch.
Acceptable documentation of low-income status may also include:
A. Student has been deemed eligible for free-reduced-price lunches in the past five years
B. Family income is equal to or less than 50 percent of the state median
C. Family income is less than 200 percent of the federal poverty level
D. Receiving any state or federal assistance funds
E. Foster youth
Note: Consumable supplies, textbooks, and other materials retained by the student "are not within the
definition of fees and therefore not subject to the mandatory low-income waiver provisions.”
Q-59. What is the maximum credits a student can enroll in and receive state funding and when do colleges
charge tuition?
A. Running Start students may enroll tuition-free for a maximum of 15 college credits but is limited to a
combined 1.20 FTE when enrolled in both high school and Running Start. When a Running Start student
seeks more credits, colleges should charge appropriate per-credit rates for any credits beyond the 15 credit
maximum or beyond 1.20 FTE, up to the maximum credits allowed for all enrolled students by institutional
policy.
Q-60. Can school districts assess a fine or fee against students for failing Running Start courses,
withdrawing from Running Start courses, or never showing up for Running Start courses?
A. No.
Q-61. Can GET (Guaranteed Education Tuition) credits be used to pay for unsubsidized college tuition?
A. If enrolled in credits above and beyond those authorized for Running Start, Guaranteed Education Tuition
(GET) funds may be used to cover qualified expenses such as tuition charges, fees, and books/supplies.
However, it may be more advantageous to use GET units for qualified expenses following Running Start
enrollment.
Q-62. Are low income tuition waivers available for community and technical college students who want to
take additional credits above the combined 1.20 FTE limit?
A. Low income Running Start students at the community and technical colleges are eligible for tuition waivers
for credits they choose to take above the 1.20 FTE or 15 credits. Low income may be defined as eligible for
free or reduced-price lunch at the high school–check requirements per local college.
Q-63. Are community and technical colleges Running Start students able to receive a tuition waiver for
one additional college credit if they are taking 9 RS Tuition-Free College Credits (0.60 FTE)?
A. Yes. The State Board for Community and Technical Colleges approved an additional tuition waiver for one
college credit for those Running Start students with eligibility per the Running Start Enrollment Verification
Form for exactly 9 Running Start Tuition-Free College Credits (0.60 FTE) who enroll for exactly 10 college
credits. The 10th credit of tuition will be waived in cashiering using Financial Aid Program Code (FAPC) of
W8A. The waiver is only for tuition. If the Running Start student registers for anything other than 10 credits
exactly, they will not be eligible for this waiver.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Foreign Exchange/International Students/Study Abroad
Q-64. Are foreign exchange students eligible to participate in Running Start?

A. Yes. Based upon reviews of federal and state law, it is determined that a J-1 visa “Exchange Visitor”
student who has enrolled in the eleventh or the twelfth grade is eligible to participate in Running Start. J-1
10
visa students must be mindful of any restrictions on enrollment established by the student’s exchange
program sponsor and must comply with all federal requirements.
Students with F-1 “Academic Student” visas who attend secondary school, must pay the school the full cost
of education by repaying the school system for the full, unsubsidized, per capita cost of providing the
education. As such, they cannot be claimed for state funding under the Running Start program.
Students with visas in other categories should check with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate that processed
their visa application to ensure that Running Start enrollment is consistent with the terms of their visas.
Q-65. Can Running Start students participate in study abroad programs offered by their college?
A. Yes. Running Start students have access to all the classes offered in the college catalog. The student can
be claimed for the standard Running Start reimbursement rate. Students are responsible for any additional
costs. While the allowance for study aboard programs permits a student, who is resident of a Washington
state district, to attend that college’s student aboard program, it does not permit a student who is not
ordinarily a resident of Washington state to participate in a college’s online program while living outside of
Washington state.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Graduation Requirements
Q-66. Can the district require progress toward the district diploma and require that students not only earn
credits, but complete other requirements for graduation, such as the High School and Beyond Plan
or a senior project?
A. Yes. Students who are seeking a high school diploma from a school district must meet all requirements of
the state and the district. However, the intent of Running Start law is to encourage maximum student
access to the Running Start program. Districts should not adopt policies and procedures that intentionally
create barriers to student participation in the program. Requiring daily attendance in a culminating project
class would logically hinder participation. Districts that have such requirements are strongly encouraged to
offer accommodations to students participating in Running Start.
Q-67. Does a student seeking a high school diploma through an associate degree at the college need to
complete local school district requirements?
A. No. Running Start students who earn an associate degree may request a high school diploma from the
college. If a student fails to earn an associate’s degree, he or she would need to meet the requirements of
the district to be awarded a high school diploma through the district.
Q-68. Can a student have all the credits for a diploma and still attend Running Start if she does not take
the step of graduating? (This is the same question as Q-35. It is included under two different topics
because it pertains to both.)
Q-69. Can a Running Start student who earns an associate degree from a college receive a high school
diploma from that college?
A. Yes. The community and technical colleges are authorized to issue high school diplomas for Running Start
students who enroll in the college and complete an associate degree. Students must provide a written
request to the college registrar’s office (or designee) to receive a high school diploma from the college.
RCW 28B.50.535.
11
Q-70. When can Running Start students who have completed their associate degree request the college-
A. A Running Start student may request the college-based high school diploma when they apply for graduation
with their associate degree or anytime thereafter.
Q-71. Should secondary schools continue to track a student’s graduation status if the student has
indicated intent to pursue his or her high school diploma through a college?
A. Yes. All Running Start students are considered public high school students and as such should be served
and treated like all other high school students. Providing all enrolled students with guidance as to
graduation requirements and status is consistent with the guidance role of the high school, regardless of
student intent relative to possible alternative graduation options.
For purposes of graduation rates (and related Adequate Yearly Progress implications), students who are
successful in earning their high school diploma under the provisions of RCW 28B.50.535 will count as
graduates of the home high school, and students who are unsuccessful in completing graduation
requirements either through the school district or under the provisions of RCW 28B.50.535 will be
considered non-graduates.
Q-72. If a student earns a high school diploma through the college, how would the high school document
the student as a graduate, and thereby get credit that the student graduated?
A. When the high school is informed by the college that the student has earned a high school diploma issued
by the college under the provisions of RCW 28B.50.535 the high school may withdraw the student using the
Withdrawal code “GA” (Graduated through associate degree).
Q-73. If Running Start students earn associate degrees after their expected graduation dates, can they be
documented in their student records as an extended graduation student so they will not count
against the secondary schools for Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP)?
A. Yes. If students retain Running Start eligibility as a second-year senior student and completed remaining
requirements for an associate degree, the high school, if informed by the college, could code such students
“GA.”
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Homeschool/Private School Students
Q-74. May home school and private school students enroll in the Running Start Program?
A. Yes. Any student seeking credit through Running Start must enroll through the local public school district or
high school, have a completed Running Start Verification Form in place for each term and each college, and
have obtained junior or senior standing. Junior or senior standing is determined in accordance with a school
district’s grade placement policies. The home school student so enrolled does not have to attend classes in
the public high school in order to participate in Running Start. Students receiving home-based instruction
under chapter 28A.200 RCW and students attending private schools approved under chapter 28A.195 RCW
are not required to meet the student learning goals, obtain a certificate of academic achievement or a
certificate of individual achievement to graduate from high school, or to master the essential academic
learning requirements. RCW 28A.600.310 (1)
For state and federal accountability reporting purposes: A student receiving home-based instruction enrolling
in a public high school for the sole purpose of participating in courses or programs offered by institutions of
higher education shall not be counted by the school district if the student's parents or guardians filed a
declaration of intent to provide home-based instruction and the student received home-based instruction
during the school year before the school year in which the student intends to participate in courses or
programs offered by the institution of higher education.
Note: Enrolling any student in the Running Start program means that the student is also enrolled as a public
high school student in order to access state funding allotted for the Running Start program.
12
Q-75. Do homeschool families need to have a Declaration of Intent on file for the year preceding Running
Start participation?
A. No. See OSPI Bulletin No. 098-07.
Q-76. Do homeschool students enrolled in Running Start need to complete local district graduation
requirements if seeking a diploma through the associate degree?
A. No. See RCW 28B.50.535 (2).
Q-77. How is junior/senior standing determined for private school and home school students who wish to
participate in Running Start?
A. For students seeking admission to Running Start, it is the responsibility of the school district to establish
grade placement criteria. Once that grade placement is made, making the student eligible, a change to
another school district will not alter the initial grade placement, consistent with WAC 392-169-020(2). Some
schools consider age appropriateness; others review credits and prior learning. In other cases, a
standardized achievement test may be used in the absence of adequate documentation of a student's
home-based education. Any district criteria used to establish grade placement must be applied uniformly to
students, regardless of intent to enroll in Running Start or intent to graduate from the high school.
See Q-32.
Q-78. Can parents appeal local school district grade placement eligibility decisions?
A. This is a local decision. Parents may appeal only if the district has a policy/procedure for such appeal. See
WAC 392-169-020(3).
Q-79. A homeschool student is in 11th grade, but wants to take a year off next year as a declared
homeschool student to then return the following year and become a 12th grader to do Running Start.
Would this student be able to return after one year off and do Running Start as a 12th grader?
A. It is up to the resident district to establish and interpret grade placement to students who enroll. In this case,
the student could potentially be placed as either a 12th grade student or as a second-year senior.
WAC 392-169-020(3)
Q-80. A homeschool student did not utilize third quarter (spring) of Grade 11 eligibility due to illness. Can
that third quarter be carried over so that the student can utilize six quarters of enrollment?
A. No. Junior year eligibility would be complete. However, the student would be eligible for the three quarters
of 12th grade and may be eligible for the second-year senior year. WAC 392-169-055(4) Running Start
eligibility is not based on six quarters. It is based on two academic years for junior and senior standing only.
Q-81. Does a school district have to post Running Start course grades in the grade history file of a
homeschool student who is only taking Running Start classes?
A. Yes. All earned credit must be recorded on an official school transcript.
Q-82. May a school district or school award a diploma to a private school student who enrolls in the public
district, but takes classes only through Running Start?
A. Yes, but only if all state and local school district graduation requirements are met.
Q-83. Are private school and home-based instruction students, who have enrolled in Running Start,
exempt from the 1.20 FTE limitation?
A. No. All students are eligible for up to a maximum of 1.00 FTE or 15 credits at the college and a combined
high school and college FTE of 1.20. The completed Running Start Verification Form will inform the district,
college, student and parents how the student’s FTE will be claimed.
13
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Parental Rights and Responsibilities
Q-84. Is the parent of a Running Start student entitled to review attendance and grade information held by
the college or university?
A. Under federal law, students who attend postsecondary educational institutions hold the confidentiality rights
to their education records. They have the right to consent prior to any disclosure of information from
education records held by the postsecondary institution. However, an exception to the consent requirement
allows the parents of dependent children to review their child's education records without the consent of the
student. Proof of dependency is usually provided by a copy of the most recent year’s federal tax form
showing that the parent claims the student as a dependent. Neither the age of the student nor the parent's
status as a custodial parent is relevant. If a student is claimed as a dependent by either parent for tax
purposes, then either parent may have access under this provision. See 34 CFR § 99.31(a)(8).
Q-85. May Running Start students participate in field trips that are scheduled as a part of the college
course?
A. Yes, but written parental permission should be obtained for all field trips for Running Start students under
the age of 18. If parents do not give permission, faculty should consider providing alternative options to that
student. Most Running Start Coordinators collect a blanket permission form early in the enrollment process.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Student Activities
Q-86. May Running Start students participate in college or university campus activities, such as student
government, organizations, and clubs?
A. Yes. With the exception of intercollegiate sports, Running Start students may participate in any activities on
the college/university campus, consistent with the institution’s general requirements for participation in
extracurricular activities.
Q-87. May Running Start Students participate in high school activities including sports?
A. Yes. Running Start students may participate in any high school activities including sports, consistent with
the high school and school district’s own eligibility requirements and Washington Intercollegiate Activities
Association (WIAA) guidelines.
NOTE: WIAA guidelines allow participation by Running Start students.
Q-88. Can a school prohibit a student from participating in the high school graduation ceremony, taking
classes at the high school, or participating in extracurricular activities if the student is choosing to
receive a high school diploma from the college?
A. Running Start students and parents should be informed as to state rules relative to eligibility to enroll in
classes at the high school, as well as participate in extracurricular activities. Participation in the high school
graduation ceremony is to be determined by local district policy and is not linked to state statute related to
diploma requirements and should be covered in parent and student guidance.
Q-89. Can a school district or high school preclude a student from being eligible to be senior class
valedictorian or senior class salutatorian if the student enrolls in one or more classes via Running
Start?
A. Such preclusion could violate equal protection principles. A 12th grade Running Start student and a 12th
grade regular high school student are each entitled to participate equally in a high school graduation
ceremony. A school should have criteria, other than mere status as a Running Start student, for these
14
honors. For example, if the sole criterion for being selected were a high grade point average (GPA), a
Running Start student with a high GPA would be just as eligible as a non-Running Start student with a high
GPA. On the other hand, if the eligibility threshold is a high GPA, coupled with a certain level of participation
in class or school activities (e.g., serving as class officer or other leadership activity), it is possible that a
Running Start student would have a more difficult time qualifying.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Transcript Information
Q-90. When a student in Running Start drops a class at the college, and receives a "W" on their college
transcript, should the high school post the grade as an "F" on the high school transcript?
A. It must be posted as a "W" on the high school transcript.
Q-91. If a Running Start student fails to pay his fees to a college, but otherwise completes the coursework
satisfactorily, can the college withhold his grades? Can the student be prevented from graduating
from high school?
A. The answer to the first question lies in the applicable policy of the particular institution. The answer to the
second question is no. The failure to pay college fees related to the earning of college credit via Running
Start is separate from the issue of whether the student satisfactorily met the course requirements to pass
and apply the earned credits toward high school graduation. The college is limited to withholding the
student's grades only pertaining to issuing the student's college transcript. In the situation described above,
the high school counselor and the Running Start coordinator at the college must communicate with one
another in order for the high school to be apprised of the student's grade. It is possible for a student to
receive high school credit, but not college credit, in the situation described.
Q-92. Are all Running Start courses shown on the high school transcript?
A. Yes. Running Start courses need to be recorded on the transcript. The standardized transcript must contain
a designation of “R” for courses completed and credit earned through Running Start. WAC 392-415-070
Q-93. Are colleges required to send individual transcripts to school districts in order to provide evidence
of successful completion of courses taken through the program?
A. No. Nothing in law or administrative code (WAC 392-169-085) mandates that a school district must receive
an official transcript from the college. The college must supply “evidence” of successful completion of
courses. Evidence may include college-generated spreadsheets.
Q-94. How does the high school transcribe a grade from a college class through Running Start if the
college uses a different grading scale than the high school (e.g., the college bases a B- on a 2.6 and
the high school uses 2.7)? Will the student have different grades on the high school and college
transcripts?
A. It is possible that the respective transcripts will show different grades. However, the high school transcript
needs to record the grade in compliance with WAC 392-415-050. The high school would transcribe the
grade appropriate to the rules for K-12 and the college would transcribe the grade appropriate to its policy.
15
Associate Degrees and the Issuance of High School Diplomas
Statutory Authority References:

RCW 28B.50.535 (SHB 1758)–Community or technical college–Issuance of high school
diploma or certificate
RCW 28A.600.300 through RCW 28A.600.400–Running Start
There are many pathways for students to obtain their high school diploma. In 2009, the
state Legislature passed Substitute House Bill 1758, which was codified as RCW 28B.50.535,
allowing students earning an associate degree from a community or technical college to
receive a high school diploma, upon written request, even if they have not otherwise met
the high school graduation requirements (credits, state assessments, high school and
beyond plan, and culminating project).
Below are scenarios the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) has identified
in regards to students, how they obtain a high school diploma, and who issues it.
High Student Associate High School High School

School Age Degree Diploma Granted Transcript
Status earned By Code
Enrolled <21 No HS GO
Enrolled <21 Yes CC (upon student GA

written request)
Not 21 or Yes CC (upon student No code

enrolled older written request)
The Secondary Education division has received several inquiries from the field relative to the
impact of RCW 28B.50.535 on guidance provided students in Running Start. The status of a
student relative to Running Start is not directly related to the provisions of this Community
or technical college–Issuance of high school diploma or certificate statute.
The following questions and answers, taken from the Running Start FAQs, also posted to the
OSPI Running Start page, are offered as clarification for those providing guidance to
students enrolled in college through provisions of the Running Start program.
1) High School Graduation Requirements  High School issues diploma

Student is enrolled in high school and meets all graduation requirements, takes
courses at a community or technical college, high school issues the diploma and codes
them “G0” (graduated).
1
2) Associate Degree  Community or Technical College issues diploma upon
student written request
Student is enrolled in high school; the community or technical college issues an
associate degree and the high school diploma upon student written request. When
high school learns of associate degree attainment at community or technical college,
the high school will code them “GA” (graduated via associate degree). There is
currently no legal requirement for the college to inform the high school, and local
agreements are recommended to assure this information is communicated to the high
school.
3) Associate Degree (age 21 or older) Community or Technical College

authorized to issue high school diploma
If the student earns an associate degree after at or beyond age 21, the community
or technical college issues the high school diploma upon student written request.
Frequently Asked Questions Related to Students Enrolled in Running Start
Q1. When can Running Start students, who have completed their associate degrees,
request the college-based high school diploma?
A1. A Running Start student may request the college-based high school diploma when they
apply for graduation with their associate degree or anytime thereafter.
Q2: Should secondary schools continue to track a student’s graduation status if

the student has indicated intent to pursue his/her high school diploma
through a college under the provisions of RCW 28B.50.535 (SHB 1758) and
Running Start?
A2: Yes. All Running Start students are considered public high school students and as
such should be served and treated like other high school students. Providing all
enrolled students with guidance as to graduation requirements and status is consistent
with the guidance role of the high school, regardless of student intent relative to
possible alternative graduation options. For purposes of graduation rates (and related
AYP implications), students who are successful in earning their HS diploma under RCW
28B.50.535 will count as graduates of the home high school, and students who are
unsuccessful in completing graduation requirements either through school district or
under the provisions of RCW 28B.50.535 (SHB 1758) will be considered non-
graduates.
Q3: If a student earns his/her high school diploma through the college as
provided in RCW 28B.50.535 (SHB 1758), how would the secondary school
document the student as a graduate, and thereby get credit that the student
graduated?
A3: When the high school is informed by the college that the student has earned a high
school diploma issued by the college under the provisions of RCW 28B.50.535, the
high school may withdraw the student using the Withdrawal code “GA” (Graduated
through AA degree).
2
Q4: If a Running Start student earns an Associate degree after his/her expected
graduation date, can we document this at the high school as an extended
graduation so that this student does not count against our high school for
AYP?
A4: Yes, though it would be a rare case for a student to maintain Running Start eligibility
after his expected high school graduation date. If the student retained Running Start
eligibility as a 12+ student and completed remaining requirements for an associate
degree, the high school, if informed by the college, could code the student “GA”.

December 2010
(Revised–12.29.10)
3
RUNNING START ADVISING GUIDELINES 2011-2012
When high school students are considering the Running Start program, high school and college
counselors need to take particular care in advising students fully about their educational
program options. Running Start is only one of a number of dual-credit options (College in the
High School, AP, BI, etc.) available to students in Washington State. The array of options
available to students should be discussed as part of advising on Running Start.
Running Start college courses are dual-credited with the high school which enables students to
work toward meeting specific high school graduation credit requirements while receiving college
credit. To receive high school credit for a specific graduation requirement, students should seek
prior approval of the equivalency credit from the high school counselor prior to the beginning of
each college quarter.
Students and their families are well-advised to give careful consideration to the appropriateness
of the program before enrolling. High school counselors need to discuss the suggested
strengths and limitations below with students and their families before students enroll and
participate in the Running Start program:
Strengths
 Students have the opportunity to take courses that may not be offered at their local high
schools.
 Academically prepared students have an opportunity to take college level courses.
 Students have an opportunity to experience post-secondary education while in high school.

This experience may be helpful in making the transition from home to college, self-
assessing college readiness skills, and in informing future education plans.
 Students can currently earn up to two years of tuition-free college credit, saving many
dollars in college education.
 It is not uncommon for students who have strong college readiness skills, yet have difficulty
fitting-in the traditional high school setting, to flourish in a different educational setting such
as college.
 In college, high school students have the opportunity to gain academic and career maturity
and knowledge from participating within the challenge of a college setting and with other
college students.
Running Start Advising Guidelines 2011-2012, Page 1 of 3

 Running Start students are eligible to take part in all college activities with the exception of
intercollegiate athletics. These activities include student government, interest groups,
special events, student newspaper, and the college radio station.
 Students can get a “Running Start” on completing a college degree including general
education requirements and prerequisites to a college major or technical/professional
program.
 Students may still participate in any high school extracurricular activity, if time permits and
consistent with Washington Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) rules of eligibility.
 Students who have transferred between high schools and have incurred credit difficulties
may find that Running Start can help them meet graduation requirements on time.
 Financially, this is the best scholarship a student can earn. Consider the worth of each
college class completed.
Limitations
 Some students who are academically qualified may not be ready socially or emotionally for
the college environment. They may find the independence and the speed of college classes
overwhelming. Maturity is one of the key ingredients needed for success in Running Start.
 High schools provide a social network and social development experiences for teenagers.
This network is not as readily available at the college level as it is in the high schools.
However, Running Start students may participate in all student activities, such as college
clubs and student government.
 Students are not guaranteed space in preferred college classes, and college schedules
may conflict with high school classes or extracurricular activities (sports, drama, music, etc.)
 Most colleges operate on a quarter system which is often different from the high school
academic calendar. Holidays and vacation periods are frequently different. Students are
expected to attend classes at the college even though their high schools may not be in
session. Careful planning must occur in order to avoid conflicts in family and school
activities.
 The high school is the final authority on high school graduation requirements. It is important
to work closely with a high school counselor to insure graduation requirements will be met.
Some schools may not allow students to participate in graduation ceremonies if their
college classes are not completed by the date of graduation. Check with the high school for
their policies.

 Recent changes in the total amount of funding to support Running Start now requires
students and their families to be responsible for tuition costs above 1.2 combined high
school and college FTE. For a student taking a full load at the college (15 credits), he/she
might be eligible to be in only one class in their high school. It is the student and family
responsibility to understand these new limits and carefully plan his/her educational
program.
 College classes are designed for adult learners. Contemporary issues of our society will be
actively discussed in our classrooms. The content of classes will not be censored for
younger students.
 The high school determines students’ eligibility to be involved in high school activities.
Being away from the high school might mean that students are out of the loop for some
things, such as activity requirements or scholarship application deadlines.
 Students currently pay all costs, except tuition up to 1.2 combined high school and college
FTE. Students must pay for mandatory college fees, books, computer fees, campus
parking, gas, supplies, and other related costs.
 Students start a college transcript when they take their first college class. It will stay with
them throughout their college careers. If students perform poorly, it may jeopardize future
college plans. These grades will transfer back to the high school transcript as well.
 Typically there is much less contact between colleges and parents than the high schools
and parents.
 College offers a much less structured environment with more independent study required.
The speed at which college classes are taught is much faster than classes in high school.
College classes typically demand approximately 2 hours of homework for each hour of
class, with no classroom time for homework.
 Communication concerning grades and attendance is more frequent in high schools.

Running Start Students and WIAA Eligibility
Students who access the Running Start Program at the community colleges find themselves on a different
academic calendar from their high school for academic eligibility. There could be times during the high
school year that Running Start students are not in school or taking academic courses. To ensure that
students remain athletically eligible at their high school, they enter into the following contract with their
school and commit to taking and completing the approved academic program at the community college
and/or in conjunction with a blended schedule at their high school.
The purpose of this document is to record, in writing, the expectations of the _______________
_________________School District regarding the Running Start scholastic requirements of
_________________, a student/athlete at ______________________High School, and serve as a safeguard
for the _________________________School District against penalty and sanctions if
___________________(student) fails to meet the scholastic requirements as a Running Start student during
the ________school year.
Expectations:
1. The ___________________________School District verifies the following approved academic

schedule with _____________________, a Running Start student at
_____________________High School, that will meet the WIAA and school district academic
eligibility requirements.
2. The student, ______________________, agrees to attend all classes and to make no changes to
his/her approved academic schedule without first consulting with his/her high school on the
potential eligibility ramifications of such changes.
RUNNING START ACADEMIC PLAN for the _______________School Year
Normal Credit Hour requirement at High School per Semester________
RUNNING START TERM 1 Credit Hours HIGH SCHOOL SEMESTER 1 Credit Hours Total Credits
1 1 Per Semester
2 2
3 3
4 4
RUNNING START TERM 2 Credit Hours

1
3
4 HIGH SCHOOL SEMESTER 2 Credit Hours Total Credits
1 Per Semester
RUNNING START TERM 3 Credit Hours 2
1 3
2 4
3
4
This agreement shall be signed and dated by the high school principal, the high school counselor, high
school athletic director, the student/athlete, and his/her parents. By signing this agreement, the student
and family agree to all terms of the agreement and understand they must adhere to the agreed academic
plan for the school year or be subject to WIAA regulations 27.4 which states in part: “… [if] it is
determined that the participant/parent/guardian provided the school with false information which
caused the school to declare the participant eligible … the participant will be declared ineligible for
interscholastic competition for a period of one (1) year.”
__________________________________________ __________________
Principal Date
_________________________________________ __________________
Counselor Date
__________________________________________ __________________
Athletic Director Date
__________________________________________ __________________
Parent/Guardian Date
__________________________________________ __________________
Parent/Guardian Date
__________________________________________ __________________
Student Date
27.4.0 USE OF INELIGIBLE PARTICIPANT - The use of a participant who is ineligible by WIAA or local school
district rules shall result in forfeiture of contests in which that participant took part, except in
situations in which it is determined that the participant/parent/guardian provided the school with
false information which caused the school to declare the participant eligible. In such cases, the
participant will be declared ineligible for interscholastic competition for a period of one (1) year.
The one (1) year penalty begins on the day the determination is made that false information had
been provided. The one (1) year penalty may be appealed to the WIAA Executive Director.
GUIDELINES IN ESTABLISHING RUNNING START ELIGIBILITY

1. Determine the number of credits required for athletic eligibility at the student’s high school.
Example: 5 classes required in a 6 period school day is equal to 2.5 semester credits needed for
eligibility.
2. Establish the student’s academic schedule for the year, either entirely as a Running Start student or a
student with a blended schedule of classes from both Running Start and the high school.
3. Determine the number of credits to be earned in each of the courses.
4. The credits in the Running Start second term can be used either for the first semester, the second
semester, or split between the two semesters.
5. It is possible that a Running Start student would not attend any classes during one of the three
Running Start terms and still be eligible, provided he/she took enough credits during the other two
terms to meet or exceed the number of credits per semester for athletic eligibility at the high school.
6. Running Start is a public school mainstream educational program. Eligibility is at the public school of
residence where the student accesses the Running Start program. A student could still compete
athletically for the private school if they maintain enrollment at the private school for at least 50
percent of the school day at the private school.
Running Start Coding Guidelines | SBCTC https://www.sbctc.edu/colleges-staff/programs-services/tuition-fees/tuiti...
Running Start Coding Guidelines
Waiver Purpose: Running Start

The Running Start program is available for eligible 11th and 12th grade students.
Fee pay status: R# or S#
Waiver Summary (Running Start)

Eleventh and 12th grade students or students who have not yet received the credits required for a high
school diploma and are eligible to be in the eleventh or twel h grades may apply and enroll in courses or
programs. No tui on or S&A fee is charged to the student, up to 18 credits, however students are required
to pay other mandatory fees assessed by the college.
Note: Running Start students qualifying as low income may be eligible for a waiver of certain mandatory
fees. See Running Start Fee Pay Status — 50.
Statutory Authority (Running Start)

RCW 28A.600.390 (h p://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=28A.600.390) – Running start program –
rules.
Waiver Purpose: Running Start Fee

This is a mandatory waiver of fees for eligible Running Start students.
Fee pay status: M# or N#
Running Start students not eligible for a low‐income waiver are coded to fee pay status 54
Waiver Summary (Running Start Fee)

Running Start students a ending community and technical colleges must pay mandatory college and/or
student voted fees as established by the community and technical college. Colleges must however waive
mandatory college and/or student voted fees for eligible low‐income Running Start students.
Note: As Running Start students, no tui on or S&A fee is charged to these students in the same way as
students coded under Fee Pay Status ‐ 54.
This waiver is not included in the 35 percent legisla ve limit.
Statutory Authority (Running Start Fee)

RCW 28A.600.310(2)(3) (h p://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=28A.600.310) ‐ Running start
program — enrollment in ins tu ons of higher educa on — student fees — fee waivers — transmi al of
funds — report on program financial support.
Waiver Effect
1 of 4 7/31/2018, 9:50 AM
1. In lieu of tui on and fees (opera ng, building and S&A fees) Running Start students shall pay to the

community or technical college all other mandatory fees as established by each community or
technical college.
2. The ins tu ons of higher educa on must make available fee waivers for low‐income Running Start
students.
3. Each ins tu on must establish a wri en policy for the determina on of low‐income students before
oﬀering the fee waiver.
4. Language in the bill referring to prora on of charges based on credit load does not apply to the
mandatory fees assessed by community and technical colleges.
State Board Waiver Guidance

A student shall be considered low‐income and eligible for a fee waiver upon proof that the student is
currently qualified to receive free or reduced‐price lunch. Acceptable documenta on of low‐income status
may also include:
1. Student has been deemed eligible for free or reduced‐price lunches in the last five years
2. Family income of equal to or less than 50 percent of the state median
3. Family income less than 200 percent of the federal poverty level
4. Receiving any state or federal assistance funds
Foster youth
5. The term "mandatory fees" does not apply to all charges assessed by colleges. As noted in previous
AAG guidance, charges for "consumable supplies, textbooks, and other materials retained by the
student" are not within the defini on of fees and therefore not subject to the mandatory low‐
income waiver provisions.
College Responsibilities
1. Each college must establish a wri en policy for determina on of low‐income Running Start students.
Eligibility for free or reduced‐price lunch must be one qualifying status.
2. The Running Start Coordinator or designate will review the documenta on and approve fee waiver at
me of ini al advising or therea er for family financial changes. Running Start students should not
be asked to fill out the FAFSA to establish eligibility.
3. At me of registra on, Running Start students receiving a waiver will be iden fied by the Fee Pay
Status code 50.
Student Responsibilities
1. Supply waiver documenta on at me of advising and no later than the first class day.
2. No fy Running Start Coordinator or designate of family financial changes that may result in waiver
eligibility.
3. Pay mandatory fees if not eligible for low‐income waiver.
Coding Guidelines Beginning Winter Quarter 2011-12
Running Start Funding Limit
2 of 4 7/31/2018, 9:50 AM
Enrolled High School Tui on‐Free College Credit Regular Low‐Income

FPS Waiver FPS
Weekly Full‐Time Max Full‐Time Max

Minutes** Enrollment Enrollment Credits
0‐307 0.00‐0.20 1.00 15 R5 M5
308‐412 0.21‐0.27 0.93 14 R4 M4
413‐502 0.28‐0.33 0.87 13 R3 M3
503‐607 0.34‐0.40 0.80 12 R2 M2
608‐712 0.41‐0.47 0.73 11 R1 M1
713‐802 0.48‐0.53 0.67 10 R0 M0
803‐907 0.54‐0.60 0.60 10* S9 N9
908‐1012 0.61‐0.67 0.53 8 S8 N8
1013‐1102 0.68‐0.73 0.47 7 S7 N7
1103‐1207 0.74‐0.80 0.40 6 S6 N6
1208‐1311 0.81‐0.87 0.33 5 S5 N5
1312‐1402 0.88‐0.93 0.27 4 S4 N4
1403‐1500 0.94‐1.00 0.20 3 S3 N3
* Students qualifying for 0.60 FTE college enrollment and registering for exactly 10 college credits will be
granted a 1‐credit waiver for the 10th credit.
** Weekly Minutes based on high school bell schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Which FPS do I use on students that are eligible for Tui on Free Running Start credits per the Running
Start Enrollment Verifica on Form?
A. It's important to remember that the FPS to use for a student qualifying for Running Start is the FPS
associated with the Tui on Free Eligible Running Start Credits and NOT the number of credits for which a
student registers. For example, a regular student is eligible for 3 Tui on Free Running Start credits per the
Running Start Enrollment Verifica on Form and registers for 5 credits. You would use FPS of S3. A regular
student will then be appropriately charged for each credit beyond the 3 Tui on Free Running Start credits
and will be accurately accounted for in Research. For a Low Income Waiver student you would FPS of N3. A
Low Income Waiver student will not be charged any
tui on regardless of how many credits they register for per State Board resolu on #11‐09‐51. It is an
individual college decision on whether to charge fees to low income waiver students who exceed the
tui on and fee free RS credits.
Q. The student meets my college's qualifica ons for the Running Start Low Income Waiver of Fees (FAPC
code W2A). How does this get applied?
3 of 4 7/31/2018, 9:50 AM
A. Beginning Winter Quarter there are two sets of FPS codes, one for regular RS students and one for Low
Income Waiver eligible RS students. Each college may decide to waive fees for Low Income Waiver eligible
RS students for credits BEYOND the 1.2 FTE free RS credits. If a college decides to waive fees for all credits
beyond the 1.2 FTE free RS credits for Low Income Waiver eligible students, then they will NOT add any fee
codes to the BM1010, FPS screens for the new Low Income Waiver. If a college decides NOT to waive fees
for all credits beyond the 1.2 FTE free RS credits, then they will need to do either of the following: add fee
codes to the BM1010, FPS Screens, for the new Low Income Waiver RS and in cashiering waive all the fees
on the credits that are eligible under the RS rules using FAPC code W2A; OR do not add fee codes to the
BM1010, FPS Screens, and instead add Fees in cashiering
Q. When is a student eligible for a '10th credit waiver' of tui on (FAPC code W8A)?
A. Only a Running Start student who is eligible for exactly 9 Tui on Free Running Start credits and registers
for exactly 10 credits is eligible for the '10th credit waiver' of tui on. Any student eligible for exactly 9
Tui on Free Running Start credits who registers for MORE than 10 credits is not eligible to have the 10th
credit waived.
Page Manager: bmyhre@sbctc.edu (mailto:bmyhre@sbctc.edu?subject=h ps://www.sbctc.edu/colleges‐staﬀ/programs‐services/tui on‐fees/tui on‐waivers

/running‐start‐coding‐waiver‐guidelines.aspx)
Last Modified: 5/2/18 3:39 PM
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For the college term Δ above, the student will be enrolled in high school and skill center classes 0 ‐ 341 0.00 ‐ 0.20 1.00 15

Signature of High School Counselor Date Signature of College Running Start Advisor Date

High School Counselor Printed Name Phone Number College Running Start Advisor Printed Name Phone Number

college credits than are identified in the Running Start State Funding Limit Table, the student is responsible for:

Student Signature (REQUIRED) Date Parent/Guardian Signature (REQUIRED) Date

FORM SPI 1674 by Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction is licensed under a

308 ‐ 412 0.21 ‐ 0.27 0.93 14

DATE: November 2015

TO: Interested Parties

FROM: Office of the Attorney General (AGO)

SUBJECT: Running Start Program – Questions and Answers

 Attendance 3 questions (p.1)

Questions and Answers

Office of the Attorney General (AGO)

For additional information contact:

Dixie Grunenfelder Linda Drake

Scott Copeland Noreen Light

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Q-11. Which college courses may a Running Start student take?

150% 180 270 180

Appeals of the Timeframe

Effect of Year-in-School on Maximum Annual Federal Student Loan Amounts

Satisfactory Academic Progress

Q-20. What are the definitions of an FTE and AAFTE?

Q-32. How is junior/senior standing determined?

Q-33. May a student start the Running Start Program mid-year?

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Q-58. May colleges charge fees to Running Start students?

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Q-64. Are foreign exchange students eligible to participate in Running Start?

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Updates will be posted to

Alan Burke, Ed.D.

Specialized/Dual Credit Enrollment Options

Other Enrollment Options

For More Information 36

1. Basic information about public school enrollment options

GENERAL ENROLLMENT INTO WASHINGTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS

2. How do I transfer my child from one school to another?

3. Why is proof of custody/guardianship required?

4. Why is proof of residency required?

5. Why do I need to bring proof of age?

6. Why do I need to bring immunization records?

IMMIGRANT STUDENTS' RIGHTS TO ATTEND PUBLIC SCHOOLS

PUBLIC SCHOOL CHOICE—TRANSFERS

Questions & Answers

12. Why was my transfer request denied?

13. Is there a charge to transfer to another school district?

14. May I appeal a transfer denial?

16. Is a transfer student eligible for extracurricular activities?

Transfer students may participate in nonathletic extracurricular activities just as non-transfer

17. How does a transfer student get to their school of choice?

THE INTERSTATE COMPACT ON EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

ESEA & PERSISTENTLY DANGEROUS SCHOOLS

Question & Answer

HIGH SCHOOL COURSEWORK BEFORE 9TH GRADE

Questions & Answers

Questions & Answers

26. How is ALE different from home-based instruction?

27. What are the different types of ALE?