In May 2005, the legislature unanimously passed SB 5828, a bill to allow public school districts to teach students through online learning programs and to allow those students to receive their share of state educational funding. The vote was 97 to zero in the House and 41 to zero in the Senate. Governor Gregoire signed the bill on May 10th.

The law designated online learning as a qualified Alternative Learning Experience (ALEs) under Washington law. ALEs must comply with the requirements of the Washington Administrative Code and all the other rules and standards governing public education. These laws include instruction standards, civil rights protections, oversight of student learning by certificated teachers, and state-mandated tests.

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