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Relevant Statutes and Rules

Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) and Oregon Administrative Rules (OARs) related to Alternative Education


Oregon Law defines Alternative Education as a school or separate class group designed to best serve students' educational needs and interests and assist students in achieving the academic standards of the school district and the state (ORS 336.615).

  • Oregon Revised Statute (ORS) = law put in place by the legislature.
  • Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) = rules written by state agencies that clarify items in statute. Rules written by the Department of Education must be adopted by the State Board of Education.

Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) - Alternative Education

  • ORS 336.615 Definition. As used in ORS 336.615, "alternative education program" means a school or separate class group designed to best serve students' educational needs and interests and assist students in achieving the academic standards of the school district and the state. 

  • ORS 336.625 Goals; district responsibility; registration; rules.

  • ORS 336.631 Private alternative programs; requirements; applicability of laws; placement of students.

  • ORS 336.635 Enrollment in alternative education programs; billing; rules; status of teachers.

  • ORS 336.637 Instruction in educational standards required; assessment of students in private alternative education programs.

  • ORS 336.640 Rules governing education for pregnant and parenting students.

  • ORS 336.645 Notification of availability of program; rules.

  • ORS 336.655 District evaluation of program.

  • ORS 336.665 Effect of failure to propose alternative programs.

Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) - Alternative Education

  • OAR 581-015-2265 Standards for approval of private schools as contractors with public agencies (specifically 581-05-02265(6)).
  • OAR 581-021-0019 Implements and clarifies what constitutes adequate written consent between school districts when claiming non-resident students.
  • OAR 581-021-0071 (1)-(6) School governance and student conduct: District information for parents and students regarding the availability of alternative education programs.
  • OAR 581-021-0073 School governance and student conduct: Denial, suspension, or revocation of registration of private alternative program/school.
  • OAR 581-022-1060 School and District Performance Report Criteria (Annual School and District Performance Report based on data collected from schools and school districts on student performance, student behavior and school characteristics).
  • OAR 581-022-1730 Fingerprinting of subject individuals in positions not requiring licensure as teachers, administrators, personnel specialists, school nurses. Also consistent with ORS 336.631 (2), 181.539, 326.603, 326.607, 342.232 and OAR 581-022-1350.
  • OAR 581-023-0008 (1)-(11) School finance: Accountable activities for alternative education programs (for school funding purposes).


If you have questions, please contact Annie Marges.