💡ALE: The Difference Between Courses vs. Classes (Connect)

There is a distinct difference between Courses and Classes in the ALE Application. Here we will outline those differences.   

Courses

A Course can be created and saved in the ALE Application. Once created, these courses become a template - available to copy to Written Student Learning Plans or connect to a scheduled class (Enrollment Method 2 programs only).   

• Courses need to include the WAC-required components: A course description, learning materials, learning goals, performance objectives, learning activities, and methods for evaluating student progress.
• Once built, a course template stays active in your catalog until it is inactive.  
• When a template is copied into a student learning plan, you can individualize the content for the student without affecting the course template itself.
• Courses are not year-specific.   

Helpful Resources: ✏️ ALE Creating & Editing Courses  (Connect)

Classes  

In the ALE application, you can schedule a “Class.”  A class has certain characteristics:  

• It involves a group of students
• There is a regular time and place the class meets in a certain location, for a certain term (semester/quarter)
• A class may or may not be tied to a course.
• Classes can be added to a student's schedule (by parents, if set up that way, or via the  certificated teacher or registrar roles)
• Attendance can be recorded for classes and, based on individual program settings, can generate weekly contact records.

Helpful Resources: ✏️ ALE Creating & Editing Classes (Connect)

OSPI defines this difference as 

“Courses are units of study, i.e., English 9, geometry, grade 3 comprehensive studies, and Science 8. Classes are in-person experiences that support the courses listed on a student’s WSLP. Students may be enrolled only in classes that directly connect to their wSLP courses. For example: A student with only ELA, Math 6, and Social Studies on their WSLP may not take a science class in horticulture, but a student in a 6th-grade comprehensive course may.”

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