A state audit of Alternative Learning Experience (ALE) programs found discrepancies between the number of students districts reported for funding purposes and the number of students classified as ALE students by the state.

The report was released by the Washington State Auditor’s Office on Monday.

The report recommends that the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction evaluate ALE programs periodically to make sure districts are reporting accurate numbers.

After Washington State’s charter schools’ funding source was ruled unconstitutional, six of the states’ charter schools joined a small school district near Springdale, Wash. as ALE programs. Spokane’s two charter schools, Pride Prep and Spokane International Academy have both joined the Mary Walker School District.

The ALE program allows for off-campus instruction, with schools reporting student progress to the district. A school district receives state money for students enrolled in an ALE program.

The performance audit will run through the end of the 2016-17 school year and was started in the 2013-14 school year.

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