While the terms of each Learning Agreement varies based upon the student and the type of Independent Study provided, the overall objective is to allow students to continue learning and earn attendance credit while they are unable to be in the classroom. All learning objectives will be aligned with state-adopted, grade-level standards as defined by the district. Credentialed teachers will provide the content and assignments, but families are responsible for supporting and supervising their student’s work completion.

REQUESTS TIMELINE

• We request 2-week notice when possible, however for emergencies and illness, prior notice is not generally possible. 

• Generally, requests made with fewer than five schooldays of notice, cannot be accommodated.

REQUEST PROCESS

• Families are encouraged to initiate any request with teachers and include the school principal. 

• Teachers and principals will review the request and provide the family with a Learning Agreement if Independent Study is determined to be in the child's best interest.

Daily and weekly details will be defined by the teacher, but families can expect to support their student in completing work that is equivalent to instructional minutes mandated for students as summarized here:  

• Grades TK-K |  3 hours a day 

• Grades 1-6 |  4 hours a day

Late and/or incomplete work:

• does not earn attendance credit

• may result in truancy

• may make a student ineligible for future Independent Study

Families are responsible for providing adequate support to allow students to be successful in independent study. The level of home involvement will vary depending upon a student’s ability to complete work independently, understand teacher expectations, and submit work.

Late and/or incomplete work:

• does not earn attendance credit

• may result in truancy

• may make a student ineligible for future Independent Study

Evaluation of Student Work:  Teachers will only evaluate student work that is submitted on-time. The work completion, quality, apparent effort and time will be considered in determination of credit earned. 

On-time submission of work (as defined by the teacher) is required: Unless otherwise stated, completed assignments are generally to be submitted on the day the student returns to classroom-based learning - and no later than the Monday following a student’s return.

Attendance calculation: Per Education Code, independent study attendance is calculated by on-time work completion. Work must be submitted in the manner, time, frequency, and place as defined by the teacher.

Student success and continued eligibility for enrollment in any independent study program requires families to understand and agree to expectations outlined in this agreement. The District reserves the right to modify and further define details during the enrollment process and in response to scenarios that include, but are not limited to: 

• individual student need 

• size & spread of enrollment  (number of students in each grade level)

• district staffing & resources

• changes in county, or state guidance 

Late and/or incomplete work:

• does not earn attendance credit

• may result in truancy

• may make a student ineligible for future Independent Study

No. Students who have failed to complete previous Independent Study assignments, have already requested 15 days of Independent Study, or who are unlikely to be successful are ineligible. 

Additional considerations are legally required for students with an IEP or 504 plan. 

Late and/or incomplete work:

• does not earn attendance credit

• may result in truancy

• may make a student ineligible for future Independent Study