Independent Study Contracts

Instruction BP 6158 Page 1 of 2

Independent Study

The Governing Board authorizes independent study as an optional alternative instructional strategy by which students in grades K-12 education may reach curriculum objectives and fulfill graduation requirements. Independent Study also provides students an option to keep up with their studies when the student will not be able to attend school for various non-medical reasons for five (5) or more school days. In addition, Independent Study may be used for the reasons below:

  1. To provide opportunities for the pursuit of special or unique educational interests on an independent, school-supervised basis.
  2. To provide outlets for students with special assignments extending the content of regular course of instruction.
  3. To provide volunteer community service activities that support and strengthen student achievement.
  4. The Administrative Rules and Regulations to be used shall be approved by the Superintendent/designee.

The districts independent study option shall be substantially equivalent in quality and quantity to classroom instruction, thus enabling students enrolled in Independent Study to complete the districts adopted course of study within the customary time frame.

The Superintendent or designee shall determine that the prospective Independent Study student understands and is prepared to meet the districts requirements for Independent Study. No student receiving special education services may participate in any Independent Study services or program unless authorized by the Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) (EC 51745c)

The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that a written Independent Study Agreement, as prescribed by law, exists for each participating student. (EC 51747) To foster each students success in Independent Study, the Board establishes the following maximum lengths of time which may elapse between the time an assignment is made and date by which the student must complete the assigned work shall be as follows:

Instruction BP 6158 Page 2 of 2
Independent Study

  1. For students in grades K-12, Opportunity and Continuation Programs: 10 school days.

When circumstances justify a longer time, the Superintendent or designee may extend the maximum length of an assignment to a period not to exceed fifteen (15) school days, pursuant to a written request with justification. When any student fails to complete (3) Independent Study assignments, the certificated supervisor (teacher) shall conduct an evaluation to determine whether it is in the students best interest to remain in Independent Study. Evaluation findings shall be kept in the students permanent record.

Legal Reference: Education Code: 17289 Exemption for building 44865 Qualifications for home teachers and teacher in special classes and schools; consent to assignment 46300-46300.6 Methods of computing ADA 48220 Classes of children exempted 48340 Improvement of pupil attendance 48915 Expulsion; particular circumstances 48917 Suspension of expulsion order 51225.3 Requirements for high school graduation 51745-51749.3 Independent study programs 52000 Improvement of elementary and secondary education: legislative intent52015 School improvement plans: components of plan

52017 Secondary schools: additional plan components

56026 Individual with exceptional needs

Family Code:

6550 Authorization

Code of Regulations, Title 5

11700-11703 Independent Study

Policy Adopted: February 22, 1984

Policy Revised: March 8, 1995

Policy Revised: April 10, 2002

Policy Revised: September 24, 2008

Last Updated: April 12, 2024