Independent Study

A short-term independent study contract is a voluntary alternative to a regular classroom program of instruction when a student is absent from school up to fifteen (15) school days.  Student participation in independent study shall be voluntary, and no student shall be required to participate. (Education Code 51747, 51749.5, 51749.6)  BP 6158 and AR 6158

A request for an independent study contract must be received by the principal within 5 school days prior to the first day of absence. No independent study contracts will be issued for the first 20 days, the last 20 days of the school year, or during state testing times.  

Schools are not obligated to provide students with an independent study contract. The availability of an independent study contract must be agreed upon by mutual consent of the principal, teacher, parent/guardian, and student. Students should only be placed on independent study if the student can successfully accomplish their academics. (EC 51745 and 51747) 

A written independent study contract must be completed, signed, and dated for each participating student prior to the starting date of the independent study. The contract must contain all the components prescribed by law. 

Each student’s independent study contract shall be coordinated, evaluated, and carried out under the general supervision of a certificated teacher. 

All assigned work is due on the day upon which the student is scheduled to return to the classroom and shall be graded by appropriately credentialed teachers.  

A student with disabilities, as defined in Education Code 56026, may participate in independent study if the student's individualized education program (IEP) specifically provides for such participation. If a parent/guardian of a student with disabilities requests independent study because the student's health would be put at risk by in-person instruction, the student's IEP team shall make an individualized determination as to whether the student can receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE) in an independent study placement. A student's inability to work independently, need for adult support, or need for special education or related services shall not preclude the IEP team from determining that the student can receive FAPE in an independent study placement. (Education Code 51745)

A temporarily disabled student shall not receive individual instruction pursuant to Education Code 48206.3 through independent study. (Education Code 51745)