Long Term Independent Study Intake Process

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Trinity Alps Unified School District is dedicated to creating, with students and parents, a positive educational experience. Our program utilizes the award winning online curriculum through Edgenuity and K12. 

Approval for participation in Independent Study shall be based upon evidence that the student will work independently to complete the program and availability of experienced certificated staff with adequate time to supervise the student effectively. School districts are not obligated to permit a student to engage in Independent Study if school officials given responsibility for the decision determine that Independent Study is not an appropriate alternative for the student. (Title 5, Code of Regulations 11700 (d))

A student who is eligible for participation may:

• Complete a full program of courses.
• Complete a blended program 
  • K-8th grade: at least 4 courses on campus or 4 courses through I.S. 
  • 9th-12th grades: at least 5 courses on campus or 5 courses through I.S.
  • Complete an extra or special course outside of the regular school day.

The selection or intake process should be accomplished through a district application. 

If the student meets the criteria for Independent Study, the Independent Study Teacher shall schedule an appointment for an intake conference with the parent/guardian & student. If you are applying for the upcoming school year, the I.S. teacher will schedule an appointment with you before the start of the school year.

This meeting will be held through video chat/phone call or in person (depending on the circumstances). During this meeting the Written Agreement (contract) and expectations will be discussed. As soon as the I.S. Written Agreement is completed & signed the student will officially begin the program.
The academic counselor (high school only) will be a part of the intake conference. This is to make sure the student enrolls in the appropriate courses needed to graduate.
 

If there are concerns in regard to Independent Study being a right fit for the student, the Superintendent or designee will contact the parent/guardian to discuss these concerns. 

If an Independent Study teacher does not have adequate time to supervise additional students the following steps will be taken; until an additional certificated staff is available to effectively supervise students. You will be notified if you have been put on the waiting list.

• Students shall be put on a waiting list in the order that they submit their application.
• Upon availability of certificated staff,  the Superintendent or designee will contact the parent/guardian to set up an intake conference.
• The parent/guardian shall have 3 school days to respond to or confirm the appointment.
• If a response is not received within 3 school days, the next student on the waiting list will be contacted.

Eligibility for Long Term Independent Study

It is imperative that students attend school daily. Lost classroom time is difficult to replace. In certain circumstances, students may wish to be absent from their assigned school site, but continue to participate in their studies. In such cases Independent Study may be requested. Students do not have the right to participate in Independent Study.

The Superintendent or designee may approve the participation of a student based on the following criteria:

• Student demonstrates the motivation, commitment, organizational skills, and academic skills necessary to work independently (6th-12th).
• A student whose academic performance is not at grade level may participate in independent study only if the program is able to provide appropriate support, such as supplemental instruction, tutoring, counseling, ongoing diagnostic assessments, and/or differentiated materials, to enable the student to be successful.
• For an elementary student, the Superintendent or designee may consider the parent/guardian’s level of commitment to assist the student. Parents must have or be willing to learn basic computer skills.
• For grades 6th-12th students must have or be willing to learn computer skills (i.e. uploading documents, using word documents, powerpoint, etc.)
• Availability of experienced certificated staff with adequate time to effectively supervise the student.
• A student's participation in independent study shall be voluntary. (Education Code 51747)

A student with disabilities, as defined in Education Code 56026, shall not participate in independent study unless his/her individualized education program specifically provides for such participation. (Education Code 51745) (cf. 6159 - Individualized Education Program)

Student Exit from Long Term Independent Study

The parent/guardian may request a classroom option at any time. The request may come from the parent/guardian or the school administration. As a general rule, students may transfer to a classroom option at any time during the semester. The Superintendent or designee, teacher, &/or Academic Counselor will make every effort to counsel the student and parent/guardian on the most appropriate option. The Superintendent or designee and/or supervising teacher shall promptly and directly address any failure by the student to meet the terms of his or her written agreement. The following supportive strategies may be used:

1. A Placement Evaluation sent to parent/guardian, in which a Support Plan will be created.
2. A Participation Evaluation to determine if independent study is in the student's best interest.
3. An increase in the amount of time the student works under direct supervision.

The Participation Evaluation may result in termination of the independent study agreement and the student's return to the regular classroom program or other alternative program.

If a student's independent study agreement has been terminated, the student's Indpendent Study Teacher will notify the School Registrar about the change of placement, before the student can return to their on-campus classes.

STUDENT

Please answer the following honestly to help us better serve your needs.

Characteristics of a Successful Online Independent Study Student 

• I am a self-motivated and self-disciplined individual.
• I am able to work independently with little direction.
• I have good time-management skills that allow me to schedule specific times throughout a week to work on my online course.
• I can adequately prepare and study for exams.
• I can effectively communicate any questions or concerns to my instructor. I am comfortable expressing myself in writing.
• I am not a procrastinator.
• I like to get things done today, not tomorrow.
• I will not miss the face-to-face interaction with my instructor.
• I do not give up easily, even when confronted with obstacles.
• I am comfortable spending twenty plus hours each week on a course to review course lectures/videos, complete course assignments, participate in chats and threaded discussions, etc.
• I agree that online courses can be more challenging than face-to-face instruction in a classroom.
• I consider myself an average to above-average reader.
• I have basic computer skills and can use word processing software, use a web browser, etc.
• I have access to the Internet and have a backup plan if something happens to my internet.

Myths about Independent Study

• The work assigned is very easy
• Little or no homework is required
• You won’t be tested on assignments
• You will have lots of “free time” since you only meet with your teacher during your scheduled meetings
• You can meet with your teacher anytime you want & just "drop in" anytime you want
• You will have no assignment due dates

GUIDE TO INDEPENDENT LEARNING

We are excited to begin this new academic adventure with your family! Please know that we are here to support your family and your success. Helping you accomplish your goals is our priority. There are a few important principles to remember when embarking on independent learning. These principles will help you be successful in this program.

WORK HARD: This is your education!!! You need to make learning your job. If you don’t earn it, you don’t deserve it. Accomplish your goals by staying on task.

BE SUCCESSFUL: The choice to be successful is up to the student. If the parent or I.S. teacher is putting in all of the effort, the student will not be successful. Some students are ready for the challenge and some are not. Which are you?

PARENTS: You play a huge role in your child’s education. Within this program you will need to help guide your child in reaching their academic goals. Your job within this program is to monitor your child’s progress at home & make sure that your child is staying on task.

CLEAR COMMUNICATION: Your teacher wants to support their student’s learning. This will require clear communication. If you have a question or problem, do not hesitate to call or email your teacher.

It is important to create a schedule that will work for you and your family. Make sure that your schedule supports your learning and enables you to have enough time to finish your work. If you need help creating a schedule, please contact your I.S. teacher. They will be able to assist you in preparing a daily schedule that works for you!

When embarking on your I.S. learning experience please try to remember the above principles. They will help you reach your academic goals and achieve learning success.

Sincerely, The Independent Study Staff