Listed below is the full text of the Board Policy regarding Independent Study within the Byron Union School
District. If you would like to print out a copy, please click here.
The
Board of Trustees authorizes independent study as an optional alternative
instructional strategy for students whose needs may be best met through study
outside of the regular classroom setting.Independent study shall offer a
means of individualizing the educational plan and enabling students to reach
curriculum objectives.
The
Superintendent or designee shall determine that the prospective independent
study student understands and is prepared to meet the district's requirements
for independent study.Independent study
entails a commitment by both the parent/guardian and the student.As the student gets older, he/she assumes a
greater portion of the responsibility involved. Independent study may be
offered only to students who can achieve in this program as well as or better
than they would in the regular classroom.
The
minimum period of time for any independent study option shall be five (5)
school days.
The
Superintendent or designee shall ensure that a written independent study
agreement, as prescribed by law, exists for each participating student.(Education Code 51747)
To
foster each participating student's success in independent study, the Board
establishes the following maximum lengths of time which may elapse between the date
an assignment is made and date by which the student must complete the assigned
work shall be as follows:
For students in grades K-3:1 week
For students in grades 4-8:2 weeks
When
circumstances justify a longer time, the Superintendent or designee may extend
the maximum length of an assignment to a period not to exceed eight weeks,
pursuant to a written request with justification.
Supervising
teachers should carefully set the duration of independent study assignments,
within the limits specified above, and establish an appropriate schedule for
student-teacher conferences in order to help identify students falling behind
in their work or in danger of failing or dropping out of school.Except in unusual circumstances, it is
expected that the supervising teacher will meet with each participating student
at least once a week to discuss the student's progress.
When
a participating student fails to complete three consecutive independent study assignments
in a period of 15 school days, or misses two appointment with his/her
supervising teacher without valid reasons, an evaluation shall be conducted to
determine whether it is in the student's best interest to remain in independent
study.
The
Superintendent or designee shall annually report to the Board the number of
students participating in independent study, the average daily attendance (ADA)
generated for apportionment purposes, the quality of these student's work as
measured by standard indicators, and the number and proportion of independent
study students who graduate or successfully complete home independent study.
Home-Based
Independent Study
The
Superintendent or designee shall encourage parents/guardians desiring to teach
their children at home to have their children participate in independent
study.Such participation allows
continued contact and cooperation between the school system and the home-based
student.
Legal
Reference:
EDUCATION
CODE
17289
Exemption for building
44865Qualifications for home teachers and teachers
in special classes and schools; consent to assignment
46300-46300.6Methods of computing ADA
48220
Classes of children exempted
48340Improvement of pupil attendance
48915
Expulsion; particular circumstances
48917
Suspension of expulsion order
51225.3Requirements for high school graduation
51745-51749.3Independent study programs
52001Improvement of elementary and secondary
education:legislative intent