Independent Study 6-12

IS

Independent Study is an alternative high school program for grades nine through twelve (and for some students, 6-8).  It allows students to pursue their educational opportunities outside the classroom, yet within the framework of the educational requirements of the Cabrillo Unified School District. The nature of the independent study program gives students the opportunity to individualize instruction and the freedom to utilize various community resources.

General Info

WHAT IS INDEPENDENT STUDY?

Independent study is a program which offers a means of individualizing the educational program for students whose needs may be better met through study outside the regular instructional program offered by the traditional high school.
The student assumes the responsibility to complete an individual education contract. This is a written agreement outlining what will take place while you are in the program. It will include:

  • The subjects and credits to be attempted
  • Weekly assignments
  • Materials and other resources to be used to complete the assignments and the methods of evaluation
  • The day, date, and time for scheduled meetings

Independent Study FAQ's:


When will I hear from a teacher? 

The scheduling team will reach out to you the first week of school to set your initial appointment with your managing teacher. The initial meeting with the managing teacher will take place the following weeks.  


When does my child actually begin working on school work?

You and your child will receive information regarding the student’s Edgenuity account and how to navigate the work during the initial meeting.  


Will my start date affect my child’s education? 

No, beginning at a slightly later date will not negatively impact your child’s education.  We have taken this into account and have ensured that coursework can be completed by students within the semester.  


How often will I be required to check in with the managing teacher? 

Students must meet with their managing teacher once a week. 


Can my child be enrolled in Concurrent Enrollment?

Yes, your child can be enrolled in Concurrent Enrollment through College of San Mateo, Skyline College, or Cañada College.  


Can my child change programs at any time?

No, students must remain in the program through the end of the school year.


Will my child be able to take A-G classes?

Edgenuity offers most A-G classes, but it does not offer A-G foreign language classes.  A-G foreign language courses can be taken elsewhere, either through concurrent enrollment or through a private organization.  


Will my child be able to take AP classes?

AP classes are not available through the Independent Study program via Edgenuity. Students may pursue them through UC Scout, or take college level courses instead through concurrent enrollment at a community college.


STEPS FOR ENROLLMENT IN INDEPENDENT STUDY:

You must initiate your request through your counselor or the independent study coordinator. Your request is then submitted to the student study team which is the screening body for placement into alternative programs.

Once your request is approved, you will be contacted by someone from the Independent Study program.  An appointment is made with the student, parent, and assigned teacher/advisor. At the appointment the advisor, along with the student, develops an individualized contract which is designed to meet the educational objectives of the student.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A CONTRACT IS COMPLETED?

Every effort is made to place each student in an educational program in which he or she will be successful.

After completion of a contract, the student is assigned the appropriate grade and credits agreed upon in the contract. Individual subject contracts will be initiated as required to satisfy the student's educational goals and the CUSD graduation criteria.

ADDITIONAL WAYS TO ACCUMULATE CREDITS

Students may earn additional credit by:

  • Enrolling in courses offered by the San Mateo Community College District.
  • Enrolling in CUSD Adult School courses

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

Independent Study is an alternative to classroom instruction consistent with the Cabrillo Unified School District course of study and requires the same credits, proficiency tests, and other standards for graduation.

OPTIONS OTHER THAN THE STANDARD DIPLOMA

Through Independent Study you can prepare for HiSET or CHSPE high school equivalency tests or fulfill partial requirements for an Adult School Diploma.

HiSET The HiSET® test is a high school equivalency testing program that will help you take the next step toward a college degree or a rewarding career. The HiSET program was created to provide you with a more affordable, more accessible alternative to other high school equivalency tests. You can earn the credentials you need to continue your education or to succeed in the workplace.

The HiSET is available in English or Spanish and in at-home live online proctored or computer-based format in a physical test center. A paper-based option is also available for those needing accommodations. The program offers additional accommodations for test takers with disabilities and health-related needs. Students must be 18 or 17 in some instances.

C.H.S.P.E. The California High School Proficiency Examination provides an opportunity for students over the age of sixteen or in the second semester of their sophomore (l0) year to be tested for high school equivalency.

If successful the student may move ahead to higher education or prepare for a career.

Passing the CHSPE does not exempt students from attending school unless they are sixteen or over and have verified parental permission to withdraw. Many students who pass CHSPE continue to attend school.

ATTENDANCE POLICY

An independent study student must have contact with his/her advisor at least once each week. In addition, a student may make arrangements for other activities such as tutoring, film/video watching, or researching materials. Students in grades 9-12 are responsible for a minimum of twenty (20) hours of school work per week.

Being that attendance for Independent Study is earned by alternative (nonclassroom) procedure, the usual principles of excused and unexcused absence do not apply.

* ATTENDANCE IS AN INTEGRAL PART OF YOUR INDEPENDENT STUDY CONTRACT. YOUR COMMITMENT TO SCHEDULED WEEKLY APPOINTMENTS WILL INSURE FULL CREDIT.

 Your advisor has other students scheduled; therefore, it is important that your are on time so you do not interfere with others' appointments.

UNEXCUSED MISSED APPOINTMENTS

When any pupil fails to complete three consecutive independent study assignments during any period of 15 school days, or misses two appointments without valid reasons, an evaluation shall be conducted to determine whether the pupil should be allowed to continue in independent study. A written record of the findings of any evaluation conducted pursuant to this policy shall be maintained in the pupil's permanent record. (CUSD Board Policy #6158 Rev.12/9/93)

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