Is Independent Study Right for My Pupil?

Generally, success in independent study requires motivation and a strong commitment on the part of the student and, for most students, requires the support of parents, guardians, or caregivers. It also requires sufficient academic preparation to enable the student to work independently. Many local educational agencies (LEAs) offering independent study require the student’s academic performance to be at or close to grade level, while others work with students who have fallen behind by providing additional individualized support necessary for success.

• State law requires students with special needs to have an individualized education program (IEP) that documents the special education supports and services that will be provided during approved participation in independent study. The IEP team decides the determination of the support and services. For more information or questions, please contact the school district or your Special Education Local Plan Area which can be found on the California Special Education Local Plan Areas web page.

It is important to learn about the characteristics of the independent study options available to your student to consider whether they will meet their needs and interests. Here are some ways to locate information about independent study programs or schools:

• Use the information provided in How to Find Independent Study to locate independent study in your area.
  
  
• Access school information from the California School Directory. Many schools have a website. If the school’s website is not listed, you may find it on the district’s website.
  
  
• Review the School Accountability Report Card for additional information about individual schools.
  
  
• Talk with school officials and teachers about their independent study options and visit the school site offering the program with your student to help you determine if independent study will meet the needs of your student.

As with other types of education, independent study may vary greatly from district to district. In deciding whether the independent study offered in a particular school or program would be appropriate for your student, it will be important to consider the school climate and whether it is the best fit for your student. Below are some of the ways in which independent study may vary:

• Size: Independent study may vary in size from a few dozen students to 1,000 or more. Smaller programs may provide a more personalized setting while larger schools may have more course options available.
  
  
• Meetings: In some programs, independent study students (and parents, guardians, or caregivers of elementary students) meet with their teacher one-on-one on a weekly basis to turn in completed work, ask questions, and receive new assignments. In other programs, students may meet with their teachers more frequently—in small groups, labs, or classes—in addition to working on assignments independently.

Depending on grade level, state law requires that LEAs provide opportunities for synchronous instruction and live interaction as follows:

Minimum Standards for Live Interaction and Synchronous Instruction

• Online Schools: In some programs, classes are offered online, and student-teacher and student-to-student interactions occur over the internet using various platforms and email communication. In some cases, the classes are conducted in real time.
  
  
• Structure and Organization: Programs vary as to structure (i.e., one teacher for all subjects or, especially at the secondary level, different subject matter specialist teachers for different subjects) and organization. Depending on the individual needs and capacity, the student may take fewer subjects on a more intense basis, covering a year-long course in one semester or less, or may take a full range of courses at any given time.
  
  
• Students Served: Independent study can serve students with a range of academic abilities. Some programs are designed to challenge students with college preparatory courses and may either offer all the courses to meet University of California/California State University entrance requirements or arrange for students to have access to some required classes at a community college, a comprehensive high school, or a board-approved online platform. Other programs are designed to assist students who have not been successful in the regular classroom setting. These programs may offer diagnostic assessments and interventions to help students meet grade level requirements and may provide counseling and additional supports to enable students to be successful.
  
  
• Academic Achievement: Schools also vary regarding academic achievement. The Academic Performance Index and state ranking information for individual schools are available from DataQuest.
  
  
• Program or Stand-Alone School: Independent study may be offered as a program option within a traditional school setting, or may be offered in alternative schools of choice or through charter schools that are primarily or entirely independent study.
  

Independent study can be a great option for some students; however, it may not be the right option for every student who is not thriving in a regular classroom setting. Some students might be better served in an educational option that is classroom-based and offers a smaller learning environment and more individualization. Many charter schools, alternative schools of choice, or magnet schools meet this description; these schools may also offer a particular academic focus or approach that would engage an individual student’s interests and best meet the student’s learning style.