21/22 Independent Study Info
Posted on 08/11/2021
Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill (AB) 130 into law on July 9, 2021. The bill requires, for the 2021-2022 school year, the District offer an independent study option to students and families whose health would be put at risk by in-person instruction, as determined by the parent or guardian. The District is required to inform you of your option to enroll your student in an independent study program instead of in-person instruction.
Requesting a Parent-Teacher Conference
Upon the request of the parent/guardian of a student, before making a decision about enrolling or disenrolling in independent study and entering into a written agreement to do so, the district shall conduct a telephone, videoconference, or in-person student-parent-educator conference or other meeting during which the student, parent/guardian, or their advocate may ask questions about the educational options, including which curriculum offerings and nonacademic supports will be available to the student in independent study. (Education Code 51747). For special education students, participation in Independent Study continues to be subject to an IEP team determination as already provided by law. (Education Code 56026)
Enrolling, Disenrolling and Re-enrolling
A student’s participation in independent study shall be voluntary. To enroll in independent study for the 2021-2022 school year, there must be an agreement in place for each pupil. The agreement must be signed by the pupil’s parent, legal guardian, or caregiver.
If you wish to have your pupil return to in-person instruction during the school year, you may provide notice to your school site office, and your pupil will be returned to in-person instruction no later than five instructional days after the District receives the notice. Pupils may reenroll in independent study at any time during the 2021-2022 school year upon notice to the District and subject to reenrollment procedures.
Instructional Time
Our independent study program must be equivalent to in person instruction. Satisfactory progress and attendance must be in good standing for students to remain on independent study. Requirements for daily live and synchronous instruction are as follows:
TK- 3rd grade- daily synchronous instruction for all students throughout the school year.
4-6 grade- both daily live interaction and at least weekly synchronous instruction for all students throughout the school year.
“Live interaction” means interaction between the student and local educational agency classified or certificated staff and may include peers, provided for the purpose of maintaining school connectedness. This interaction may take place in person or in the form of internet or telephonic communication.
“Synchronous instruction” means classroom-style instruction or designated small group or one-on-one instruction delivered in person, or in the form of internet or telephonic communications and involving live, two-way communication between the teacher and student. Synchronous instruction shall be provided by the teacher of record for that student.
An evaluation shall be conducted to determine whether it is in a student's best interest to remain in independent study whenever the student fails to make satisfactory educational progress and/or misses three assignments. The minimum level of satisfactory educational progress required prior to an evaluation shall be based on the student's progress towards grade level content standards, as measured by teacher report. Progress measures shall include, but are not limited to, work samples, reports cards, as well as district and classroom assessments.
As excessive leniency in the duration of independent study assignments may result in a student falling behind peers and increase the risk of dropping out of school, independent study assignments shall be completed no more than one week after assigned for all grade levels.
Procedures for tiered reengagement strategies are used for all students who are not generating attendance for more than three school days or 60 percent of the instructional days in a school week, or who are in violation of their written agreement. This requirement only applies to students participating in an independent study program for 15 school days or more.
Those interested in participating in independent study should contact their child's assigned school for more information.