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Independent Study

Independent study is a different way of learning. In independent study, a student is guided by a teacher but usually does not take classes with other students every day. The student works independently.

Independent study is available to children and adults. Many school districts offer this type of education, but some do not. Students who participate in independent study take the same courses as students in regular classes.

School districts cannot force students into independent study programs; students and parents choose this type of study on their own. Independent study programs are designed to help students who have health problems, are parents, are gifted, are working, or who find that regular classroom settings do not meet their needs.

The California Department of Education works to improve independent study programs in school districts.

• For more information about independent study in your area, contact your local school district.
• The Independent Study - CalEdFacts page provides a more detailed overview of independent study.
• The links and information below were developed for educators and others who operate independent study programs.

Program Information

The following provide helpful information about independent study rules, regulations, and effective practices.

• Independent Study Summary
  Information on the purpose, services, funding, and students served.
• Quick Guide to Independent Study
  Essential elements of independent study including the types of programs, key legal requirements, written or master agreements, local board policy, funding, attendance, etc.
• Frequently Asked Questions About Independent Study
  • Is Independent Study Right for My Student?
  • How To Find Independent Study
• Independent Study Operations Manual
  A resource for educators and parents/guardians/caregivers that provides critical information about independent study in California schools.
• Legal Requirements for Independent Study 
  A comprehensive list of basic requirements for operating a legally compliant independent study program.
• Sample Independent Study Written Agreement (Revised 21-Dec-2011; DOC; 121KB; 11pp.)
  Provides an example of a legally compliant independent study agreement, including legal citations for all required elements.
• NCLB Teacher Requirements for Independent Study
  Information on meeting No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act of 2001 teacher requirements for independent study.
• Instructions for Ratio Calculations
  Complete guidelines on how to calculate teacher-to-average daily attendance (ADA) ratios for independent study, with examples.
• Guide to Evaluating Your Independent Study Practices (Posted 16-Sep-2011; DOC; 270KB; 14pp.)
  A tool for evaluating independent study practices.
• Exemplary Independent Study
  • Award-Winning Exemplary Independent Study Schools
  • Elements of Exemplary Independent Study
• Online Education Resources
  • California Directory of Online Schools and Programs (CDOSP)
  • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Related to K-12 Online Education in California
  • Glossary of Terms Related to Online Education
  • The State of Online Education in California (Coming Soon!)
• Resources
  Helpful links to offices, documents, and programs.

Contact Information

Educational Options, Student Support, and American Indian Education Office
Carol Abbott, Education Programs Consultant
916-319-0943
cabbott@cde.ca.gov