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Independent Study

A voluntary alternative instructional strategy for providing regular education; available from kindergarten through adult education.

Program Information

Independent study is an alternative instructional strategy, not an alternative curriculum. Students work independently, according to a written agreement and under the general supervision of a credentialed teacher. While independent study students follow the district-adopted curriculum and meet the district graduation requirements, independent study offers flexibility to meet individual student needs, interests, and styles of learning.

  • Independent study is only available as a voluntary option chosen by students and parents. Students cannot be assigned to independent study. Independent study is also offered at the district's option, and it is not available in all districts.
  • Independent study can be used on a short-term or long-term basis, and on a full-time basis or in conjunction with courses taken in a classroom setting. Classroom based students may take some classes using independent study, often to solve scheduling problems.
  • Districts can operate independent study as a program within a school, or as stand-alone charter school or alternative school of choice.
  • State law provides that the education students receive using independent study should be at least equal in quality and quantity to that offered in the classroom.
  • For K-12, the ratio of independent study students to independent study teachers cannot exceed the ratio of classroom–based students to classroom–based teachers, calculated in terms of average daily attendance.

Because students in independent study work closely with their teachers, in one-on-one meetings or small group instruction, independent study can be a highly personalized form of instruction. Independent study also offers a high degree of flexibility and individualization, so it can serve a wide range of students including:

  • Gifted students who are not challenged in their regular classrooms and wish to accelerate their studies.
  • Students who face particular challenges—such as health issues or the need to work—that make classroom attendance difficult.
  • Students who, for a variety of reasons, have fallen behind in their studies and need targeted instruction to fill in gaps in their learning or make up credits.
  • Students who want an individualized approach that allows them to delve more deeply into areas of special interest.

In some districts independent study is also used as a dropout prevention or recovery mechanism. For a subset of discouraged students who have very little connection with school, independent study can facilitate a turn around in student engagement. This can happen when students develop a close relationship with teachers in a one-on-one setting, and when they are able to take charge of their own learning through a customized approach. Based on diagnostic assessments of their academic achievement, such students are provided the additional assistance they need to be successful in independent study, which may include math and reading labs, tutoring, counseling, and computer-assisted learning.

While independent study is not for all students, for a significant number of students it provides a crucial option that meets their needs, interests, and styles of learning. In keeping students engaged in learning and in school, independent study contributes to closing the ultimate achievement gap—the gap between students who graduate and those who drop out.

Additional Program Information

Frequently Asked Questions About Independent Study

Exemplary Independent Study Recognition Award

This award recognizes excellent educational practices in schools where independent study is the primary mode of instruction and creates a resource list of quality programs for school visits.

Independent Study Operations Manual

The California Department of Education's publication of the Independent Study Operations Manual (2000 Edition) incorporates law and regulation that govern the implementation and management of independent study programs for all grade levels and adult education in California schools. The manual also contains best practices from educators who helped produce the document.

The manual is designed to supply necessary information to schools, school districts, county offices of education, and trainers of educators. It clearly distinguishes between legal requirements and guidelines. Included are sample forms, charts, and other materials that have been successfully used by school districts. These materials are not prescriptive and may be modified to suit local conditions. We recommend that practitioners have desk copies of the complete manual for ready access.

Note: It has come to our attention that some districts may be using out-dated forms from previous editions of the manual. We caution against using forms from previous editions as they may not be compliant with current legal requirements.

Manual Update: Chapter 2, page 2-8: Removed "consecutive" from the phrase "consecutive independent study assignments" in line 2 of item 4.

Resources

  • Professional Network (Outside Source)
    Educators in all professional roles involved in the operation of independent study are encouraged to participate in the California Consortium for Independent Study.
  • Educational Options Best Practices (Outside Source)
    Best practices in Court, Community, Community Day Schools, Continuation Schools, Independent Study, and other alternative education programs throughout California.
    • Curriculum, Instruction, and Education Technology
    • Student Support, Retention, and Transition
    • Leadership and Staff Development
    • Assessment, Evaluation, and Data Management
  • Audit Guide 2007-08, Education Audit Appeals Panel (PDF; Outside Source)
    Provisions related to independent study–Section 19819
  • California Interscholastic Federation (PDF; Outside Source)
    Rules governing independent study programs/schools–Section 306

Contact Information

Program contact:
Mary M. Jones, Consultant
916-323-5034
mjones@cde.ca.gov

Educational Options Office
Secondary, Postsecondary, and Adult Leadership Division
California Department of Education
John F. Burns, Administrator
1430 N Street, Suite 4503
Sacramento, CA 95814
916-322-5012

Questions:  Mary M. Jones | mjones@cde.ca.gov | 916-323-5034
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