English Learners Independent Study FAQs

Yes. A local educational agency may offer independent study to meet the educational needs of students, including English learners, in accordance with Education Code sections 51744–51749.6.

Yes. English learners must receive designated and integrated ELD as part of their educational curriculum (Title 5 California Code of Regulations Section 11309). For English learners participating in an independent study program, the local educational agency is required to maintain a current written agreement for each independent study student that includes a statement detailing the academic and other supports which will be provided to address the needs of English learners (Education Code sections 51747 [g][7]; 51749.6[a][5]).

Yes. Title 5 California Code of Regulations Section 11300(a) states that designated ELD is “instruction provided during a time set aside in the regular school day…”. Designated ELD is part of the core curriculum for an English learner, which is taught during an instructional day. Independent study courses are to be of the same rigor, educational quality, and intellectual challenge substantially equivalent to in-person instruction and equivalent classroom-based courses and shall be aligned to all relevant local and state content standards (Education Code sections 51747[c]; 51749.5 [a][4][A]).

For additional information, see What information should be included in the written agreement addressing the needs of pupils not performing at grade level or requiring other supports?

No. Although there is no minimum number of minutes of ELD instruction required, ELD is a required course of study for all English learners and instruction is to be provided according to the student’s need and proficiency level. Whether in person or as part of independent study, best practices would be to provide ELD as any other core subject matter and given sufficient time for students to make progress toward English proficiency.

Yes. The requirement for an English learner authorization does not change. For English learners to have access to quality education, their academic and linguistic needs must be met by teachers who have the essential skills and knowledge related to ELD, specially designed content instruction delivered in English, and content instruction delivered in the students’ primary languages (20 United States Code Section 6826 [c]; Education Code sections 44253.1–7, 44253.10; Title 5 California Code of Regulations Section 11309[c][2]).

For additional information, see the following from the California Department of Education's FAQs for English Learner Teacher Authorizations:
Does California state law require authorization to provide instruction to English learner students? and Are all teachers, kindergarten through grade twelve (K-12), with one or more English learner students in their classrooms required to be English learner certified?

The independent study option is to be substantially equivalent in quality and intellectual challenge as in-person instruction. Students who choose independent study are to have the same access to all existing services and resources in the school in which the student is enrolled as is available to all other students in the school (Education Code sections 51746, 51747[c], 51749.5[a][4][A]; Title 5 California Code of Regulations Section 11701.5).

Some strategies to accomplish this include:

• Provide a designated time for designated and integrated ELD instruction within remote instruction, in-person instruction, or an independent study schedule for English learners.
• Emphasize the importance of building scaffolds to continue providing integrated ELD within core subjects.
• Consider a hybrid model for at-home learning (virtual learning along with assignment packets or work).
• Provide guidance on how and where to secure internet access.

No. Local educational agencies have the flexibility to determine the curriculum used for ELD instruction. The curriculum must be aligned to the California English Language Development Standards (CA ELD Standards). Recommendations for selecting an ELD curriculum of various curricula include:

• Identify materials (sets of student text books, workbooks, etc.) to be used and/or send home.
• Determine if the current curriculum has a digital designated and integrated ELD component.
• Consider digital subscriptions the district may already have and make those available.
• Contact publishers and vendors regarding available components that support virtual learning or an independent study program.

Teachers use the California English Language Development Standards (CA ELD Standards) to help guide the development of designated and integrated ELD instruction and instructional material (Education Code Section 60811). Specifically, pages 18–24 (Proficiency Level Descriptors) in the CA ELD Standards may be helpful. The CA ELD Standards are available on the California Department of Education (CDE) ELD Standards web page. Also, see question 6, above.

Independent study information, resources, and FAQs are available on the CDE Independent Study web page. Considerations for English learners provided on the CDE Distance Learning Considerations web page may be referenced for implementing ELD instruction through independent study. Additional independent study resources may be available through your local county office of education, local educational agency, or community partners.

Yes. How a local educational agency (LEA) provides ELD instruction in an independent study setting is a local decision. For kindergarten and grades 1 to 3, LEAs must have a plan to provide opportunities for daily synchronous instruction throughout the school year. For grades 4 to 8, LEAs must have a plan to provide for both daily live interaction and weekly synchronous instruction throughout the school year. For grades 9 to 12, LEAs must have a plan to provide weekly synchronous instruction throughout the school year (Education Code sections 51747[e]; 51749.5[a][4][C]).