Independent Study Ratio Calculations

Instructions, examples, and worksheets for calculating independent study ratios.

The California Education Code (EC) provides for two different independent study program options for local educational agencies (LEAs) to administer. Most LEAs offer the traditional independent study option, authorized pursuant to EC sections 51744–51749.3. In 2015–16 a new independent study program, known as Course Based Independent Study (CBIS), was created pursuant to EC sections 51749.5–51749.6 with distinct apportionment significant requirements that differ from those of the traditional independent study program.

Traditional independent study and CBIS average daily attendance (ADA) is tracked and reported separately to the California Department of Education (CDE) by an LEA. ADA is one of the factors used by the CDE when calculating an LEA’s Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) entitlement.

EC sections 51745.6 and 51749.5 require LEAs that participate in either or both programs to complete an independent study ratio calculation. The ratio calculation is done annually by the LEA at the time of, and in connection with, the second period (P-2) report of ADA. The results of the ratio calculations should be reflected in the P-2 and Annual ADA data submitted to the CDE. Prior to completing the Excel calculation spreadsheet, please be sure to review the appropriate instructions for calculating an LEA’s independent study ratio. For additional information about reporting ADA to the CDE, see the Principal Apportionment Data Collection User Manual available on the CDE’s website.

Below are the links to the independent study ratio instructions and calculation spreadsheets by fiscal year: