BREA OLINDA HIGH SCHOOL INDEPENDENT STUDY PROGRAM
Eligibility
Students are eligible for independent study as authorized in law, and as specified in board policy and administrative regulation. No student shall be required to participate in independent study. (Ed Code 51747) For the 2022-23 school year and thereafter, the Superintendent or designee may approve the participation of a student who demonstrates the motivation, commitment, organizational skills, and academic skills necessary to work independently provided that experienced certificated staff are available to effectively supervise students in independent study.
Independent Study (IS) is an alternative to the Brea Olinda High School (BOHS) comprehensive campus instructional setting and is consistent with the BOHS course of study requiring the same credits, proficiency tests and coursework to meet A-G requirements for graduation.
- Students enrolling in independent study must be residents of the local county or an adjacent county. (Ed Code 51747.3)
- Full-time independent study shall not be available to students whose District residency status is based on their parent/guardian's employment within District boundaries pursuant to Ed Code 48204. (Ed Code 51747.3)
Criteria for Participation
Students who are interested in independent study should contact their school counselor. Approval for participation shall be based on the following criteria:
- Evidence that the student will work independently to complete the program.
- Evidence may include, but not be limited to, a history of positive attendance, the ability to speak, read and write consistent with grade level expectations, overall grades and performance data, and time management skills
- Availability of experienced certificated staff with adequate time to supervise the student effectively.
Student Rights and Responsibilities
Students participating in independent study shall have the right, continuously, to enter or return to the regular classroom mode of instruction and shall have the right to participate in co-curricular activities and athletics affiliated with their home school. Independent study students who are late, miss scheduled conferences or do not submit assigned work on time shall not be reported as tardy or truant. However, the independent study administrator shall promptly and directly address any failure by the student to meet the terms of his/her written agreement.
Objectives, Methods of Study and Resources
The IS program aims to help the student successfully finish all courses listed in their Academic Plan. The student should dedicate equivalent time to Independent Study coursework as they would for the courses assigned on the BOHS comprehensive campus. They must enroll and attend weekly meetings from the first week of each semester until the last week. Furthermore, the student will have ongoing support from a BOHS school counselor for maintaining the academic plan, setting goals, and addressing social-emotional needs. Students will complete one class at a time. Parents/students will be provided with support services, curriculum guides, textbooks, workbooks, an electronic device and related instructional materials. All curriculum and methods of study are consistent with established California State Content Standards.
Manner of Reporting/Meeting
The manner of submitting work will be one-on-one, small group, classroom, email or other means pre-approved by the supervising IS teacher.
Frequency and Time of Appointments
The student is responsible to meet in-person with their IS teacher at least once per week. In addition, the student may make arrangements for other activities such as tutoring, film/video watching or researching materials.
Methods of Evaluation
The methods of evaluation and resources for each assignment covered by this agreement will be described in the Course Outline, which are part of this agreement, and any subsidiary agreements are also part of this agreement.
The maximum length of time allowed between the assignment and the date the assignment is due is ONE WEEK, unless an exception is made in accordance with district policy. (After 3 MISSED APPOINTMENTS AND/OR SUBSTANDARD ASSIGNMENTS the student is considered non-compliant and the IS teacher will contact the parent and the student’s counselor to inform them of such.) If non-compliance continues a student/parent meeting will be held to determine whether Independent Study is an appropriate program for the student.
