Independent Study

1. What is Independent Study?

• Independent Study is a learning option available when your child needs to be away from the classroom for short periods due to unforeseen circumstances. It allows your child to continue learning and complete assignments from home. This option is part of our Learning Continuity Plan, ensuring that every student has access to quality instruction, even if they cannot attend in-person classes for a time.

2. Why am I being asked to sign the Independent Study Contract?

• By signing the Independent Study Contract now, you are helping us prepare for any situation where your child might need to participate in Independent Study. This proactive approach allows us to respond efficiently and provide your child with assignments, learning materials, and guidance without unnecessary delays.

3. How long is the contract valid?

• The contract is valid for the entire school year, so if your child needs Independent Study more than once, you won’t need to sign a new contract each time.

4. What kind of learning will my child receive during Independent Study?

• Learning will be provided through a combination of synchronous (live, real-time instruction) and asynchronous (independent work) approaches, depending on the duration of the Independent Study.

• Grades TK-3: If the Independent Study exceeds 15 cumulative days, daily live instruction will be offered.

• Grades 4-8: If the Independent Study exceeds 15 cumulative days, weekly live instruction will be offered.

5. How can my child receive additional support?

• To provide additional support, the district will offer a daily Zoom session for students on Independent Study. This session is designed to help students with any questions they have regarding their assignments.

• You can access the Zoom link for these support sessions on our district website.

6. Will my child receive credit for Independent Study if they do not attend the live instruction?

• Yes, your child can still receive credit for Independent Study as long as they complete and submit all assigned work, regardless of whether they attend the live sessions. However, participation in these sessions is strongly encouraged to support their learning.

7. How long can Independent Study be assigned for?

• Independent Study can be assigned for up to 15 cumulative school days without a formal pre-approval. If it exceeds 15 days, more structured requirements, including live instruction, apply.

8. What happens if my child doesn’t complete their assignments?

• Assignments must be completed on time to receive credit. Failure to do so may result in a loss of credit for the Independent Study period. Our goal is to support every student, and the daily Zoom sessions are available to help them stay on track.

9. Is Independent Study mandatory?

• No, Independent Study is optional and provided as an alternative for situations where attending school is not possible.

10. Who needs to sign the agreement for Independent Study?

• The agreement must be signed by you (the parent or guardian), your child, and the certificated teacher responsible for overseeing the Independent Study program.

11. What should I do if I have questions?

• Please contact the school office if you need further clarification or have questions about Independent Study.

FA! For Teachers

1. What is the purpose of Independent Study?

• Independent Study provides flexible learning options for students who need to be away from the classroom for short periods due to unforeseen circumstances such as health concerns or family matters. It is part of our Learning Continuity Plan, which aims to ensure all students continue to receive quality instruction, even if they cannot attend in-person classes for some time.

2. Why do parents sign the Independent Study Contract?

• We are asking parents to sign the Independent Study Contract now to ensure that, if the need arises, we can transition students smoothly and efficiently into Independent Study without unnecessary delays. Having the contract on file allows us to support to students more proactively.

3. How long can an Independent Study program last?

• Independent Study can be assigned for up to 15 cumulative school days in the school year without a formal agreement needing to be signed in advance. If it exceeds 15 cumulative school days, the principal must approve that the student has been successful in the 15 days of independent study prior. If the principal determines that the student has not been successful, then they can deny the continuation of Independent Study.

4. What are the requirements for synchronous instruction?

• If the student's Independent Study exceeds 15 cumulative school days, the requirements are as follows:

• Grades TK-3: Daily synchronous instruction is required.

• Grades 4-8: Weekly synchronous instruction is required.

• The goal of synchronous instruction is to maintain engagement and provide direct support to students during Independent Study.

5. Who is responsible for providing synchronous instruction?

• The daily or weekly synchronous instruction can be provided by a certificated teacher designated by the district

6. How will students receive additional support?

• There will be a daily Zoom session available for students on Independent Study who need additional support. This session will provide an opportunity for students to ask questions and receive clarification on assignments.

• The Zoom link for these support sessions will be available on the district website. Teachers should inform families about this support option and direct them to the website for access.

7. What if a student does not attend the live instruction?

• If a student does not attend the live synchronous sessions, they must still complete all assigned work to receive credit for Independent Study. Participation in live sessions is encouraged, but work completion is the primary criterion for successful completion.

8. Is Independent Study mandatory for students?

• No, Independent Study is an optional educational alternative, and no student may be required to participate.