Independent Study

You must initiate your request through your counselor or the independent study coordinator. Your request is then submitted to the student study team, the screening body for placement in alternative programs.

Once your request is approved, you will be contacted by someone from the Independent Study program, who will set an appointment that includes the student, parent, and assigned teacher/advisor. At the appointment, the advisor and student develop an individualized contract designed to meet the student's educational objectives.

Prior to signing the Independent Study (IS) written agreement, and at a pupil or parent or guardian’s request, all LEAs offering IS must hold a pupil-parent-educator conference or school meeting via phone, videoconference, or in-person (EC Section 51747). At a minimum, this conference or meeting must involve all of the people who sign the pupil’s written agreement for IS. During the conference or school meeting, attendees may ask questions about the educational options, curriculum offerings, and nonacademic supports available to the pupil.

The student assumes the responsibility for completing an individual education contract. This is a written agreement outlining what will take place during the program. It will include:

• The subjects and credits to be attempted
• Weekly assignments
• Materials and other resources to be used to complete the assignments
• The methods of evaluation
• The day, date, and time for scheduled meetings

GRADES TK - 3:

Asynchronous (Independent) Instruction: A portion of the student's instructional time will consist of "Asynchronous Instruction" which consists of assignments, tasks, and projects aligned to grade-level standards that is assigned to the student by a classroom teacher to work on independently at home.

Synchronous Instruction: daily instruction that involves classroom-style, small group, or individual instruction involving live, two-way communication between the teacher and student. The number of minutes per day and the type of lesson delivery will be outlined in the written master agreement as determined by the district.

NOTE: Parents or other adults are expected to serve as independent learning coaches in their home throughout the instructional day to help guide and assist students with the Independent Study program.

GRADES 4 - 8:

Asynchronous (Independent) Instruction: A portion of the student's instructional time will consist of "Asynchronous Instruction" which consists of assignments, tasks, and projects aligned to grade level standards that is assigned to the student by a classroom teacher to work on independently at home.

Synchronous Instruction: At least weekly synchronous instruction that involves classroom-style, small group, or individual instruction involving live, two-way communication between the teacher and student. The number of minutes per day and the type of lesson will be outlined in the written master agreement as determined by the district.

Daily Live interaction: A certified teacher will interact with the student daily to maintain school connectedness. The number of minutes and form of communication will be outlined in the written master agreement as determined by the district.

NOTE: Parents or other adults are expected to serve as independent learning coaches in their home throughout the instructional day to help guide and assist students with the Independent Study program.

GRADES 9 - 12:

Asynchronous (Independent) Instruction: The majority of the student's instructional time may consist of "Asynchronous Instruction" which consists of assignments, tasks, and projects aligned to grade-level standards that are assigned to the student by a classroom teacher to work on independently at home.

Synchronous Instruction: At least Weekly synchronous instruction that involves classroom-style, small group, or individual instruction involving live, two-way communication between the teacher and student. The number of minutes per day and the type of lesson will be outlined in the written master agreement, as determined by the district.

An independent study student must have contact with his/her advisor at least once each week. In addition, a student may make arrangements for other activities such as tutoring, film/video watching, or researching materials. Students in grades 9-12 are responsible for a minimum of twenty (20) hours of schoolwork per week.

Because attendance for Independent Study is earned by an alternative (nonclassroom) means, the usual principles of excused and unexcused absence do not apply.

* ATTENDANCE IS AN INTEGRAL PART OF YOUR INDEPENDENT STUDY CONTRACT. YOUR COMMITMENT TO SCHEDULED WEEKLY APPOINTMENTS WILL INSURE FULL CREDIT.

 Your advisor has other students; it is important that you are on time so you do not interfere with others' appointments.

When any pupil fails to complete three consecutive independent study assignments during any period of 15 school days, or misses two appointments without valid reasons, an evaluation shall be conducted to determine whether the pupil should be allowed to continue in independent study. A written record of the findings of any evaluation conducted pursuant to this policy shall be maintained in the pupil's permanent record.

CBIS (Course-Based Independent Studies) must include:

• Policies that comply with California Education Code (EC) Section 51749.5 (course-based IS only).

• Courses are taught under the general supervision of appropriately credentialed teachers who are employees of the LEA or for whom a memorandum of understanding is provided (course-based IS only).

• Courses are annually certified to be of the same rigor, educational quality, and intellectual challenge and substantially equivalent to in-person instruction and equivalent classroom-based courses, which shall include access to A–G courses for high schools. The certification must include, at a minimum, the course duration, number of equivalent daily and total instructional minutes, and course credits, number of course credits, and a plan to provide required minimum synchronous learning and live interaction (course-based IS only).

• Pupil age and residency eligibility (course-based IS only).

• Proctored exams (course-based IS only).

CUSD will provide access to all pupils to the connectivity and devices adequate for participation and completion of work in the specific resources made available to the pupil.

• Access to district-approved curriculum for core content areas (ie. Wonders, Number Corner, CPM, Eureka Math)

• For high schools, a provision for access to all courses offered by the LEA for graduation and approved by the University of California or the California State University as creditable under the A–G admissions criteria.  (Edgenuity)

Progress Monitoring must include:

• A detailed statement of academic and other supports provided to address the needs of pupils not performing at grade level, or needed support in other areas such as English learners, individuals with exceptional needs in order to be consistent with the pupil’s individualized education program or 504 plan, pupils in foster care, pupils experiencing homelessness, and pupils requiring mental health supports.

• Satisfactory progress as an added means to evaluate continued IS participation and placement.

• Procedures for tiered reengagement strategies for pupils not making satisfactory educational progress in one or more courses, or who are in violation of the written learning agreement.

• Maximum length of time to complete assignments, by grade level and type of program (traditional IS only).

Students who have an interest in the Independent Study program who are currently eligible for Special Education and related services through an IEP must have an IEP meeting to discuss a possible programmatic change PRIOR to enrollment in Independent Study. Similarly, students on a 504 plan who have an interest in the Independent Study program must have a 504 meeting to discuss a possible programmatic change PRIOR to enrollment. 

Upon completion of a contract, the student is assigned the agreed-upon grade and credits. Individual subject contracts will be initiated as required to satisfy the student's educational goals and the CUSD graduation criteria.

Return to In-Person Instruction must include:

A plan to transition pupils whose families wish to return to in-person instruction from IS expeditiously, and not later than five instructional days.

Independent Study is an alternative to classroom instruction, consistent with the Cabrillo Unified School District course of study, and requires the same credits, proficiency tests, and other graduation standards.

Through Independent Study, you can prepare for the HiSET or CHSPE high school equivalency tests or fulfill partial requirements for an Adult School Diploma.

HiSET The HiSET® test is a high school equivalency testing program that will help you take the next step toward a college degree or a rewarding career. The HiSET program was created to provide you with a more affordable, more accessible alternative to other high school equivalency tests. You can earn the credentials you need to continue your education or to succeed in the workplace.

The HiSET is available in English or Spanish and in an at-home live online proctored or computer-based format in a physical test center. A paper-based option is also available for those needing accommodations. The program offers additional accommodations for test takers with disabilities and health-related needs. Students must be 18 or 17 in some instances.

C.H.S.P.E. The California High School Proficiency Examination provides an opportunity for students over the age of sixteen or in the second semester of their sophomore (l0) year to be tested for high school equivalency.

If successful, the student may move ahead to higher education or prepare for a career.

Passing the CHSPE does not exempt students from attending school unless they are sixteen or over and have verified parental permission to withdraw. Many students who pass CHSPE continue to attend school.

The scheduling team will reach out to you the first week of school to set your initial appointment with your managing teacher. The initial meeting with the managing teacher will take place in the following weeks.  

You and your child will receive information regarding the student’s Edgenuity account and how to navigate the work during the initial meeting.  

No, beginning at a slightly later date will not negatively impact your child’s education. We have taken this into account and ensured that students can complete coursework within the semester.  

Students must meet with their managing teacher once a week. 

Yes, your child can enroll in Concurrent Enrollment through College of San Mateo, Skyline College, or Cañada College.  

No, students must remain in the program through the end of the school year.

Edgenuity offers most A-G classes, but it does not offer A-G foreign language classes.  A-G foreign language courses can be taken elsewhere, either through concurrent enrollment or through a private organization. 

AP classes are not available through the Independent Study program via Edgenuity. Students may pursue them through UC Scout or take college-level courses through concurrent enrollment at a community college.

Students may earn additional credit by:

• Enrolling in courses offered by the San Mateo Community College District.
• Enrolling in CUSD Adult School courses