Manner, Time, Frequency and Place for submitting assignments and reporting and communicating the student’s academic progress:  

This contract for Independent Study is for students enrolled in a comprehensive elementary or secondary school who enroll in, or whose parent, guardian or caregiver voluntarily enroll their child in, independent study either as their educational option or to accommodate travel plans or other situations requiring the student to be away from school.

Objectives, Methods of Study, Methods of Evaluation, and Resources: We understand that the student is to complete the subjects/courses listed below, and that subject/course objectives reflect the curriculum adopted by the district's governing board and are consistent with district standards, as outlined in the district's subject/course descriptions. The specific objectives, methods of study, methods of evaluation, manner of reporting academic progress and for communicating with parents, guardians, or caregivers about a student’s academic progress, and resources for each assignment covered by this agreement will be described in the pupil work assignment contract(s), which are part of this agreement, and any subsidiary agreements are also part of this agreement. Activities to reach the standards may include core curriculum materials and various educational activities including but not limited to: reading, research, essays, illustrations, oral and written reports, demonstrations, learning games, learning applications, and activities as related to field trips. The Imperial Unified School District does not teach sectarian or denominational doctrine directly or indirectly to students attending the school. Academic evaluations of student work will be made on the same basis as is utilized in the traditional classroom setting for similar work. Academic evaluations will include a variety of methods including but not limited to: a review of assignments by the supervising teacher, live observations, teacher-made assessments and evaluations, assessments provided within the curriculum, proctored exams, projects, and written/oral tests and quizzes. Collection of samples of original student work by stated school deadlines is required for participation in the school.

Additional Classes: If the pupil satisfactorily completes all of the above subjects/courses before the ending date of the agreement, a supplemental agreement adding one or more courses/subjects may be completed and attached to the original agreement. The supplemental agreement shall meet all signature requirements as the original agreement.

Satisfactory Educational Progress: We understand that a Student’s satisfactory educational progress will be  evaluated using all of the following measures:

• The Student’s achievement and engagement in the program, as indicated by their performance on applicable Student-level measures of Student achievement and engagement pursuant to paragraphs (4) and (5) of subdivision (d) of Education Code Section 52060, i.e. Local Control and Accountability Plan.
• The Student’s completion of assignments, assessments, or other indicators that evidence that the Student is working on assignments.
• The Student’s learning required concepts, as determined by the supervising teacher.
• The Student’s progress toward successful completion of the course of study or individual course, as determined by the supervising teacher.

Reporting: We understand that pupils are required to report to their teacher(s) as scheduled.

Students participating in independent study for 15 school days or more throughout the school year will be offered the opportunity to engage in both Live interaction and Synchronous learning according to the following guidelines:

• Transitional Kindergarten to grade 3 — daily synchronous instruction for all pupils throughout the school year.
• Grades 4 to 8 — both daily live interaction and at least weekly synchronous instruction for all pupils throughout the school year.
• Grades 9 to 12 — at least weekly synchronous instruction for all pupils throughout the school year.

The agreement for _____________________________, includes the following information and details for when the pupil will engage in Live Interaction and Synchronous Instruction.

Assignments: We understand that according to the district policy for grades TK through 12, the maximum length  of time allowed between the assignment and the date the assignment is due is one week. After three (3) missed assignments, or if the student is not making satisfactory educational progress as determined by the general supervising teacher using the measures prescribed in accordance with paragraph (2) of subdivision (b) of Education Code Section 51747, an evaluation will be made to determine whether the independent study is an appropriate strategy for this Student.

Tiered Re-engagement Strategies for Students: When students participating in independent study for fifteen (15) school days or more who do not generate attendance for more than three (3) schooldays or sixty (60) percent of the instructional days in a school week, or who are in violation of their written agreement, will receive the following re-engagement strategies:

• Verification of current contact information for the student.
• Notification to parents/guardians of lack of participation within one school day of the absence or lack of participation.
• A plan for outreach from the school to determine student needs, including connection with health and social services as necessary.
• A required student-parent-educator conference to review a student's written agreement and reconsider the independent study program's impact on the student's achievement and well-being after three (3) missed assignments.

Quality and Quantity: Rights and Privileges; Resources and Services: The independent study option is to be substantially equivalent in quality, quantity, and intellectual challenge to classroom instruction. Students who choose to engage in the independent study are to have equality of rights and privileges with the same access to existing services and resources as Students in the regular school program.

Participating students will be offered access to resources, including, but not limited to, standards-aligned instructional materials, appropriately credentialed teachers, academic and non-academic staff, and equipment and internet connectivity to enable them to adequately participate in their program and complete assigned work. Students who are not performing at grade level and/or need supports in other areas, such as English learners, individuals with exceptional needs in order to be consistent with the pupil’s individualized education program or plan pursuant to Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. Sec. 794), pupils in foster care or experiencing homelessness, and pupils requiring mental health supports, will be offered access to them,  as determined by the general supervising teacher.

Requirements to Quarantine due to COVID-19: Students required to quarantine may not return to in-person instruction until authorized to do so in compliance with the Orders of the Imperial County Health Department.  When students are required to isolate or quarantine, they may participate in independent study, in accordance with District policies and the terms and conditions set forth herein.

Voluntary Statement: We understand that independent study is an optional educational alternative in which no student may be required to participate and that students voluntarily select, including Students covered under California Education Code sections 48915 and 48917. All Students who choose independent study must be offered the alternative of classroom instruction, and they must have the continuing option of returning to the classroom.

Student-Parent-Educator Conference: Before signing a written agreement for Independent Study, a student, or their parent, guardian, or caregiver if the Student is less than 18 years of age, may request a parent-Student-educator conference, during which they may ask questions about educational options, such as academic and non-academic supports that will be made available to participating students, and the curriculum offerings. The district will conduct conferences by phone, videoconference, in person, or a school meeting.

Students with Exceptional Needs: No individual with exceptional needs as defined in EC section 56026 may participate in IS unless their individualized education program (IEP) specifically provides for that participation.  Parents of students with exceptional needs may request an IEP meeting to discuss independent study placement.

Temporarily Disabled Students: No temporarily disabled pupil may receive individual instruction pursuant to EC section 48206.3 through IS. However, if the temporarily disabled pupil's parent or guardian and the district agree, the pupil may receive instruction through independent study instead of receiving the "home and hospital" instruction provided pursuant to EC section 48206.3.

Notification regarding expulsion or suspended expulsion: Instruction may be provided for a student that has been    expelled EC 48915 (expulsion) or 48917 (suspended expulsion) through independent study only if the Student has the continuous choice of classroom instruction EC 51747(c)(7); 5 CCR 11700(d)(2)(B).

Return to In-Person Instruction: Students who request to return to in-person instruction from Independent Study, or have been identified as needing to return to in-person instruction by the supervising teacher, shall be accommodated in no case later than five (5) instructional days at their home school or another school within the District.

School Responsibilities:

• The major objective for the duration of this agreement is to enable the student to learn and keep current with grade-level requirements and studies for the period covered by this agreement.
• This agreement is to enable the Student to successfully reach the objectives and complete the assignments identified in the Assignment and Work-Record Form(s) that will be a part of this agreement. With the support of the parent, guardian, or caregiver, the Student will submit assignments on or before the due date specified in the Assignment and Work-Record Form(s).
• According to district policy for Independent Study in grades K-12, no more than 7 days may elapse  between when an assignment is made by the supervising teacher and the date it is due, unless an exception is made in accordance with district policy.
• The Imperial Unified School District will provide the instructional materials or access to materials and other necessary items and resources as specified for each assignment.
• The Student will complete, during the term of this agreement, the coursework listed on the Individual Course of Study. All course work will be consistent with the Imperial Unified School District adopted curriculum. The Individual Course of Study includes the course descriptions, objectives, study methods, evaluation methods, and resources covered by this agreement.
• Students will be provided with academic intervention if performing below grade level and social-emotional  and wellness support if that is deemed necessary.
• Independent Study is a voluntary optional alternative in which no Student may be required to participate; a classroom option will always be available to the Student.
• The Student’s work will be evaluated by the method specified in the Individual Course of Study, Assignment, and Work-Record Form(s).

Student Responsibilities:

I understand that:

• Independent Study is a form of education that I have voluntarily chosen.
• I am entitled to access to materials/textbooks and learning supplies, including access to connectivity and devices adequate to participate in the education program and complete assigned work.
• I have the same rights as other students in my grade at my school of enrollment.
• If I do not complete assignments given, my incomplete work will result in an evaluation to determine how much credit I will receive for the work completed.

I agree to:

• Complete my assigned work by its due date, as explained by my teacher or teachers and described in my written assignments.

Parent/Guardian/Caregiver Responsibilities:

I understand that Independent Study is an optional educational alternative for my child that I have voluntarily selected. I agree to the conditions listed under “Student Responsibilities.” I also understand that:

• Learning objectives are consistent with and evaluated in the same manner that they would be if my child were enrolled in a traditional school program during the period of Independent Study.
• I am responsible for supervising my child while my child is completing the assigned work and for ensuring the submission of all completed assignments necessary for evaluation by dates due.
• I am liable for the cost of replacement or repair for willfully damaged books, materials, and other school property checked out to my child.

Other Persons with direct responsibility for providing assistance to the pupil:

The following must be signed by the teacher assigned to supervise the Independent Study written agreement. The supervising teacher should review all accompanying pupil work record(s) and pupil work prior to signing off on the number of days attendance credit. The supervising teacher may certify more total hours of attendance credit than is recorded by themself and other teachers on accompanying pupil work records.

POST AGREEMENT EVALUATION