Program Information
Independent study is a different way of learning. In independent study, a student is guided by a teacher but generally does not take classes with other students every day. The student works independently.
Independent study is available for children and adults. Many school districts offer this type of education in one or more schools, but some do not. Independent study students take the same courses as students in regular classes. A school district cannot force a student to participate in independent study. Students choose independent study on their own. It is designed to help students who have health problems, are parents, are working, or who find that the regular classroom does not meet their needs.
The California Department of Education works to help make independent study better in California school districts.
- For more information about independent study in your area, contact your local school district.
- The links and information below were developed for educators and others who operate independent study programs.
- Independent Study Summary
Information on purpose, services, funding, and students served. - Quick Guide to Independent Study
Essential elements of independent study including the types of programs, key legal requirements, written or master agreements, local board policy, funding, attendance, etc. - Legal Requirements
for Independent Study
A comprehensive list of basic requirements for operating a legally compliant independent study program. - Independent Study - CalEdFacts
Part of California Department of Education's information and media guide about education in the State of California. For similar information on other topics, visit the full CalEdFacts.
- Independent Study Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
The following links provide answers to questions most commonly asked by parents, guardians, caregivers, and educators.
For parents/guardians/caregivers:
For educators:
- General Questions (Coming Soon)
- Independent Study Operations Manual
Incorporates laws and regulations that govern the implementation and management of independent study programs for all grade levels and adult education in California schools. - Instructions for Ratio Calculations
Complete guidelines on how to calculate ratios for independent study, with examples. - NCLB Teacher Requirements for Independent Study
Information on meeting No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act of 2001 teacher requirements for independent study.
Exemplary Independent Study Recognition Award
This award recognizes excellent educational practices in schools where independent study is the primary mode of instruction and creates a resource list of quality programs for school visits.
- Announcement Letter (Dated 28-Sep-2010)
- Application (DOC; 394KB; 30pp.)
2010-11 Exemplary Independent Study Recognition Award Application - Elements of Exemplary Independent Study
The Exemplary Independent Study Recognition Award Application is based on these elements. - News Releases and Award Recipients
Resources
- A-G Guide, University of California (UC) Policy on Non-Site-Based Independent Study Schools (Outside Source)
The policy that governs the instructional conditions under which “non-site-based Independent study schools” are eligible to establish and maintain a-g course lists for UC and California State University admissions. - Adult Education Office
Independent study consultants in the Adult Education office are:- Vicki Prater vprater@cde.ca.gov; Mindi Yates myates@cde.ca.gov
- Adult Education Independent Study Chapter (Coming Soon)
- Adult Education Handbook for California (PDF; 1.05 MB; 62 pp.) (2005—pre-flex version) Independent study is on pages 22 and 23.
- Audit Guide 2009-10-Education Audit Appeals Panel (DOC; Outside Source)
Provisions related to independent study–Section 19819 - California Consortium for Independent Study (CCIS) (Outside Source)
Educators in all professional roles involved in the operation of independent study are encouraged to participate in the California Consortium for Independent Study, which offers conferences and workshops to highlight best practices in independent study. CCIS is a co-sponsor of the Exemplary Independent Study Recognition Award—see details of the program above. - California Interscholastic Federation (CIF), Article 30, School Regulations (PDF; Outside Source) Rules governing independent study programs/schools–Section 306, page 43.
- Charter Schools Division
- Carolyn Zachry, czachry@cde.ca.gov
- Educational Options Best Practices (Outside Source)
Best practices in Court, Community, Community Day Schools, Continuation Schools, Independent Study, and other alternative education programs throughout California. - Resources for Educational Options Programs
Contact Information
Carol Abbott, Education Programs Consultant
916-319-0943
cabbott@cde.ca.gov
Independent Study and Alternative Programs of Choice
Educational Options Office
Learning Support and Partnerships Division
California Department of Education
1430 N Street, Suite 6408
Sacramento,CA 95814-5901
916-322-5012
