What is Independent Study?

Question

What is Independent Study AND why is it important?

Answer 1

For junior high school and high school students, Independent Study uses an online curriculum and delivery platform. Both the family and the student must agree to and sign an Independent Study Agreement that outlines expectations of the program. Independent Study is not a right and is not automatically granted to all applications. In many cases, acceptance is based on criteria such as the student's ability to access and complete assignments and exams, independently of the regular classroom environment. The school district administration and academic counselor will make the final decision about entrance into Independent Study. Removal from Independent Stusy is dictated by your state's education code. Adequate daily progress is required to remain on Independent Study. HAVING A TUTOR will help your student thrive while on Independent Study.

Answer 2

Hello, thank you for taking the time to post your question!

It depends on the level of education you are at for what exactly it will entail! But the basic idea is that independent study involves working on a specific topic or project by yourself, so with minimal supervision from the instructor. It can be helpful because it helps you develop time management skills and gives you time to explore subjects that are outside of the traditional curriculum.

Hopefully that gets you moving in the right direction! Feel free to reach out for a lesson if you have any questions beyond that! :)

Answer 3

Independent study is when you take charge of your own learning by working on a project or topic by yourself, without a teacher guiding you the whole time. It’s important because it helps you develop skills like being responsible, managing your time, and figuring things out on your own. Plus, it allows you to explore what interests you and learn in a way that’s best for you! This kind of learning can make school more fun and exciting!

Answer 4

Hello!

I'd like to add to the excellent response to the above question. Depending on the school district, Independent Study can have different meanings. Some Independent Study (IS) programs work as follows:

High school students, with the approval of their counselor and parent/guardian, take high school courses where they meet with the IS teacher once a week.

Students must meet certain requirements. For example, they take a test to ensure that they read at an appropriate level, usually 9th grade level or higher.

At weekly meetings, students turn in assignments and check out materials. At these meetings, the IS teacher reviews student work and assigns further work to be turned in the following week.

Tests must be taken in the classroom!

High school IS students are concurrently enrolled in regular high school classes and may take ONLY ONE IS class at a time.

IS provides many benefits. Often, students take IS classes to make up credits needed to graduate. For that reason, the program is sometimes referred to as "credit recovery."

IS allows students to boost their Grade Point Averages. Students looking to higher education may re-take a course in IS in order to improve their original grades.

Not all students are suited to this type of IS program. Students need to be motivated, responsible, and capable of managing their time.