2370A - INDEPENDENT STUDY

Independent study is available to staff to better meet the needs of students. Its purposes are to:

1. broaden curriculum content when the regular school program limits student growth and learning;
2. provide students with an opportunity to make decisions (to select from a series of options) about their activities in school;
3. place students in a more active role in the learning process;
4. provide learning experiences tailored to individual interests, talents, and needs.

Level I - The selection and the study is largely teacher-directed. Frequent review and discussion with the teacher is required. Subject matter is closely related to class instruction.

Level II - The selection and the study is more student-directed. The students must confer with the teacher once each week.

Level III - The student is responsible for selecting the areas and directing their own learning. The student reports to their teacher by appointment. Projects may range far afield from a regular course.

Projects may be interdisciplinary in nature. Opportunities to work or study in other areas (laboratories, shops, etc.) or off-campus may be arranged through the School Counseling Office.

A student (group of students) who desires to participate should meet the following criteria:

1. expressed interest in undertaking the work
2. ability to identify goals or purposes
3. ability to manage time and resources
4. achievement in current coursework

Students who fail to maintain self-discipline and accomplishment both in course work and the option program will be phased out.

A completed option program project may take many forms, such as a term paper, an essay, a script, a film, an audio or visual recording, an oral recording, etc. The final report may include:

1. a log showing how time was utilized;
2. a bibliography of materials used - print and nonprint;
3. an evaluation of the project.

The contract-application for the selected option will be filed with the school counselor and approved by the building principal.

When a student has initiated and successfully completed the program, it is to be noted in the student's permanent record and transcript.

A completed copy of the project will be kept with the classroom teacher and the application-contract will be kept on file in the counseling office.

Role of Teacher

As in all learning, the role of the teacher in any educational option program is crucial. Specifically, the teacher must:

1. demonstrate working knowledge of the current literature concerning that type of activity and be properly certified;
2. provide instruction in the skills necessary to successfully complete the project;
3. assist students in defining the purpose and intended outcomes of their projects and in selecting methods which best ensure the purposes and outcomes are achieved;
4. meet with students involved on a regular basis to counsel, review progress, and to provide constructive feedback.
   
   Such feedback should specify:
    
   1. strengths of the work completed;
   2. strategies to improve the quality of the project;
   3. assistance in defining the next steps of the project timeline;
   4. direct instruction for areas where assistance is needed;
   5. self-assessment by the student based on project outcomes.

Independent study is to be evaluated on the basis of how well the goals of the program are being accomplished and how well each student is achieving the expected results of the student's individual project. Assessment shall provide evidence of:

1. increased application of knowledge;
2. acquisition and application of needed skills and techniques;
3. formation of attitudes needed for such learning;
4. fulfillment of pre-defined project outcomes.

Teacher-student conferences throughout an option project can serve an evaluative function. Each should be recorded indicating dates, time, and results. A final conference involving the student, teacher, and parent is necessary for all level three projects.

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