Welcome to Antelope Valley Independent Study

Independent study is a different way of learning. In independent study, a student is guided by a teacher but usually does not take classes with other students every day. The student works independently. Students who participate in independent study take the same courses as students in regular classes. Students and parents choose this type of study on their own.

The purpose of independent study is to provide an alternative education program and setting for students. Independent study programs are voluntary and use alternative instructional strategies that respond to individual student needs and learning styles.

The flexibility of independent study programs makes it possible to serve a wide variety of students, enabling some students who otherwise might not graduate to stay in school. Students who enroll in independent study include students who have health problems, are parents, need to work, and students who find that regular classroom settings do not meet their needs. Additionally, independent study serves students who desire to accelerate or move more slowly through a course, or to make up a subject that they have missed in a traditional classroom. Independent study programs are required to follow the district-adopted curriculum, and work is governed by a written agreement signed by the student, teacher, parent, and other relevant adults.

Independent study is not for all students—especially at the high school level. Independent study requires basic academic skills and a level of commitment, motivation, organizational skills, and self-direction not unlike the level required by college students.

• For more information about Independent study @ AVHS, contact the guidance department.

• The Independent Study page provides a more detailed overview of how independent study legally operates for students.

How Independent Study Works

What is the course content in independent study?

Independent study is established by local governing boards as an alternative delivery method for providing instruction in the core curriculum. EC Section 51745(a)(1–5).

It is an instructional strategy for delivering California’s standards-based, grade level content; not an alternative curriculum, and is expected to be equal in quality to classroom instruction. EC Section 51745(a)(3)

The Independent Study Written Agreement (also known as the Master Agreement) outlines the course of study for each independent study student. EC Section 51747(c)

Additional details that will help the parent/guardian/caregiver and student understand the learning goals are provided on subsidiary agreements such as course contracts, assignment and work record forms, and curriculum guides.

What is required on a weekly basis:

• The work is your attendance on a weekly basis

• Students are enrolled in 2 courses until they complete those courses

• Students will meet with instructor during their appointment times