Number:

118
Section: Programs
Title: Independent Study
Date Adopted: January 8, 1979
Date Reviewed: July 22, 2003
Purpose 
The Board will consider the approval of a course of independent study for a properly qualified student as recommended by the Superintendent or designee in order that such student may:

  1. extend the learning opportunities begun in the classroom.
  2. develop judgment and self-reliance in the conduct of his/her own learning opportunities.
  3. relate the school world to the world of work and learning around and beyond the school.
  4. draw upon community resources as well as school resources for their educational program.
  5. include a greater variety of learning opportunities within his/her educational program.
  6. identify and explore an area of particular interest.
  7. set personal learning goals and work, with appropriate staff guidance, toward achieving them.
  8. learn to use various research tools.
  9. learn to draw sound conclusions from research findings. 

Authority 
The Board shall approve each planned course of independent study and designate the number of credits that may be awarded toward graduation upon successful completion of each such planned course, except that the Board reserves the right to assign no credit for such an approved course.  Each such course of study must meet the requirements set down in planned course format for independent study. 

Delegation of Responsibility
The Superintendent shall develop procedures for the implementation of independent study which:

  1. counsel students who apply for independent study.
  2. develop specific and measurable objectives directly related to the Pennsylvania academic standards.
  3. assure that each student conducts his/her study under appropriate staff guidance and supervision.
  4. monitor the progress of each student.
  5. certify the completion of each planned course of independent study. 

Qualifications 
The Board directs that only those students shall be admitted to courses of independent study who have demonstrated: 

  1. academic proficiency.
  2. maturity of judgment.
  3. a strong motivation to learn.
  4. self-reliance.
  5. particular talent or skill. 

Applicants shall be limited to students who have completed the ninth grade. 

Courses of independent study need not be limited to participation by a single student but may involve more than one or a group of students, subject to Board approval.