Independent Study

Families can enroll in the independent study program at any time.

Grades TK-5

The TK-5 independent study program offers students a learning model that allows them to receive instruction remotely from fully credentialed San Juan Unified teachers. Each school day will include time for students and parents/guardians to connect with their teacher during open office hours and time for both synchronous and asynchronous instruction. Specialized services (English language development, special education services, social-emotional support) will be provided based on student needs. Students will also connect with other students remotely, and engage in independent work time. Daily attendance is expected.

Grades TK-1: 1 hour, 15 minutes, minimum synchronous instruction with teacher, 4 days/week; 1 hour, minimum 1/day week (Thursday)
Grades 2-3: 1 hour, 45 minutes minimum synchronous instruction with teacher, 4 days/week; 1 hour minimum 1/day week (Thursday)
Grades 4-5: 2 hours, 15 minutes minimum, synchronous instruction with teacher, 4 days/week; 1 hour minimum, 1/day week (Thursday)

Grades 6-8

Established in 2021, Independent Study Middle School (ISM), provides remote learning for grades 6-8. Students in the program are paired with a supervising teacher who will provide remote guidance toward course completion and remain on track to meet the needs of their academic future.

For more information, visit our website.

Grades 9-12

San Juan Unified has an established independent study program for grades 9-12 through El Sereno High School, which offers students the ability to guide their learning at their own pace. Students in the program will be paired with a supervising teacher who will provide guidance toward course completion and assist students to remain on track to meet the needs of their academic future, to be college and/or career-ready.

Weekly: minimum of 40 minutes of synchronous instruction or designated small group or one-on-one instruction delivered in person, or in the form of internet or telephonic communications

Families interested in 6-12 independent study should visit the El Sereno website and complete a transfer application. Families with an IEP must work with their case manager to schedule a change of placement IEP.

Specialized programs such as International Baccalaureate (IB), Rapid Learner, Montessori, STEAM, Dual Immersion and Performing Arts will only be offered through the district’s in-person option.

Enrollment

6-12 Enrollment/Disenrollment/Renenrollment

Interested families should visit this website and follow instructions for a transfer into El Sereno Independent Study. Staff will then follow up and schedule an informational/orientation meeting. After the orientation/meeting, if a family wants to move forward with enrollment, then an additional form will be completed. Staff will then contact the student's home school to begin the process to drop from their home school to enroll with independent study. Once the school year begins, this process will be done weekly on Thursdays. Families may request a meeting with their teacher and/or administration at any time while they’re enrolled in the program.

Students who have positive attendance and a passing grade from any classes from their home school may earn partial credit from their time at their home school.

Parents/guardians who would like to disenroll from the independent study should contact (916) 971-5213 to request a return to in-person learning. Students would then be returned to an in-person school option within 5 school days.

Students in Grades 6-8 will be sent back to in-person school with transfer grades.
Students in Grades 9-12, will need to work with their counselor to plan for recording any grades in progress or credits already earned both partial or whole. If students transfer mid-semester or term there is a chance for a loss of credits.

Parents/guardians who would like to enroll their 6-12 students would follow the same steps as the initial enrollment process. Students who have positive attendance and a passing grade from any classes from their home school may earn partial credit from their time at their home school.

9-12 Independent Study Program Considerations

Supervising Teacher

Each student is assigned a supervising teacher who is their contact person. Students work closely with their supervising teacher in all areas of their education.

Time on Campus

Each student meets with their supervising teacher for a specific block of time each week. Their schedule is determined with their supervising teacher and is based on their graduation needs and goals. Students typically meet on campus once per week unless taking auxiliary courses or working on projects.
The program offers auxiliary/small group classes and labs which are scheduled during the week in math, biology, foreign language, PE, music, and art to name a few. These classes will require extra days/times of attendance on campus.

Credits and Graduation

Students may come to the program with varying degrees of credits completed, some students may be on track to graduate on time, some may be ahead with the goal of graduating early, while others may be behind trying to catch up. Independent study can accommodate all these students. However, students need to be motivated enough to be responsible to work at a pace that will complete their graduation requirements on time.
Student are expected to complete sufficient credits to complete graduation requirements by the end of their fourth year of high school. As an example, if a student is on track to graduate they will need to complete 27.5 credits per semester to stay on track. For those students deficient in credits they will need to complete more per semester based on current credits when enrolling at El Sereno,
Counselors are available to work with students helping them set their educational and graduation goals and time lines.

Attendance and Absences

Attendance is determined by the amount of work produced (credits completed) each week, if students do not complete work they will accrue unexcused absences that can jeopardize their enrollment. Students are required to complete a minimum of 1.25 credits per week to stay in good standing with attendance.
Students/parents are responsible for keeping their regularly scheduled appointment with their teachers.
If an emergency arises or a student is ill, they may contact their Supervising Teacher to reschedule their meeting so as not to accrue absences.

Continued Enrollment

As we are dedicated to student success if satisfactory educational progress is not being made through independent study, the student will be referred back to standard high school program.

TK-5 Example Student Schedule

*Examples for illustrative purposes only. The actual schedule is to be determined by the teacher. :

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday

TK-1:

8:30-9:30 Support time (Any combination of: live interaction, office hours, independent work completed asynchronously/other specialized services)
9:30-10:15 Synchronous instruction (Whole, small, 1:1)
10:15-10:30 Break
10:30-11:00 Synchronous instruction (Whole, small, 1:1)
11:00-11:45 Lunch
11:45-1:45 Differentiated synchronous instruction (Whole, small, 1:1, specialized services) and independent work time
1:45-2:30 Support time (Any combination of: live interaction, office hours, independent work completed asynchronously/other specialized services)

Grades 2-3

8:30-9:30 Support time (Any combination of: live interaction, office hours, independent work completed asynchronously/other specialized services)
9:30-10:45 Synchronous instruction (Whole, small, 1:1)
10:45-11:00 Break
11:00-11:30 Synchronous instruction (Whole, small, 1:1)
11:30-12:15 Lunch
12:15-1:45 Differentiated synchronous instruction (Whole, small, 1:1, specialized services) and independent work time
1:45-2:30 Support time (Any combination of: live interaction, office hours, independent work completed asynchronously/other specialized services)

Grades 4-5

8:30-9:30 Support time (Any combination of: live interaction, office hours, independent work completed asynchronously/other specialized services)
9:30-11:15 Synchronous instruction (Whole, small, 1:1)
11:15-11:30 Break
11:30-12:00 Synchronous instruction (Whole, small, 1:1)
12:00-12:45 Lunch
12:45-1:45 Differentiated synchronous instruction (Whole, small, 1:1, specialized services) and independent work time
1:45-2:30 Support time (Any combination of: live interaction, office hours, independent work completed asynchronously/other specialized services)

Thursday

TK-5

8:30-9:30 Support time (Any combination of: live interaction, office hours, independent work completed asynchronously/other specialized services)
9:30-10:30 Differentiated synchronous instruction (Whole, small, 1:1, specialized services) and independent work time
10:30-10:45 Break
10:45-12:00 Differentiated synchronous instruction (Whole, small, 1:1, specialized services) and independent work time
12:00-12:45 Lunch

6-8 Example Student Schedule

Students have some flexibility in their schedule, but they should plan their day in a way that supports their learning. Students are expected to spend at least one hour each day on each subject to complete their courses (approximately 6 hours a day). Twice a week students meet with their Supervising Teacher through a video conferencing platform. Each school day, students have access to individual tutoring from credentialed teachers. Afterschool (3-5pm) support is available for students as needed.

9-12 Example Student Schedule

Students should schedule their day in a way that supports their learning, but they should be spending approximately 6 hours a day on school work. Once a week they will meet with their Supervising Teacher either in person or through Zoom. There will also be an open math lab available to students 5 days a week. There will be drop-in times available as well as scheduled times for direct support. For students taking auxiliary classes (Art, Science and Spanish), there will be times scheduled with your teacher 2-3 times a week to meet in person or virtually. Daily there will be an instructional assistant available via Zoom or in-person for support, there will be times that you can schedule as well as open drop-in times.

9-12 Independent Learning FAQ

Is this a new program to the district?

Can students in the program still take part in school activities?

Can students in the program access career tech classes?

How are courses selected as part of the program?

How are students supported when not meeting with a teacher?

How is attendance measured in the program?

Will students stay on track for graduation in the 9-12 independent learner program?

The program offers courses that meet San Juan Unified graduation requirements and Universty of California A-G entrance requirements. The pace of instruction is very much driven by the student directly affiording the opportunity to proceed more rapidly than a traditional high school enviornment or to slow down and take additional time if needed. The supervising teacher assigned to help guide a student will work to ensure students remain on track for graduation.

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