Los Altos School District

Independent study is an optional educational alternative to classroom instruction available to all students in the district.  We offer short term independent study which has a maximum of 15 days per school year.  A properly credentialed teacher must be assigned as the supervising teacher to provide general supervision of the student's independent study, usually the classroom teacher.

Short Term Independent Study Agreement Process:

• Parent/guardian notifies school in advance and a signed written agreement shall be received and approved by the school at least one full school day prior to the planned departure from school
• The request may not exceed fifteen days and they are only allowed up to fifteen days per school year.  
• The principal has the right to deny a new short term independent study agreement when the student has a history of not completing work assignments.
• The student must complete all assignments by the due date and/or before the date he/she returns to classroom instruction, whichever occurs first.  This date is final and cannot be extended under any circumstances.  Completed work may be sent by USPS priority mail, email, fax, or other agreed upon delivery method.
• If the student is ill or absent from school on the due date, all assignments still need to be delivered to the assigned teacher by the due date specified in the agreement.
• If assignments are completed or returned after the due date, academic credit may be given; but no credit will be awarded for attendance.
• For Special Education students, a short term independent study agreement must be stipulated in the IEP if ten or more school days are requested, as this represents a change in the student's Special Education placement.
• Teacher receives and evaluates work assignments completed by student on the assignment due date then determines academic credit and apportionment credit based on time value of student work.  If equivalent of minimum day, then full day apportionment credit may be claimed.
• Teacher completes evaluation portion of the agreement as soon as possible and turns it in to attendance clerk for recording of apportionment credit.
• All short term independent study agreements and work samples must be kept on file for auditing purposes.
• Direct any questions in regards to short term independent study agreements to Sandra Bush in the Business Office.