Independent Study
The El Dorado County Charter SELPA understands the unique challenges of independent study programs. With this in mind, our staff provides in-depth training, specialized resources, and consultation to empower educators in independent study programs to develop and implement effective practices and instructional strategies tailored to meet the diverse needs of their students. The Charter SELPA supports the delivery of high-quality, personalized education by emphasizing rigorous academic standards and ensuring compliance with state and federal special education regulations. This approach fosters student engagement, academic success, and the flexibility independent learners need to thrive.
Table of Contents
Child Find Obligations Checklist
Accommodations and Modifications Checklist
Assistive Technology Checklist
Supporting Students with Extensive Needs Checklist
Transition Planning Checklist
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
This chapter outlines the purpose of the guide, focusing on supporting students with disabilities. It also provides an overview of how independent study operates within California charter schools. This sets the stage for understanding how special education services can be effectively delivered in this unique educational setting.
2. Understanding Independent Study
This chapter explores the definition and various models of independent study, outlines key compliance requirements and recent legislative updates, and examines how students with disabilities can participate. It also highlights the potential benefits and challenges of independent study programs.
3. Child Find Obligations
This chapter outlines the legal requirements for identifying and supporting students with disabilities in independent study programs. It also covers key assessment considerations for both online and in-person settings.
4. Equal Enrollment for Students with Disabilities
This chapter discusses legal obligations for student enrollment, strategies for inclusive enrollment practices, and best practices for onboarding families. It also addresses accessibility considerations for virtual and hybrid charter schools.
5. IEP Team Considerations
This chapter outlines the roles and responsibilities of IEP team members and provides best practices for developing IEPs and facilitating team members' meaningful participation in virtual IEP meetings.
6. Educational Benefit for Students with IEPs in Independent Study
This chapter defines educational benefit in independent study settings and explores strategies for ensuring meaningful progress. It also covers data collection methods to support student outcomes.
7. Placement Considerations for Students with Disabilities
This chapter examines legal obligations and IEP team considerations for determining placement, particularly for students transitioning from restrictive settings. It also discusses diagnostic placement.
8. Accommodations and Modifications
This chapter highlights common accommodations and modifications used in independent study and provides guidance on implementing them in virtual and hybrid learning environments.
9. Assistive Technology
This chapter provides an overview of assistive technologies, guidance on selecting appropriate tools for independent study, and strategies for training staff and students. It also covers the use of assistive technology for in-person events and learning centers.
10. Continuum of Special Education Services
This chapter explores how FAPE and LRE apply in independent study, strategies for aligning services with student needs, and considerations for non-participation and school refusal.
11. Supporting Students with Extensive Needs in Independent Study
This chapter examines curriculum and behavior considerations for students with extensive needs, as well as transition planning and parent engagement strategies to enhance support.
12. Virtual IEP Meetings
This chapter outlines the legal obligations for virtual vs. in-person IEP meetings and provides best practices for conducting effective, inclusive, and compliant virtual meetings.
13. Transition Planning in Independent Study
This chapter addresses transition planning in independent study settings, including challenges related to in-person transition activities, and planning for students ages 18-22.
14. Conclusion
This conclusion summarizes key points from the guide and encourages continuous improvement and innovation in supporting students with disabilities in independent study programs.
resources
resources
resources
Top 10 Tips for Independent Study Educators
Whether you are working in-person, virtually, or in a hybrid setting, these tips are designed to help you navigate the unique challenges of independent study environments.
Independent Study Education Specialists- First 30 Days Checklist
This document was developed to identify the tasks an education specialist in an independent study setting may need to complete in order of relative time sensitivity to ensure all necessary components are in place at the beginning of the school year. This checklist is a framework to build upon and may have additions specific to local policies and procedures, as determined by each LEA.
The purpose of the Independent Study PLC is to provide Special Education Administrators within the Charter SELPA an opportunity to collaborate and partner through scenarios experienced at LEAs like yours. During the Independent Study PLC, participants will work in small groups with other leaders throughout the state to problem solve through commonly experienced scenarios around supporting students with disabilities in independent study settings, including the various models we see in our LEAs. The SELPA Program Specialist Team will facilitate the conversation and offer insight and resources during the sessions. This Padlet houses SELPA presentation slides and resources shared from this ongoing PLC series that began in 2023.