2370 - EDUCATIONAL OPTIONS-INDEPENDENT STUDY

Greencastle Community School Corporation

Administrative Guidelines

2370 - EDUCATIONAL OPTIONS-INDEPENDENT STUDY

Independent study is one (1) of several educational options available to the staff to better meet the needs of students. Its purposes are:

	A.	to broaden curriculum content when the regular school program limits student growth and learning;
	B.	to provide students with an opportunity to make decisions (to select from a series of options) about their activities in school;
	C.	to place students in a more active role in the learning process;
	D.	to provide learning experiences tailored to individual interests, talents, and needs.

LEVELS OF INDEPENDENT STUDY

Obviously students vary in the amount of skills, self-discipline, responsibility, and interest they possess. As a result, three (3) levels or plans have been developed to provide students in grades six through 12 with opportunities for independent study:

Level I - The selection and the study is largely teacher directed. Frequent review and discussion with the teacher is required. Subject matter is closely related to class instruction. The project is limited to eighteen (18) weeks.

Level II - The selection and the study is more student directed. The students must confer with the teacher once each week. The project is limited to eighteen (18) weeks.

Level III - The student is responsible for selecting the areas and directing his/her own learning. S/He reports to his/her teacher by appointment. Projects may range far afield from regular course content. These projects are limited to three (3) marking period(s).

Projects may be interdisciplinary in nature. Students involved in an independent study project must report to the teacher during their regular class period. Opportunities to work or study in other areas (laboratories, shops, etc.) or off campus may be arranged through the teacher and principal.

Revised 1/04