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Independent Study Program
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The Independent Study Program (ISP) is an alternative to a regular classroom program of instruction. The District is not required to provide an ISP option but may do so when it appears to be in a student’s best interest (e.g., student is traveling, has a long-term illness, or an emergency situation). Prior to enrollment, parents have the right to request a student-parent-educator conference or other school meeting during which the student, parent, and, if requested by the student or parent, an education advocate, may ask questions about the educational options, including which curriculum offerings and nonacademic supports will be available to the student in independent study, before making the decision about enrollment or disenrollment in the various options for learning. This conference may be held via telephone, videoconference, or in-person.
Each student participating in ISP must have a signed, written learning agreement on file with BCSD prior to beginning ISP. The learning agreement must be signed by the student, the student’s parent, the independent study teacher and any others with direct responsibility for providing assistance to the student. Failure to abide by the conditions in the learning agreement may result in the student being returned to in-person instruction. A student with a disability receiving special education services may participate in the ISP only through a recommendation by the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) Team. A student qualifying for accommodations under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 may participate in accordance with the student’s 504 plan.
To enroll a student in an ISP program, parents/guardians may contact their student’s school office to schedule a student-educator-parent conference. The purpose of the conference is to determine if ISP will best meet the needs of the student. Actual date of ISP enrollment shall be determined based upon the signed contract/learning agreement.
Questions regarding ISP may be directed to the Student Services department 631-4627.
Education Code 44865, 46300 - 46330, 51745 - 51749.5, 56026; Board Policy 604.09
Independent Study Program Options
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Short Term ISP
Short-term ISP is for Travel/Family Emergency and Short-Term Illness (longer than 2 school days, but shorter than 14 school days) are available at all elementary and junior high/middle schools. Staff at the school sites assist with short-term ISP. Once a request is made by a parent, a teacher will meet with the parent and student and go over the assignments. Upon completion of the short-term ISP, the student must return all the completed work to the teacher for evaluation before attendance and instructional credit can be given. For details, contact your school’s office.
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Home/Hospital Instruction
Home/Hospital Instruction (HHI) provides the opportunity for a student to continue his/her current educational program while under a temporary disability that makes attendance in regular day class or an alternative education program impossible or inadvisable. A temporary disability does not include a disability for which a student has been identified as an individual with exceptional needs (i.e. student is receiving special education pursuant to Education Code 48206.3). HHI is a service, not a school. All students need to be enrolled in a Bakersfield City School District (B.C.S.D.) school to receive HHI.For assistance with Home/Hospital Instruction, please contact Student Services at (661) 631-4627.
