Independent Study Program

An Independent Study Program (ISP) is a temporary learning option for students who are unable to attend school in person for a qualifying reason. The Bakersfield City School District is not required to offer ISP, however, it may be an option when it is in a student's best interest, such as during extended travel, a long-term illness, or a qualifying emergency situation.

Before a student enrolls in ISP, families have the opportunity to meet with school staff to learn about the program, ask questions, and discuss whether it is the best option for their child. Meetings may be held in person, by phone, or by video conference.

BCSD offers two Independent Study options:

• Short-Term Independent Study – For students who will be away from school for a short period of time due to a qualifying reason.
• Home and Hospital Instruction (HHI) – For students with a temporary medical condition that prevents them from attending school.

Learn more about each program below.

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 661-631-4627. 

Education Code 44865, 46300 - 46330, 51745 - 51749.5, 56026; Board Policy 604.09

Short-term ISP is for Travel/Family Emergency and Short-Term Illness (no more than 15 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.

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.