General Information for The IS Program

General Procedures:

• Students apply to the program
• Following an interview process if the program is deemed acceptable for the student they are enrolled in Independent Studies
• Once enrolled, transcripts are requested. The student is then assessed and an individual study program for the student is created to achieve academic and vocational goals.
• Students complete a minimum of 20 hours of work each week.
• Students meet a teacher on a weekly basis for at least one hour.
• Weekly meetings consist of reviewing the previous week's work, providing academic instruction and guidance, and generating new assignments for the upcoming week.

Mission Statement:

The Santa Cruz County Office of Education Independent Studies Program is an educational community and support network that values the opportunity to learn, succeed, and be productive members of the community while addressing the needs of families and their students. Our goal is to provide a safe supportive learning environment that encourages and develops the student's interest and abilities so that each achieves academic, social, and career success. We build successful collaborations with families and organizations to promote responsible citizenship, improve the quality of education, and the well-being of our communities.

We believe that:

• All students can learn.
• All students can grow socially and emotionally to become productive citizens.
• Each student should be given the opportunity to fully develop his/her potential.
• There is a need to facilitate learning by drawing on individual strengths and learning styles.
• Structured educational environments and programs help our students to learn.
• Each student has a right to a physically and emotionally safe environment that is conducive to learning.
• There is a need to embrace diversity
• Collaborative relationships are essential in delivering quality services and effective programs to our students.
• We are accountable through evaluation of students and programs.

Goals:

• Develop high academic performance
• Build self-confidence, self-esteem, and motivation
• Earn Credits towards a high school diploma
• Progress to the next grade level
• Prepare for the GED, employment, or the California High School Proficiency Exam
• Return to a comprehensive high school
• Develop skills necessary to pass the California High School Exit Exam