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Independent Study Program

Overview

The independent study program is administered through ATLAS Learning Academy, located on the campus of Phoenix High School. If you are interested in learning more about the independent study program, parents and guardians may request a pupil-parent-educator conference to ask questions before making the decision about enrollment or disenrollment in independent study. The conference may be conducted by telephone, videoconference or in-person. If you wish to request a conference for your child, please contact Chuck Whitecotton, Director of Alternative Education at (916) 409-2404, or Scott Pickett, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services at (916) 645-6350.

Procedures for Enrolling in Independent Study

To enroll in independent study, there must be a signed master agreement for each student. The student and their parent/legal guardian/caregiver will have the opportunity to review and ask questions about the master agreement with the teacher before signing. 

For students with exceptional needs, the student’s individualized education program (IEP) must specifically provide for independent study before the pupil can begin participating. 

Instructional Time During Independent Study

For  Transitional  Kindergarten through 5th grade, We currently do not provide long-term independent study for students in grades TK - 5.

For grades 6 through 8, there will be a plan to provide opportunities for both daily live interaction, and at least weekly synchronous instruction. Synchronous instruction means classroom-style, small group, or one-on-one instruction delivered in person or by internet or phone and involves two-way communication between the student and teacher. Live interaction means interaction between the student and teacher, an instructional aide or other personnel, and it may include other peers. This interaction may be in person, by internet, or phone. 

For grades 9 through 12, there will be a plan to provide opportunity for at least weekly synchronous instruction. Synchronous instruction means classroom-style, small group, or one-on-one instruction delivered in person or by internet or phone and involves two-way communication between the student and teacher. 

In addition to instructional time explained above, all students will be required to attend a check-in meeting with the supervising teacher to review assignments completed, and to receive directions on their new assignments for the coming week. 

If you are interested in independent study for your child(ren), or wish to schedule a conference with staff to learn more about independent study, please contact us at either phone number or e-mail address below.

Chuck Whitecotton, Director of Alternative Education
(916) 409-2404 
cwhitecotton@wpusd.org 

OR

Scott Pickett – Assistant Superintendent, Ed Services - WPUSD
(916) 645-6350
spickett@wpusd.org