Families want distance learning to include students with health worries but with better options than what existed pre-pandemic.

by Sydney Johnson, EdSource, July 27, 2021

With the pandemic still reverberating across California, districts must offer students an independent study option this fall, but with improvements to what was offered during the shutdown and pre-pandemic.

After a year of cumbersome screen time, Gov. Gavin Newsom and other lawmakers have said that schools are expected to fully reopen for in-person instruction this fall. But some parents and students, especially those who are medically vulnerable, aren’t ready to return to “normal.”

For the 2021-22 school year only, school districts would be required to offer students a distance learning option for the upcoming school year through independent study, a remote educational model that was voluntary for districts to offer pre-pandemic.

The directive to offer independent study is detailed in SB 130, known as the TK-12 education trailer bill, released on Monday. The bill reflects an agreement among Newsom and the state Assembly and Senate, and elaborates on policies related to the state budget for 2021-22, which was approved by the Legislature and awaits Newsom’s signature. The SB 130 bill must also be approved by the full Legislature and signed by the governor.

Click HERE to read the full article from EdSource.

TRiGroup’s Advice:

Previously, independent study was a relatively rare program. Now, with all the changes made to how it is expected to be delivered, in most ways, this is simply “Distance Learning” with a different name. This, of course, requires hiring and/or assigning teachers, offering all HS courses required by UC/CSU, and constantly monitoring and adjusting as enrollment changes.

Schools also need to quickly review and possibly revise their Board Policies and Administrative Regulations. CSBA offers advice here.

With masking requirements in place, be careful not to use independent study as a first response for those who refuse to wear a mask. It can create a vicious cycle. CSBA provides some guidance on this specific topic here.