Independent Study / Distance Learning
Overview
The LBUSD Governing Board authorizes independent study as an optional alternative instructional strategy for eligible students whose needs may be best met through study outside of the regular classroom setting. Independent study shall offer a means of individualizing the educational plan to serve students whose personal circumstances make classroom attendance difficult and/or who need to make up credits or fill gaps in their learning.
Short-Term Independent Study
Students who are not able to attend school for a period of one (1) days to fifteen (15) cumulative days over the course of the year may request approval for Short Term Independent Study to allow the student the opportunity to maintain academic progress in his/her classes and to allow the District to recover the absences.
Eligibility: Advanced approval by the principal or designee is required. Circumstances resulting in the need for Short Term Independent Study include, but are not limited to; extended absences for family reasons, student employment opportunities, advanced sports activities, and/or short-term medical or health issues.
Note: Students who know in advance that they will be absent should notify their school office as early as possible to receive classwork prior to the absences, if available. Classwork may be made available in print and/or online. The reason for the absence will determine whether it is an excused or unexcused absence, as per CA Education Code 48205. This process is coordinated through the school site attendance office.
Long-Term Independent Study
Students who are in need of independent study for a period of sixteen (16) days or more will be referred to the Orange County Department of Education Community Home Education Program (CHEP) or Pacific Coast High School (PCHS). Students must apply to CHEP and PCHS through those institutions. Acceptance into PCHS or CHEP is at the discretion of their respective administration. Students attending an OCDE Independent Study Program must withdraw from LBUSD prior to enrollment.
Eligibility: Advanced approval by the principal or designee of the OCDE Independent Study Program is required.
Elementary Long-Term Remote Learning Option
Elementary students seeking a full-time remote learning program may also apply to the Irvine Virtual Academy through the interdistrict transfer process.
Irvine Unified Virtual Academy