Independent Study at Coleman
Please plan your family vacations to coincide with school breaks. This will support your child’s learning and commitment to the school. If this is impossible and your child will be absent for 1-15 days, an independent study contract should be requested.
Short-Term School-Based Independent Study Program
Here is the polished, streamlined version of the policy with all references to grades 6-12, A-G eligibility, and college/career readiness removed. Redundant details have been consolidated to make the text clear, professional, and easy for families and staff to navigate.
Short-Term School-Based Independent Study Program
The Short-Term School-Based Independent Study Program offers a flexible learning option for students who face unavoidable absences of 3 to 15 consecutive school days. Space is reserved for the student at their current school while they complete their contracted coursework.
Program Limits & Enrollment Requirements
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Maximum Duration: Short-Term Independent Study is limited to a maximum of 15 total school days per student per school year (granted in a single contract, unless exceptional circumstances are approved by the District).
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Return & Disenrollment: All contracted work must be submitted to the school on the scheduled day of return. Students who remain absent beyond their allotted 15 days will be disenrolled and must re-enroll upon return, subject to space availability in schools and classes.
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Non-Disciplinary: Independent study contracts may not be used for disciplinary reasons.
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Testing Exclusions: Contracts will not be issued during state testing periods or finals weeks, nor will contracts be approved for absence dates after March 29th.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for a Short-Term Independent Study contract, students must demonstrate that they are prepared to succeed outside the standard classroom setting:
Academic Requirements
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General Education: Students must perform at or above grade level in reading, writing, and math, as indicated by the most recent progress report.
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Special Education: For students receiving Special Education services, the most recent progress report must show satisfactory progress toward meeting individual educational goals and objectives.
Attendance Requirements
- Students must have a strong attendance record, with fewer than 3 days of unexcused absences and/or tardies of 30 minutes or more since the start of the school year.
Application Process
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Submit Request: Families must submit a written request to the front office and the student's teacher at least 10 school days in advance of the planned absence.
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Special Approval: Any requests exceeding 10 days must be formally approved by the Assistant Director of Student Services, Susan Akram.
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Contract Approval: The Superintendent or designee will review and approve requests based on the student's readiness to meet district requirements and maintain academic progress.
