Mission Statement
Championing Excellence in Independent Study: “We empower Independent Study professionals through comprehensive resources, training, and advocacy, setting a gold standard of competency and professionalism that directly benefits our students.”
Overview of CCIS
The California Consortium for Independent Study (CCIS) is a voluntary membership organization comprised of teachers, administrators, and counselors who serve independent learners in California’s public school system. As a consortium, we represent over 300 independent study schools and programs across the state which provide preschool through adult educational programs to over two-hundred thousand learners.
History
The California Consortium for Independent Study (CCIS) was formed on May 13, 1977, in Concord, California by twenty-five independent study pioneers who wanted to form an organization which would support others interested in providing students with this educational option.
Executive Board and Governance
The organization has an elected Executive Board consisting of a President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Past-President. Board members serve two-year terms. The board meets quarterly, and on an as-needed basis, to develop the policies and legislative platform of the organization. In addition to the elected representatives, three other people, who do not have board voting rights, attend the meetings. One is the liaison from the California Department of Education who keeps the board apprised of state issues that may affect its members and helps maintain a collaborative working relationship between the two groups. Another key person is the representative from the organization’s legislative advocacy group. This person keeps the board updated on what’s happening in Sacramento; with the governor’s budget and its implications for education, especially alternative education; with legislation; and with bills that the organization sponsors and/or which would impact independent study providers and/or students. Finally, the organization’s executive secretary, who has been hired by the organization to handle the wide variety of clerical duties necessary to make the organization run efficiently, also attends those meetings.
Activities and Advocacy
The Board organizes an annual two-three day state conference; promotes compliance through workshop training sessions; meets with legislators, key people from the Department of Education and Department of Finance, and other education professional organizations on mutual issues and concerns.
Home School Affidavits
Home school affidavits and families who choose to homeschool under the affidavit option in California Law are not affiliated with CCIS.