CCIS wanted to offer a resource for reviewing the differences between Independent Study and the new SB98 Distance Learning requirements
Remember, NO changes or alterations have been made to Independent Study Regulations or Guidelines. If you have been operating an Independent Study program or school, you do not need to make any legal changes. The new Distance Learning option is only for the 20-21 school year and is separate from Independent Study. We have provided a reference chart for you. This is not a legal document, it is solely meant as a reference.
Independent Study vs Distant Learning
This is a reference document only. The information provided does not constitute legal advice. CCIS strongly recommends that schools contact their legal counsel or their auditor before acting on any information contained herein.
| Independent Study | Distance Learning/Hybrid DL | Course Based | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Board Policy and approval
Master Agreement |
Only the 20-21 school year SB98 delivery and attendance guidance | Don’t get confused **need prior board approval **Separate from Ind Study | |
| Required daily minutes | 240 minutes per day, seat time not counted | 240 minutes per day, can be combination of DL and seat time | Guidelines in EC 51749.5 |
| Documenting IS/DL instructional time | Teacher determines time value of work assigned to students | Teacher determines time value of work assigned to students through DL requirements | Guidelines in EC 51749.5 |
| Required teacher contact | No state requirement. Local decision. | Daily live interaction. Not sure what audit guidelines will ask in terms of evidence of this. *See FAQ link above | Daily interaction
EC 51749.5 |
| Credential requirements | Minimum credential of any subject matter as long as preparatory work included student teaching.
A-G requires subject matter expert ESSA – not clear yet what requirements are |
Must have credential in field of instruction. | Guidelines EC 51749.5 |
| Attendance reporting | Time value of student work produced | Time value of student work produced | EC 51749.5 |
| Required documentation | Master agreement
Always Voluntary Work samples |
Audit guidelines are being developed | EC 51749.5 |
| ADA / Teacher ADA restriction | ADA per teacher calculation must be done for IS program/school and for average district seat time. Any ADA claimed through IS that is higher than average district seat time ratio is not reimbursed. | No ADA/Teacher ADA restriction | EC 51749.5 |
| Restrictions on student work submitted for attendance reporting | Missed assignments are not given attendance credit if submitted late. Unsubmitted work can be reassigned to the following week. | None at this time | EC 51749.5 |