CCIS’s California Department of Education Liaison
On July 1, 2017, Yvonne Evans took on the role of independent study liaison to the CCIS board representing the California Department of Education (CDE). In her role as the Education Programs Consultant in the Educational Options, Student Support, and American Indian Education Office (EOSSAIEO) for the CDE, she serves as the statewide program lead for independent study, alternative schools and programs of choice, magnet schools, and she is a trainer for Youth Mental Health First Aid. Ms. Evans also serves as the state representative on the Student Programs and Services Steering Committee (SPSSC) and the Juvenile Court, Community, and Alternative School Administrators of California (JCCASAC) Committee. While at CDE she has worked with the Homeless Program, Mathematics and Science office, and Expanded Learning (After School) Office. She is a former high school mathematics teacher who has worked with students of color in socially and economically challenging environments. She’s also an artist, entrepreneur, mindfulness instructor and social activist.
California Department of Education (CDE)
The California Department of Education has numerous resources to support excellence in independent study. For starters their site contains an Independent Study Summary and a Quick Guide to Independent Study.
CDE Independent Study Resources
- CDE ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ and answers pertaining to Independent Study
- CDE Guide To Evaluating Your Independent Study Practices
- Independent Study Operations Manual
- Highly Qualified Teachers Teachers In Independent Study
Audit Guide
The California Education Audit Appeals Panel (EAAP) adopts a K-12 Audit Guide annually. The Guide is posted as a booklet on the EAAP webpage and serves as the basis for annual audits of K-12 local educational agencies. The provisions related to independent study are in Section 19819. Also available are supplements to the Guide. These are valuable tools for districts and schools as they prepare for audits.