The pandemic meant that districts had to reevaluate the learning options that they offered their students and families. During and since the pandemic, schools and educational authorities have expanded their measures to support Independent Study (IS) as an alternative to classroom-based learning. Districts had to choose between traditional independent study and course-based independent study to create quality short- and long-term remote instruction models that best serve the needs of their students. 

Many partner districts requested that the CCEE facilitate a professional learning community (PLC) where districts could collaborate on independent study with one another. In the Fall of 2021, based on feedback and input that CCEE was receiving about the impact that COVID-19 was having on Independent Study programs across the state, CCEE invited interested districts to engage in a series of facilitated discussions to capture the questions and need for clarification around the interpretation of statute guiding Independent Study in California.

CCEE hosted virtual Independent Study Professional Learning Network (ISPLN) Meetings for the 2021-2022 and 2022-23 school years. The ISPLN meetings occurred at 10 am on the first Monday of every month.

The purpose of these one-hour Independent Study Professional Learning Network (ISPLN) meetings was to focus on a problem of practice around independent study, to learn from one another, share best practices, and to be problem-solving oriented. ISPLN topics included: 

• Attendance
• Staffing
• Self Audits
• Master Agreement
• Funding
• Charter Schools
• Short/Long Term Independent Study

ISPLN participants learned strategies, structures, practices, policies, and procedures that districts adopted to effectively engage their local communities in support of improving student outcomes. 

 The ISPLN meetings have sunsetted as of July 2023 calendar year. These ISPLN meetings provided a great deal of support to participating county offices, districts, and charter schools. You can access more information about ISPLN by reading this policy brief.

Please email Gonzalo Avila at [email protected] if you have any questions or would like further information.