6141.4(a)

Instruction

Independent Study

One goal of the Board of Education is the development of self‑directed learners. A modern school program should provide students with an opportunity to learn to become sufficiently independent of school and teacher so that students can and will carry on their own learning enterprises successfully after their formal schooling is ended.

Independent study is a plan of instruction which deliberately aims to guide learners in their own independent work. It is a separate phase of instruction tailor‑made for the individual student and guided by the teacher in order to build on the student's abilities as an independent learner. Under independent study, the teacher's role shifts from a director of learning to a resource for the learner.

Independent study may take any of several patterns:

1. As a substitute for organized instruction

2. As honors work

3. As a culminating activity

4. As corresponding study

5. As programmed instruction

6. As a supplement to group instruction

7. As individualized instruction

Objectives

1. To broaden and strengthen curriculum content thereby overcoming the usual limitations of the regular school program

2. To provide students an opportunity to make decisions and to select from a series of options about their activities in school

3. To place students in a more active role in the learning process

6141.4(b)

Instruction

Independent Study (continued)

4. To provide learning experiences tailored to the interests, talents, and needs of individual students.

5. To enable students to develop confidence in their ability to learn, to think imaginatively, and to explore ideas.

6. To develop in students the ability to comprehend, apply, analyze, and synthesize information.

7. To provide students an opportunity to develop responsibility through developing and following a plan of study.

8. To foster in students a continuing interest in learning.

The Superintendent of Schools shall determine the appropriateness of independent study on an individual basis and develop rules for the proper administration of independent studies.

Policy adopted: September 14, 2004 EAST HADDAM PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Moodus, Connecticut