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Independent study is a program to provide for student-initiated learning. Students wishing to apply for an independent study course must have a minimum of a 2.0 cumulative grade point average and a satisfactory discipline record. Acceptance into the program requires the approval of teachers, parent(s)/guardian(s), department chairperson, principal, supervisor, and Director of Curriculum and Instruction. The following guidelines must be followed:
A student may initiate an independent study course during the first marking period and during the fourth marking period for the summer. Students should obtain the necessary approval as early as possible in order to avoid disappointment and misunderstanding.
The purpose of independent study is to pursue extension opportunities outside of the school day and outside of the SMCPS course catalog.
A minimum of two completed projects and 66 clock hours are required for each 0.5 unit of independent study course credit awarded. Projects must receive prior approval from designated staff. An independent study course to fulfill the student service-learning graduation requirement requires 75 clock hours.
Courses required for graduation and extracurricular activities, other than Model General Assembly, Model United Nations, and Model Congress, will not be accepted for independent study. Projects involving a student’s employment will also not be approved.
Clock hours must be documented for each independent study course. It is recommended that a minimum of one-fourth of the independent study course clock hours be spent with the teacher sponsoring the study.
Students generally may register for one unit of credit each year for an independent study course or an independent study student service-learning.
Grades will be recorded by the sponsoring teacher upon the successful completion of the independent study course. A grade of D or F will be recorded if a student fails to complete the independent study course satisfactorily. Students who receive a D, F, or “I” (incomplete) as an independent study course grade will not be permitted to participate in additional independent study courses
Assignment of nine-week grades will depend on the initial beginning date and progress recorded on projects. It is the teacher’s responsibility, as appropriate, to assign a letter grade or an incomplete.
An “I” (incomplete) should not prevent students from being listed on the honor roll or merit roll.
Students may withdraw the request for independent study credit, without penalty, up to six weeks before the marking period ends.
Students may have three weeks beyond the end of the course to complete the program satisfactorily.
No more than two independent study credits may be counted in the calculation for class rank. The two credits with the highest grades will be used. Additional independent study credits earned by a student will not count in the calculation.
A maximum of six units of elective credit may be earned through independent study and/or work-study programs while in high school.
Any expenses incurred as a result of the independent study activity will be the responsibility of the student.
Independent Study applications need to be submitted by September 30.
Students who complete an independent study course receive independent study credit only.
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