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Introduction
Dee Metcalf
Independent Study Teacher
I was a full time high school English teacher for 35 years before retiring in June, 2000. Most of those years were spent at Red Bluff Union High School; the final years focused on creating and running the Independent Study program for RBUHS. When Dr. Combs heard of my retirement, she asked if I would be interested in setting up and teaching Independent Study for the newly organized Yuba City Charter School. I agreed and have been enjoying the staff and students ever since. When I was in the classroom, I always wanted to have more individual time with my students—this program allows me that pleasure.
Description of Independent Study
Independent Study is a voluntary program that offers a full roster of classes and can be flexible to meet a variety of circumstances. Students can enroll to make up lost credits from previous years, to pursue special projects or college classes toward graduation, or even to accelerate their graduation rate.
Expectations of Independent Study
Independent learners tend to be the most successful Independent Study students. Many students are surprised to find how difficult it can be to be responsible for their own learning at home without the daily monitoring offered by the classroom teacher. Students sign a contract agreeing to meet on a weekly basis, to complete the work assigned for the week, and to work steadily and accurately to complete their credits in a timely manner. Students who become non-compliant with the Independent Study contract may be dropped and transferred back into a classroom situation.
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