Columbia Elementary School District

We are excited to offer a long term independent study program. 

Come be a part of this opportunity!

How It Works

How It Workstitle

Photo of book, pens and clock on desk in front of green chalkboard
Columbia - East Valley Independent Study school offers tuition-free personalized learning for students in grades TK - 8.  Highly qualified, California - Credentialed teachers assist parents with individualized curriculum according to the child's needs.  Our program allows parents flexibility in learning and schedules within a proven system of support for success!
 
Students and families enrolled in the program will work closely with their teacher to develop and implement a personalized learning plan.  Meetings will occur a minimum of every 20 days.  Meetings are designed to foster positive relationships between the student, parent and teacher, turn in completed assignments, review work samples, and provide the next set of assignments based on the student's needs and progress.  The meetings are designed to encourage and support independent study learning and achievement.  Meetings may last up to 45 minutes per student.  
 
 
 
 

Attendance

Regular attendance is key to the success of the independent study program.  For our nonclassroom-based instructional program, attendance is calculated based on the work completed by the student and submitted by the due date established in the master agreement to participate in the program. The teacher assesses each student's work to determine whether the time value equates to a full day of work based on the expected number of minutes engaged in required educational activities by the student.

Assessments

Columbia-East Valley Independent Study is a program of a California public school.  As such, we must adhere to the same testing requirements as all other public schools.  Students in our program are required to take both local and state assessments.
 
Local Assessments

PSAT 8/9: The Preliminary SAT 8/9 is a standardized test that provides first hand practice for the SAT Reasoning Test™ to students enrolled in 8th or 9th grade. It also gives the student a chance to enter National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) scholarship programs. The PSAT/NMSQT measures critical reading skills, math problem-solving skills, and writing skills. Teachers are cognizant of testing schedules, and can assist students by providing appropriate information.  

 
iReady: 
 
 
State Assessments
The frequency of required state testing vary depending on grade-level and test content.
 
English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC): determines level of English language proficiency of student who are limited English proficient and assess the progress in acquiring the skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing in English
 
California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) : computer based test, using computer adaptive technology, for students in grades 3 - 8 in the subject areas of English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science (Gr 5th & 8th only).  Assessments dates and locations are offered in April and May.
 
Physical Fitness (Grades 5th & 7th):  The Healthy Fitness Zone standards are available on the California Department of Education Physical Fitness Test FITNESSGRAM: Healthy Fitness Zone Charts Web page.  Testing dates vary between February and April.

FAQs

Can you guarantee enrollment?
A. No. Enrollment is based on a first come, first served basis, depending on the date a completed application is received and approved AND the space and availability in the program. A student is officially enrolled when the parent AND student have signed a Master Agreement.
 
Do you offer a Transitional Kindergarten (TK) program?
A. Students must turn 5 between September 2-December 2. Kindergarten age-eligible students are allowed to choose TK if their 5th birthday is between June 1st-September 1st; however, they must sign the Kindergarten Continuance Form verifying that the parent/guardian agrees to have his/her child continue in kindergarten for one additional year. Students may not be promoted directly from TK to 1st grade.
 
For students with their 5th birthday after December 2nd, they must enter TK on or after their 5th birthday. If a student turns 5 after September 1st, entering kindergarten is not an option, they must enroll in TK.
 
When can my child start Kindergarten?
A.  A student must turn 5 years old on or before September 1st.
 
My student has an IEP, do you service Special Education students?
A. Yes. We have a Special Education program, and we provide a variety of services based on a student's IEP. Students with IEPs cannot participate in independent study unless it is deemed an appropriate instructional placement. The CDE provides explicit rules regarding the admission of students with IEPs into independent study:
Special education students may not participate in independent study unless it is specified as an instructional method in their individualized education program (IEP). EC Section 51745(c)
 

Parent/Student Handbook

** Coming Soon **

Family Responsibilities

Columbia-East Valley Independent Study values parent engagement and relies heavily on parent input regarding the direction of each child's learning pathway.  Each child has individual abilities, interests and skills.  Our teachers support the parents in building a program that best meets their child's needs.  Parents are responsible for the day to day educational experience. 
 
These responsibilities include:
  • Daily monitoring of all assigned work five days a week.
  • Spending an average of an hour per day in each subject area with flexibility depending on the assignment and student's ability level.
  • Submitting quality work demonstrating progress and subject mastery.
  • Providing any needed transportation for my child's scheduled meetings. 
  • Maintaining acceptable behavior; following the 3 B's of the District "Be Safe; Be Responsible; Be Respectful" 
 
If a parent or student does not meet the responsibilities listed above, the teacher will initiate the non-compliance notification process.
 
Academics and Curriculum

Academics and Curriculumtitle

California State and Grade Level Standards
 
 
PE Requirements
The physical education requirements are:
  • 200 minutes/week for 7-12th grade logs
  • 100 minutes per week for TK-6 grade students
Students in grades TK-8 may log their physical activities for each learning period on a PE log, or complete an assignment representing the learning which took place. Please talk with your assigned teacher for further clarification.
Phen Diagram for Curriculum Instruction and Assessment
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