examining independent study high schools in california

8/6/2019 Examining Independent Study High Schools in California

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Examining Independent Study

High Schools in CaliforniaA Report Completed by the Regional

Educational Laboratory of WestEd June 2009


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While added attention has been given to differing learningstyles and attempting to accommodate as many learners aspossible, more opportunities have become available for highschool students to complete their high school studies in non-

traditional methods.One such opportunity has been the creation of a frameworkof high school students working independently, known as

Independent Study High Schools. This report asks questionsand discusses answers about these new schools.

Background to the Report


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An Independent Study High School recognized by theCalifornia Department of Education is defined as a

school whose enrollment consists of more than 75%independent study learners. There are many public highschools that accommodate independent study learners

as well, but this study focuses on schools that qualify asIndependent Study High Schools.

What defines anIndependent Study High School?


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The report focused around 6 questions thatmost reflect the independent study

movement in high schools in California.

Focus Questions


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What was the independent study enrollment inCalifornias independent study high schools andother types of high school in 2006/07, and whatwas the enrollment trend between 2001/02 and

2006/07?

Question 1:


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What was the independent study enrollment in Californias independent study highschools and other types of high school in 2006/07, and what was the enrollment

trend between 2001/02 and 2006/07?

Question 1:

Independent StudyHigh Schools 2006/7

58,788 studentsenrolled

Independent Study

learners in other school types 2006/7

25,560 studentsenrolled

Traditional learners in

other school types

2006/7

1,905,857 studentsenrolled

Independent StudyHigh Schools 2001/2:40,782 students

Independent StudyHigh Schools 2006/7:58,788 students

44.15%Increase


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Do Californias independent study high schoolstarget specific student populations and, if so,

which ones?

Question 2:


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Do Californias independent study high schools target specific student populationsand, if so, which ones?

Question 2:


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What were the characteristics of students inindependent study high schools compared with

those of students in other types of high school in2006/07?

Question 3:


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What were the characteristics of students in independent study high schoolscompared with those of students in other types of high school in 2006/07?

Question 3:


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What were the locations of Californiasindependent study high schools and their school

characteristics compared with those of other typesof high school in 2006/07?

Question 4:


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What were the locations of Californias independent study high schools and theirschool characteristics compared with those of other types of high school in 2006/07?

Question 4:

However Many Independent StudyHigh Schools are virtualschools, or have manyvirtual students, so anaddress of facilities doesnot accurately portraywhere students are from.


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What were the qualifications of teachers of coreclasses in independent study high schools

compared with those in other types of high schoolin 2006/07?

Question 5


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What were the qualifications of teachers of core classes in independent study highschools compared with those in other types of high school in 2006/07?

Question 5


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What percentage of core classes were taught byhighly qualified teachers in independent study

high schools compared with other types of highschool in 2006/07?

Question 6


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What percentage of core classes were taught by highly qualified teachers inindependent study high schools compared with other types of high school in 2006/07?

Question 6

0

20

40

6080

100

Independent StudyHigh Schools

Non-traditional HighSchools

Traditional HighSchools

73.9 80.291.4

Percentage of Highly Qualified Teachers in CoreSubjects


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What percentage of core classes were taught by highly qualified teachers inindependent study high schools compared with other types of high school in 2006/07?

Question 6

0

20

40

60

IndependentStudy High Schools

Non-traditionalHigh Schools

Traditional HighSchools

51.1

30.8

11.1

Percentage of Highly Qualified Teachers who met thesubject matter competence requirement on the basisof the High Objective Uniform State Standard ofEvaluation


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Independent Study High Schools are becomingmore popular, and enrollment continues to rise at avery high rate. There are many advantages to sucha system for many students, even over traditionalhigh schools. Although the traditional high school

model will stay in place, more schools will probablyavail learners of this opportunity.

Conclusion:

examining independent study high schools in california

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