Long-term Independent Study is a voluntary program available to students in Manteca Unified. It offers a nontraditional educational experience that emphasizes self-directed learning. The program is a hybrid model that utilizes both in-person and at-home independent learning. Using this alternative instructional strategy, eligible students continue to meet curriculum objectives and fulfill graduation requirements.  

How to Apply

First, families must meet with their high school counselor or elementary school principal to fill out an application. Once submitted, a team will review the application, and a meeting will be held to determine if a student is a good candidate. If admitted to long-term independent study, the student and their family must meet with the independent study team to read and sign an agreement to complete the registration process. Students will not begin independent study until the agreement is signed.

Kindergarten

90 minutes a day of in-person learning + 90 minutes a day of at home, independent learning = 180 instructional minutes required by the State of California

Elementary & High School (Grades 1-12)

90 minutes a day of in-person learning + 150 minutes a day of at home, independent learning = 240 instructional minutes required by the State of California

Please Note:

• In-person learning will be on-site with a teacher Monday-Thursday. On Friday, students will meet with a teacher Online via Microsoft Teams.
  • K-8 students will meet in-person at Golden West Elementary School.
  • High school students will meet in-person at the District Office Complex.
• Students will not receive direct instruction like they would in a typical classroom, independent study teachers provide guided instruction. 
• Students are able to contact their teachers for support via Teams while learning at home for guidance. 
• All testing will be done in-person.
• Students are evaluated throughout the year to determine if they should remain in Independent Study.
  • For K-8 students, evaluations will be either every 6 weeks (progress report time) or 12 weeks (end of the trimester).
  • For high school students, evaluations will take place every 9 weeks.

We know that sometimes students must be out of school for a short time due to events like family emergencies, college trips, athletic commitments, etc. In such cases, short-term independent study may be an option to bridge the gap while the student is absent. Short-term independent study is a program for students in grades TK-12 who will be absent between 3 and 15 days during the school year.

Read more about goals and guidelines of short-term independent study here.

How to Apply

Families must contact their school site to arrange a meeting with the principal.  The meeting should be scheduled 10 days before the absence, though we understand that may not be possible in the case of family emergencies. All requests must be pre-approved by the principal. Student needs, behavior, and academic standing will be considered in the decision-making process. There are no extensions available for short-term independent study.

Expectations

• The student will meet with their teacher(s) two school days before leaving to discuss assignments
• The teacher will provide academic help as needed by the student during school hours.
• The student will complete all assigned work by the due date.
• The student will report to the Main Office/Attendance Office immediately upon returning to school or risk being unenrolled from their school.
• The student will return all books and materials to the teacher upon their return.