Independent study a way to take kids on trips out of town

This is in response to the letter by Dia Marik who was concerned that she cannot take her kids out of school without being marked truant. I have had a very different experience and I hope this helps.

There's a contract called the Independent Study Master Contract. It states on the contract that this particular agreement and schoolwork "fulfill the legal guidelines established by the California Department of Education and Board Policy of Conejo Valley Unified School District for a student who may need to complete work through an alternative instructional program known as Independent Study."

I've used this for four years in a row for various reasons, and yes, sometimes on vacation. The rules are that the child must be out of school for at least five days and check in after a certain amount (I think it's 30 days).

You pick up the form from the office and give it to the teacher(s). It must also be signed by the principal. The teachers give the work that should be completed during the time that you state that you're going to be away. A child cannot be penalized for returning earlier. You can get the form from your school office.

My kids are in elementary school but I don't see why you can't do it in the upper grades. It's a lot of work, and my kids take a good two to three hours out of each day to complete it. But I feel it's worth it, and most of the time, my kids were taught the subjects by me and it was oneonone instruction.

I actually think my kids came out a little "ahead of the game" after each one of these independent study experiences. My children are given credit for the days off as long as all work is handed in the day they return. It's a winwin situation.

Independent study is a great tool as long as it's not taken advantage of. I hope this helps. Good luck. Sandee Saurman Thousand Oaks