Independent Study

We are excited to welcome all students back for full-time in-person learning on August 25 for the 2022-2023 school year. This means that students will be back in the classroom, five days a week, for the full duration of the school day. Our schools are ready for students! 
 
The Lawndale Elementary School District maintains the highest levels of health and safety standards in our schools. Our approach is guided by expertise from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH), California Department of Public Health (CDPH), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). More details about our safety protocols is available at www.lawndalesd.net/readytogether.
 
While LESD remains committed to in-person instruction, Independent Study for 2022-2023 will continue to be an option for students whose health may be put at risk by in-person instruction. For the 2022-2023 school year only, LESD will also offer an Independent Study program. This serves as an alternate option for students whose health may be put at risk by in-person instruction, as determined by the parent or guardian. Our Independent Study program is available to students in grades TK-8 and serves as an alternative method to in-person instruction. If your child is in Special Education you may still have the option to enroll in Independent Study, participation in independent study continues to be subject to IEP team determination as already provided in the law. 

Independent Study Conferences
Prior to completing enrollment for the Independent Study program, a parent or guardian must hold a conference with the school administrator. If the decision is made to enroll in Independent Study, the parent will be referred to Dalia Coronel, Ed.D, Assistant Principal of the Independent Study program, to proceed with the enrollment process.  Once the student is enrolled in the program, there will be a parent, student, and educator conference held within the first 30 days of school and a written agreement must be signed. During this conference, the team will discuss the program requirements, curriculum offerings, review the written agreement and discuss non-academic support available to students. 

Program Requirements by Grade Level

Attendance Requirements
For students in Grades TK-8, their Independent Study teacher will take attendance daily. Students will be marked absent if they are not in attendance. Students who cannot meet these attendance requirements and miss 60% (more than 3 days) of instructional days within a school week will be in violation of the Independent Study agreement and may be required to return to in-person instruction.  

Returning to In-Person Learning
The written agreement will outline the start and end dates for the student’s participation in the program. Should a family wish to have a student leave the Independent Study program to return to in-person learning, a meeting will be scheduled within five (5) school days to discuss a transition plan.  Please note, the Independent Study program is a virtual program, not based at a school. Should you choose to enroll your student in Independent Study and later return, the placement at the student’s home school is not guaranteed.