BILL ANALYSIS �
SENATE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION
Alan Lowenthal, Chair
2011-2012 Regular Session
BILL NO: AB 1987
AUTHOR: Davis
AMENDED: April 10, 2012
FISCAL COMM: No HEARING DATE: July 3, 2012
URGENCY: No CONSULTANT: Daniel Alvarez
SUBJECT : Pupil instruction: independent study: leadership
course
SUMMARY
This bill adds that "leadership opportunities" may be part
of the educational opportunities offered through
independent study.
BACKGROUND
Current law, related to independent study, among other
things:
1)Authorizes the governing board of a school district or a
county office of education to offer independent study to
meet the educational needs of pupils.
2)Specifies that educational opportunities offered through
independent study may include, but shall not be limited
to, the following:
a) Special assignments extending the content of
regular courses of instruction;
b) Individualized study in a particular area of
interest or in a subject not currently available in
the regular school curriculum;
c) Individualized alternative education designed to
teach the knowledge and skills of the core curriculum.
Independent study shall not be provided as an
alternative curriculum;
d) Continuing and special study during travel; and,
AB 1987
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e) Volunteer community service activities that support
and strengthen pupil achievement.
3)Requires the independent study by each pupil or student
be coordinated, evaluated, and under the general
supervision of an employee of the school district or
county office of education who possesses a valid
certification document, as specified. (Education Code �
51745-51749.3)
ANALYSIS
This bill adds that "leadership opportunities" may be part
of the educational opportunities offered through
independent study that support and strengthen pupil
achievement.
STAFF COMMENTS
1) Need for the bill . According to the author, this
measure provides the option to choose "leadership
opportunities" which can be designed to improve the
character and leadership traits of pupils while in
independent study.
2) Independent study is an alternative instructional
strategy that offers a level of flexibility to meet
individual student needs, interests, and styles of
learning. Independent study is available as a
voluntary option, and current law requires prior to
the commencement of independent study, a written
agreement be signed by the pupil, his or her parent,
guardian, or caregiver, the supervising teacher and
any other individual having direct responsibility for
providing assistance to the pupil. The agreement
outlines the instructional plan for the pupil and the
supervision that is to be provided for that pupil to
complete the work outlined in the agreement. As a
recognized alternative to regular classroom study, the
independent study option is expected to be equal or
superior in quality to classroom instruction.
3) To the extent measure significantly changes the
Committee will exercise its authority to require
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additional hearings and analysis. As it stands, this
measure expands on the description of educational
opportunities that may be offered through independent
study. Current independent study statute is broad and
general to encompass individualized study, special
assignment or alternative education. The
opportunities that can be made available to pupils are
not limited to the general guidelines specified in
statute, and as long as those educational
opportunities are part of the independent study
agreement and are coordinated, evaluated, and under
the supervision of the school district or county
office, there is a level of flexibility in this
regard.
SUPPORT
None on file
OPPOSITION
None on file