FSD Independent Study Options

On July 9th, the California Legislature approved Assembly Bill (AB)130 which addresses an expanded independent study option for the 2021/2022 school year only.  We encourage parents to work with their student’s school to determine the best educational option for their student.

Independent Study Option (AB 130)

For the 2021-2022 school year, schools are required to offer an independent study option to be made available to students whose health would be put at risk by in-person instruction, as determined by their parent or guardian. 

Fullerton School District (FSD) offers the following independent study options:

• *MyFSD Academy Homeschool - parents who wish to homeschool their children can receive curriculum and support form a credentialed FSD Teacher.
• *Distance Learning Program - students are taught daily in a virtual environment by credentialed FSD Teachers.
• *Short-term Independent Study - Curriculum and packets provided for short-term (three or more consecutive days) absences, medical necessity, or other reasons.

Requesting a Pupil-Parent-Educator Conference
It is a parent’s right to request a pupil-parent-educator conference prior to enrolling their student in Independent Study in order to inform them of procedures for enrolling, disenrolling, and re-enrolling in the program. Parents who are interested in this option may request a pupil-parent-educator conference by contacting the Distance Learning office.

Enrolling, Disenrolling & Re-Enrolling
Students can begin the enrollment process in the Distance Learning Program option by contacting the Distance Learning office. Students can begin the enrollment process in the short-term Independent Study option by contacting their school site administration. Students can begin the enrollment process in the MyFSD Academy Homeschool by clicking on enrollment on the website. 

Students who are enrolled in any Independent Study option and who would like to return to in-person instruction must follow the procedure for disenrolling. 

Students have the right to re-enroll in some Independent Study options by adhering to the re-enrollment process.

Daily Live and Synchronous Instruction for the Distance Learning Program and MyFSD Academy Homeschool
Independent Study provides instruction based on the State-adopted content standards by certificated teachers. There are specific requirements for instructional time that may include both synchronous and asynchronous work. These expectations will also be outlined in a master agreement, which must be signed prior to enrollment in an independent study program. 

“Live interaction” means interaction between the student and school staff, and may include peers.  Live interaction is provided for the purpose of maintaining school connectedness.  This interaction may take place virtually, in person, by telephone, or by other means. 

“Synchronous instruction” means classroom-style, designated small group, or one-on-one instruction delivered in person, or online or by telephone. It must involve live, two-way communication between the teacher and student. 

The District offers opportunities for daily synchronous instruction for pupils in transitional kindergarten to grade three, daily live interaction and at least weekly synchronous learning for pupils in grades four to eight.

The Distance Learning Program will require student attendance for daily synchronous instruction at all grades.

Special Education:
Students may be eligible for the Independent Study Program under AB 130. Each student’s IEP will have to reflect team approval before the student would be eligible. If the team agrees, it must be noted that transportation services are not available.  Please contact Special Education if you are interested in any of the above options.