The Santa Maria Joint Union High School District’s Independent Study teachers want you to know they’re here to help—here being the Santa Maria Public Library.
Two years ago, the independent study program moved into library classrooms left vacant after the adult education program was cut from the budget. This has allowed the independent study program to grow. There are now three teachers and 66 students participating in the program, which allows home-schooled children to continue their education while still meeting college standards.
The independent study program is also an avenue for students who are very self-driven or fast-paced learners, according to program officials.
One of the most overlooked aspects of the independent study program is the student-teacher relationship. Victoria Garcia said the program’s students and teachers are able to get to know each other on a more one-on-one basis, which means students are more likely to ask questions they might not ask in front of a full classroom.
Students are still able to participate in high school team sports, as well as graduate with a full high school diploma, but with the flexibility of being able to make their own hours.
While only being required to meet with a teacher for one hour a week, many of the students spend several hours a day at the library. The independent study program also gets students’ parents involved by requiring that they meet with the teacher on the same weekly basis as their child.
For more information, contact Catherine Ulrich at 925-2567, Ext. 3561, or e-mail culrich@smjuhsd.org.
School Scene is compiled by Managing Editor Amy Asman. Intern Michael McCone contributed to this week’s content. Information should be sent to the Sun via fax, e-mail, or mail.
This article appears in Nov 3-9, 2011.