FAQ
From our experience, students have been successful when they work independently with minimal support and/or work well with their Learning Coaches (parents/guardians). Generally, success in an independent study program requires motivationand a strong commitment by the student and Learning Coaches. Many of our students thrive with this type of support.
Upon enrollment, PCA staff will review your child’s IEP to match it as closely as possible to our educational setting. Within 30 days, the IEP team meets to review the support and services and determine if your child’s needs can be met in an independent study environment. It is sometimes determined that independent study is not appropriate based on the student’s overall needs. In these situations, the school will connect with you about other options.
All students are required to engage in and access grade-level curriculum unless their IEP includes modified curriculum or modified grading. You will work with your Home School Teacher (HST) to select the curriculum. Your child will be assigned a case manager who will connect with you regularly to support you and your child.
PCA staff can provide collaborative support or training to families who have enrolled in our school. We can help with identifying and selecting curriculum options, provide guidance with using specific strategies to support your children academically, especially in regards to how to accomodate for their student(s) general education classes and can provide strategies to help your students remain engaged during learning.
Please reach out to your child’s case manager with any questions or concerns you may have, as they will have the most information about your child’s program and special education services at PCA. If you still have questions, your child’s case manager can connect you with a program specialist and/or other individuals to answer your questions.
Learning Coaches / Parents are an integral member of a student’s IEP team. Learning Coaches (LC) facilitate attendance and engagement during the student’s agreed upon special education services. Learning Coaches support students during their general education learning opportunities as well as provide support during Specialized Academic Instruction (SAI) or Related Services as indicated in the student’s IEP. If the student’s IEP includes SAI or Related Services, an LC may help the student gather materials, log in or stay engaged with the lesson. The LC and the student’s Case Manager should stay in regular contact to ensure that the student is accessing the agreed upon services in the IEP.
Every IEP document shall include a “statement of measurable annual goals” which allow the child to be involved in and make progress in the general education curriculum and meet each of the child’s other educational needs that result from the child’s disability.
IEP development and student progress monitoring are vital components of successful IEP implementation. Data on student progress helps parents and teachers better understand students’ learning successes and needs, helps target instruction to those needs and supports teachers in identifying appropriate teaching methodologies.
To support this process parents, HST and special education teachers are required to collect work samples, attendance, participation rates, and other informal academic measurements to monitor the student’s academic, behavioral, and social progress outlined in the IEP.
Independent study can be a great option for some students; however, it may not be the right option for every student who is not thriving at a traditional school. Some students might be better served in an educational option that is classroom-based and offers a smaller learning environment and more individualization. Generally, success in independent study requires motivation and a strong commitment on the part of the student and, especially for a young student, his or her parents/guardians/caregivers. It also requires sufficient academic preparation to enable the student to work independently.
Special education staff at PCA work hard to help children with disabilities be successful. State law requires students with special needs who wish to participate in independent study to have an individualized education plan (IEP) that provides for independent study. The unique needs of each student and appropriateness of independent study is carefully considered and monitored and a plan is developed that partners with the parent/guardian/caregiver to meet the student’s needs. Typically, students with IEP’s are provided virtual instruction by a credentialed education specialist, speech pathologist, occupational therapist, and/or other qualified staff to meet the needs of students.
Who do I contact if I have questions or concerns about my child’s special education program or services?
Please reach out to your child’s case manager with any questions or concerns you may have, as he/she will have the most information about your child’s program and special education services at PCA. If you still have questions, your child’s case manager can put you in touch with a program specialist and/or other individual to answer your questions.