The SAS Independent Study program is intended to assist students in demonstrating their natural curiosity, passion for learning and intellectual vitality. With a teacher’s assistance, students are able to design and implement learning activities that meet their needs and interests. Students must find a teacher willing to assist with the course and have the plan approved prior to the beginning of the semester if credit is to be awarded.

In order to ensure that students benefit from the full academic program offered at SAS, independent study courses cannot be used to fulfill the SAS subject area graduation requirements. There is a limit of one independent study course per semester taken in addition to the regular minimum load of 6 (junior and senior) or 7 (freshmen and sophomore) classes. No more than two semesters of independent study courses can be taken in high school. All independent study courses must be completed prior to the end of the semester and will be listed on the transcript as an “Independent” course with regular GPA weighting.

Your plan must include at least the following components:

• Rationale--identify the reasons you want to take this course.
• Activities--the major initiatives you plan to take.
• Resources--specific books and materials you will use.
• Objectives--measurable tasks or projects you will complete.
• Schedule--meeting times and project completion dates.
• Evaluation--indication of what must be accomplished to earn an A, B, C, and D.

Please see your counselor for additional details.