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=What is Independent Study?= The Independent Study course is a course taken with faculty supervision for knowledge enhancement beyond the courses offered in a particular area of interest.

=Top 10 Reasons to do Independent Study=
 * 1) Teaches an independent process for creating new knowledge.
 * 2) Provides opportunities for authentic investigations of real-world problems that are beyond the traditional classroom curriculum.
 * 3) Promotes deeper and more complex thinking.
 * 4) Advances knowledge in selected areas of interest.
 * 5) Supports self-paced learning.
 * 6) Increases opportunities for working with practicing professionals who share the students' interests.
 * 7) Stimulates the development of professional products.
 * 8) Encourages students' self-reflections and self-evaluation.
 * 9) Differentiates instruction based on individual interests, learning preferences, and content complexity.
 * 10) Leads to lifelong learning and responsible involvement

=Course Requirements=
 * 1) Learning Contract - The student and teacher will develop a contract that outlines the essential questions, assignments, and grading procedures used for the independent project. [[file:oahs-independent-study/Sample Learning Contract.pdf|(Sample)]]
 * 2) Complete the [[file:oahs-independent-study/Ind Study Learning Contract.doc|Learning Contract]] and email it to guidance-hs@oxfordasd.org
 * 3) Student Learning Journal - The student will complete a weekly or bi-weekly reflection on what they have learned or completed in their independent study.
 * 4) Student/Teacher Conferences - The student and the teacher will meet on a regular basis to discuss the progress made in the independent study.
 * 5) Product(s) - The student will produce something that is created or performed to give information to others about what was studied. This product will be presented to a panel made up of at least one administrator and one teacher.
 * 6) Evaluation - The student and teacher will examine the work that has been done during the independent study and analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the study. The student will complete a written final evaluation of the independent study.