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DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

The Online Learning/Alternative Programs Department at FUSD oversees Independent Study (Short- and Long-term), Home and Hospital Instruction, independent study, and Home, Married, Pregnant, and Parenting Students. The Online Learning/Alternative Programs Administrator is also the Section 504 Administrative Designee for the ³ÉÈËÊÓƵ.  

Independent Study Program:

Independent study is an instruction strategy, whether short- or long-term, that responds to students' individual needs. Independent Study is a voluntary and optional educational offering, available at elementary and secondary levels. Student participation in independent study is voluntary and by parent choice or request only. The effort to make public schools in California more responsive to each student's needs has led to the development of many optional and mandated alternatives to school attendance. Each school site has an Independent Study Coordinator responsible for the consistent application of policies and procedures.

Short-term Independent Study is primarily used for family vacations or family emergencies, NOT of a medical nature. Students cannot be on Short-term Independent Study while awaiting Home and Hospital Instruction placement. Neither is the Short-term Independent Study to be used in place of disciplinary actions. Short-term Independent Study is a program that allows each student to participate in independent study for 15 days or fewer, cumulatively per school year. Each family may request a Short-term Independent Study that would allow a student to be away from school for a minimum of 1 day and a maximum of 15 days within a school year for any reason, EXCEPT medical-related. The requirements for this program include acceptable attendance, grades, behavior, and approval from the school administrator. For more details, please contact your school's Independent Study Coordinator and/or Attendance Clerk. If a student/family is seeking 16 or more days, then the student/family may apply for our Long-term Independent Study, also known as the Online Learning Program.

Long-term Independent Study is the alternative option for the ³ÉÈËÊÓƵ, also known as the Online Learning Program. Students must be enrolled and attend for a minimum of 16 school days. Online Learning allows students to participate in most of their instructional time synchronously, attending "live" sessions with their teacher(s) and synchronously (independently.) Students in grades 9-12 must participate at least once per week for each course synchronously or "live".

Students must be active and engaged during all instructional times. For a student to qualify for online learning, an enrollment/orientation conference with the online learning staff must take place. In addition, a student can have a part-time enrollment at the in-person school of residence and our online program. This individualized approach requires an enrollment conference with the school site and our program before a student is active in that setting. To apply click on the link below: 

Home and Hospital Instruction:

This program is allowed by law to provide educational services to homebound or hospitalized students only with the authorization of a licensed physician. Please note that the State of California only allows 5 hours of service each week - thus this program should only be used as a temporary and last resort. This service will be initiated as long as the pupil is under continued medical care and based on a clinical evaluation, diagnostic assessment, and/or other medically accepted practices and not solely based on self-reporting of the student and/or guardian. Understand that you may be subpoenaed for School Attendance Review Board proceedings if indications develop concerning the student's inability to leave home except for medical reasons. Please note that, regardless of the end date, all Home and Hospital Instruction Services conclude on the final day of each school year. For your convenience, we have prepared the form below, which will provide us with the information we need. This form must be resubmitted each school year ONLY if illness requires Home and Hospital Instruction. Please note a minimum of three (3) weeks' absence is required for participation with no contract extending past the last day of the school year. 

Section 504 - Plans and Coordination:

Each home school is the direct contact for any Section 504 concerns. Initial Meetings and Annual Meetings are conducted at the school site to determine eligibility, review progress, hear parent/site concerns, and update/remove accommodations. Any concerns, complaints, or requests for additional support, beyond the school site, are to be directed to the Alternative Education Administrator for support, discussion, and review.

Married, Pregnant, Parenting Students:

The Governing Board recognizes that marriage, pregnancy, or parenting responsibilities may disrupt a student’s education and increase the chance of a student dropping out of school. The Board therefore desires to support married, pregnant, and parenting students to continue their education, attain strong academic and parenting skills, and promote the healthy development of their children. The district shall not discriminate against any student based on the student’s actual or potential marital status, family status, parental status, pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, or related recovery (Education Code 230; 34 CFR 106.40.)

FUSD will provide educational and related support services directly or in collaboration with community agencies and organizations to meet married, pregnant, or parenting students' needs. For school-related purposes, a student under the age of 18 years who enters into a valid marriage shall have all the rights and privileges of students who are 18 years old, even if the marriage has been dissolved. (Family Code 7002)

Married, Pregnant, Parenting Students: Learn Your Options and Rights! Brochure

Department Contacts

Online Learning/Alternative Programs      (909) 357-5000, ext. 29086

Mark V. Shalhoub, Director, ext. 29086

Laura Parisi, Senior Secretary II, ext. 29086