Ask an Expert: Judy Goddess
Using California School Law To Advocate For Your Kids

PURSUING INDEPENDENT STUDIES IN HIGH SCHOOL

My daughter attends ninth grade at a local high school. We have compelling family business to attend to out of state. I am familiar with the Independent Studies Contract available through her school which will enable her to complete any and all missed assignments for credit, as well as allowing the school to claim ADA. All but one of her teachers are more than willing to accommodate our request: the Chorus teacher. My daughter has completed every assignment and has attended every concert. He has stated that if she misses the one concert held during the time we are out of town, she will fail the course. Can he do this?

Yes, he can do this, but it doesn't sound reasonable. I assume that the reason he will withhold course credit is that the concert, unlike a test, cannot be taken at a later date. While I can refer you to some sections of the California Education Code that address pupil absences, you and your daughter will need to sit down and talk with the chorus teacher.

I assume that since you're familiar with your school's policy on independent studies, you also know what your school allows in terms of excused absences. But you should check section 48205 of the California Education Code that indicates absences justifiable for personal reasons, and section 48980(l) that advises parents that "no pupil may have his or her grade reduced or lose academic credit for any absence or absences excused pursuant to Section 48205 when missed assignments and tests can reasonably be provided are satisfactorily completed within a reasonable period of time."

You can read the Education Code at www.leginfo.ca.gov/calaw.html

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