A Reference Guide of the Bakersfield City School District

Instruction5. The methods or combinations of methods that will be used to give good in-class explanations of homework, legiblematerials, and to provide timely feedback to:a. the student about the homework completed; andb. parents when homework is not being routinely completed.6. The access that students shall have to obtain:a. resource materials from the library media center; andb. assistance and/or tutoring through school or community resources such as telephone help lines or afterschoolcenters.7. The means by which teachers shall coordinate assignments so that students do not receive an overload ofhomework one day and very little the next.8. For each grade level, the extent to which homework assignments shall emphasize independent research, reports,special reading, and problem-solving activities. Parents/Guardians will be encouraged to make every effort to:a. provide an appropriate time and place for study.b. provide support and encouragement for children to complete and turn in homework.c. monitor the completion and follow through of their children's homework assignments.d. communicate to children the impact of homework on school achievement.Independent Study ProgramThe Independent Study Program (ISP) is an alternative to a regular classroom program of instruction. When it appearsto be in a student’s best interest (e.g., student is traveling, has a long-term illness), students may be assigned toindependent study. Before the ISP begins, a signed contract is required between the independent study teacher, theparent/legal guardian and the student. A student with a disability may participate in the ISP only after his/herIndividualized Education Program Team specifically provides for such participation.Short Term ISP ISP Homework Packets for Travel/Family Emergency and Short-Term Illness (longer than 4 schooldays, but shorter than 21 school days) are available at all elementary and junior high/middle schools. Staff at theschool sites assist parents and students with short-term ISP. Once a request is made by a parent for travel materials, ateacher will meet with the parent and student and go over the assignments. Upon return from traveling, the studentmust return all the completed work to the teacher for evaluation before attendance and instructional credit can be given.Long Term ISP The Long-Term ISP is more than 20 days but usually no more than one semester. Staff members inthe Student Services Department assist parents and students with Long-Term ISP (e.g., identify a teacher, ensure thecontract is completed).For details, call 631-4627.Education Code 44865, 46300 - 46330, 51745 - 51749.5, 56026: Author. Strategies for Operating Short-TermIndependent Study (Nov. 2000). CASBO. Board Policy 604.9After School Education and Safety ProgramThe After School Education and Safety Program (“After School Program”) is designed to support the regular educationprogram and provide safe, constructive alternatives for students, the District offers an After School Program at thirtyfiveschools. The District's After School Program serves students in grades one through eight. Every student attendinga school operating an After School Program is given an equal opportunity to participate, subject to program capacity.All board policies apply in the After School Program (e.g., District discipline code, medication administration).The After School Program reinforces the regular school day and promotes student health. No fee is charged forparticipation in the program. Persons working in the program, at a minimum, meet the qualifications for aninstructional aide. The student-to-staff ratio is no greater than twenty to one.The District’s After School Program begins at the conclusion of the regular school day and operates until 6:00 p.m. onevery regular school day. Each student admitted is expected to attend the full number of hours that the program is in22