What is Independent Study?
Independent study is a unique way of learning where students and teachers are separated by time and location. Our courses are designed so that students may start at any time and control the pace at which they learn, deciding when to submit evaluations, projects and progress tests.
This flexible format is perfect for a variety of students, allowing them to accelerate or decelerate their learning experience as necessary. And because the student controls the pace, there is no falling behind or waiting for others to catch up.
Is the Independent Study High School Accredited?
Yes, the high school is accredited by the Nebraska Department of Education, since 1968, the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement since 1978, and by the Commission on International and Trans-regional Accreditation since 2003.
May credit earned elsewhere be transferred to the ISHS diploma program?
Yes, academic credits earned at other schools may be transferred to the Independent Study High School. All credit issued by regionally or state accredited secondary schools as high school credit is accepted at face value toward meeting the Independent Study High School’s graduation requirements. Visit the Transferring credit page.
Will credits earned at the ISHS transfer to a public school?
Yes, the Independent Study High School is fully accredited by the Nebraska Department of Education, the North Central Association on Accreditation and School Improvement and the Commission on International and Trans-Regional Accreditation (CITA). Credits will transfer to other schools with similar accreditation via a reciprocal agreement between the regional accrediting agencies.
How long does it take to complete a course?
Students have a full calendar year from the date they enroll to complete their course. However, students may complete their course in a little as five weeks, beginning from the date we receive the first graded work from the student.
How much time should a student spend on each course?
Each semester course is the equivalent of an 90 hour seat time class, meaning students should spend approximately 60 to 80 minutes five days a week on each course – about the same amount of time traditional high school students typically spend in their classes. Following this schedule, students will complete their course in approximately 16 weeks.
How are grades transferred to other schools?
Most schools receiving credit from the Independent Study High School have established policies relating to transfer credit. Some schools will accept credit with no value toward calculating the GPA, while other schools will accept the percentage grade only and apply it to their own grading scale, and other schools will accept, at face value, the percentage and letter grade earned at the ISHS.
What are progress tests like?
Progress tests are closed-book exams and may include multiple-choice, true/false, or fill-in-the-blank questions. Progress tests are graded and may be submitted by mail, using a scan card, or online using the course management system. Progress tests generally cover content from several units. Unlike the unit evaluations, progress tests are supervised by an approved proctor. You will need to select an approved proctor prior to taking any progress tests.
How are progress tests administered?
Because the ISHS is an accredited high school, we have requirements associated with test taking. A proctor, who is approved by the ISHS, will have the authority to administer the closed book progress tests.
What are the assignments like, do I have to turn in everything?
Most courses are presented in units and lessons, and each unit includes: reading assignments, self-check activities, practice activities, journaling exercises, projects, and unit evaluations. The courses also include progress tests, and depending on your course may include projects. The courses include both graded and non-graded assignments. You will be asked to submit all graded assignments, such as unit evaluations, projects, and progress tests. However, it is important that you do everything that is assigned within the course in order to learn the content and prepare for the graded evaluations and progress tests.
What are unit evaluations like?
Unit evaluations may be multiple-choice, true/false, or fill in the blank. They are open book and are graded. Evaluations may be submitted by mail, using a scan card, or via the course management system. If the student uses the course management system, grades and feedback are automatic. If using a scan card to mail in the evaluation, the grades and feedback may be found online; the results are also mailed to the proctor. The unit evaluations help the student combine information from several lessons, helping prepare them for the progress tests.
Why does the ISHS Web site appear distorted when I visit?
The distortion is likely caused by an unsupported web browser. If visiting our site from a Mac, we recommend using Firefox or Safari, as Internet Explorer is no longer supported by Macs.
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