Alternative Programs

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 request only. Each school 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 Fontana Unified School District, 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 with their teacher(s) and asynchronously (independently.)

Home and Hospital Instruction (HHI)

Purpose

The Home and Hospital Instruction (HHI) Program supports students with a temporary disability that prevents them from attending school. The program ensures continuity of instruction and academic progress while the student is recovering and temporarily unable to participate in the regular school program.

HHI is a formal educational service--not tutoring--and follows the same expectations for instruction, assessment, and accountability as the regular school setting. Placement is determined by physician documentation and follows the principle of providing services in the least restrictive setting appropriate to the student's health and learning needs.

Eligibility

Students may qualify for HHI when:

• The student has a temporary disability (physical, mental, or emotional)
• A licensed physician certifies in writing that the student is unable to attend school for a minimum of three (3) consecutive weeks
• Students with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) require a Change of Placement (COP) meeting prior to beginning HHI services

What Families Can Expect

• Instruction will be provided by a credentialed teacher
• Students will receive standards-aligned instruction
• Students may continue assignments, assessments, and grading as appropriate
• Attendance is documented based on instructional time provided
• HHI is a temporary service designed to support recovery and transition back to school

Attendance, Grading, and Progress

• Students remain enrolled in their home school
• Instruction, grading, and credit continue when appropriate
• Attendance is recorded based on instructional time and services delivered

Important to Know

• HHI is not tutoring or enrichment
• Instruction focuses on maintaining academic progress and essential learning
• The number of instructional hours is determined by medical documentation
• HHI services are temporary and intended to support a successful return to school

Steps for Requesting HHI

The Parent/Guardian begins the process NOT the school administration by obtaining a Home/Hospital Instruction Petition packet from your home school nurse. This petition has sections that must be fully completed before submitting it back to your home school nurse for approval.

1. Parent/Guardian initiates the request by obtaining a Home and Hospital Instruction Petition packet from the school nurse
2. Complete all required sections, including physician documentation
3. Submit the completed petition to the school nurse for review
4. The school verifies eligibility and medical documentation
5. Placement is determined based on the physician’s recommendation by Student Services
6. Services begin once eligibility is confirmed and a teacher is assigned

Questions or Support

Please contact your school nurse or school site for assistance with the HHI request process or email us at HomeHospital@fusd.net.

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.

Notice of Parent and Student Rights: Under Section 504, The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (English)

^{Aviso de Derechos de Padres y Estudiantes: Bajo la Sección 504, Ley de Reahabilitación de 1973 (español)}

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}