Some California parents are concerned about returning their children to in-person learning too soon after a year of uncertainty due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While the governor originally stated that schools must return to full in-person learning, the necessity of alternative learning models like independent study and distance learning arose from social isolation during the pandemic. Independent study provides less guidance than a regular class, with students largely learning independently, while distance learning delivers instruction over the internet instead of in a classroom. However, independent study is seen skeptically by many as lacking quality and being used to remove low-achieving students.

1. Kristopher Dreyer

2. Because of the pandemic, some parents are concerned about returning
their children to school too soon. However, distance possibilities are
uncertain throughout California. Some parents were apprehensive about
returning their children to in-person teaching after a year of uncertainty
and trauma (due to the COVID-19 issue). In a poll of 1,006 public school
parents conducted by the National Parents Union in May, slightly over
half (56 percent) indicated they would like a choice between in-person
and remote learning, with the remainder indicating they are ready to
return their children to full-time in-person education.

3. The governor of California, Gavin Newsom, and state lawmakers,
both Democrats and Republicans, originally stated that California
public schools must return for full-time, in-person study. The
necessity for alternative learning techniques, such as independent
study and distance learning, arose from the pandemic's social
isolation.

4. An independent study is a class in which the student is given far less
guidance and monitoring than in a regular class, which means the
student is learning largely independently. In general, the student
decides what their independent study will be centered on and further
submit a request to their school for approval. Students frequently
conducted individual research to understand a subject not covered in
high school before the pandemic.

5. Distance learning is a method of instructing pupils over the Internet.
Lectures and educational materials are delivered through the Internet.
Instead of working in a classroom, students work from home.
Distance learning, which is more commonly used by colleges and
institutions, is increasingly being adopted by elementary and high
school students due to the coronavirus.

6. The entire school districts and campuses are being compelled to
implement and design successful online-based learning options.
However, certain students may be at a disadvantage by distance
learning. Students who do not have access to a computer or the
Internet may suffer. Those who require more motivation and
organizational support may also struggle when they are not in a
typical classroom setting.

7. After the state's distance learning law was scheduled to expire on June
30, Governor Gavin Newson declared that schools would be
completely reopened. He also added that students who would like to
continue with remote learning could use their previous independent
study programs. A significant section of the public, however, was
skeptical of independent study.

8. Although schools get funds for students enrolled in independent
study, some people claim that the model has been utilized to drive
low-achieving children out of schools and a lack of responsibility for
students' academic achievements and experiences.

9. The state now compensates school districts based on their average
daily attendance in the current or previous school year. This includes
students physically in classes and those enrolled in an independent
study program. Most parents and educators are suspicious about the
independent study since it appears to be lacking in several areas to
provide access to high-quality learning.

10. Many students tried independent study before the epidemic. It is
viewed by some as a means of ejecting kids from school. Still, it did
not deliver high-quality training, according to Victor Leung, director
of education equality at the ACLU Foundation of Southern California.
In addition, he went on to say that pandemic recovery is not
happening consistently. The impact on low-income areas is
considerably greater, and the government intends to ensure they have
access to high-quality distance learning if they need it.

11. According to Gloria Corral, president of the Parent Institute for
Quality Education, while districts prepare for in-person education,
there should be a clear direction for distance learning. Kids who aren't
ready to return are not pushed into low-quality independent study
choices. Schools are planning distance learning programs to keep kids
from leaving for a private or online charter school.