In this case, teachers use a study guide with an independent study agreement, illustrated on the reverse. Provide students with a study guide that contains a list of expected outcomes for a unit, which they may choose to achieve independently. Instead of working with the regular class, these students will research and present information about an alternative topic related to the general theme or unit. Students work on the extended activity in school during the time the class is working with the regular content. Thus, the activity becomes their real work for the class period.
Students sign an agreement similar to the following illustration.
The student must demonstrate mastery at appropriate checkpoints to continue this arrangement for the rest of the unit. The student must participate in selected group activities when one day's notice is given by the teacher. The student agrees to work on the selected project according to the following guidelines while the remainder of the class is involved with the teacher. A similar agreement may be used with all independent study activities. The prototype may be used for ideas on what to include, or teachers may use their own ideas.