Individual Learning Plans encompass two basic types: * One is known as an Independent Project (IP). A student may gain credit for this type of project and can take the course in or out of ISKL. * The second type of plan is known as an Independent Study (IS). This is not taken for credit, but instead as a subsection of a class. Independent Projects must carry written approval from high school departments as appropriate and from the high school administration. ILPs are part of the overall high school curriculum and are designed in a partnership of students, parents and teachers. Following on the rest of this page are the guidelines for developing Independent Projects (IP) in the high school. The deadline for starting an IP is by the end of the first 8-day cycle of the semester. Students may have a maximum of one ILP/IP per semester.

Initiating an IP

• Any high school student can initiate an IP.
• The student contacts a teacher, counselor, administrator, adult friend, or parent.
• The student presents her/his idea to the adult chosen.

Creating the IP

• To gain ISKL approval an IP must be written up by the student with
  help from the school and parents.
• An IP may involve any area of interest for the students, connected with current course work or outside school work entirely.
• Step one is the student clearly articulating the goal of the IP.

Guidelines for the Write-up

All IP written plans must include these elements.

• A specific, clearly stated goal for the plan.
• A clear statement of why this plan is important and necessary to the student.
• A specific step by step time line indicating exactly how the student will accomplish the goal of the IP.
• A clear listing or explanation of the resources needed to accomplish the goal.
• Identification of a specific adult mentor to work continuously with the student in completing the IP.
• Letters of support and approval from the parents, mentor, teacher
  (if the IP is within a course), and the high school administration.

Templates or Formats

• The ISKL proposal format is one option.
• The student and the mentor can design their own format following the
  guidelines.
• IP's connected to menu choices and other differentiated instruction
  in courses do not require approvals or formal individual write ups.
  These kinds of IP's can be handled by students and teachers within the
  class.
• A file of past proposals and assessment forms is available in the high school office.

Approval

• All IP's must have written approval from high school administration and
  counselor.
• Depending on individual circumstances a student may also need written
  approval from a department head or teacher other than the mentor.
• As stated above, parents must write a letter of support for all IPs.