Letter to the editor

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WHY CAN’T INDEPENDENT STUDIES AT ALL PUBLIC SCHOOLS BEGIN IN 7th GRADE?

Independent studies encourage true learning based on interests rather than traditional models that ignore passion. According to the U.S. Department of Education, “Independent Study [is] a highly encouraged differentiation technique by educators of the gifted that offers student autonomy and challenge in the learning process.” The Department goes on to note that according to an education expert, independent study is the highest level of learning because it closely connects gifted students to skills that are essential for gifted education, including investigation, decision-making, questioning, and problem-solving.

Independent studies also prevent the kind of boredom that has become endemic in high schools. According to an article in U.S. News & World Report, “Research suggests that students are bored from a third to half the time they spend in school—significantly more than at home. And that can have serious consequences: One survey of high school dropouts found that almost half reported giving up on school because of boredom.”

Independent studies are beneficial for middle schoolers just as they are for high schoolers. A paper in a 1990 issue of the Journal of Educational Psychology stated that “…a study of middle school students demonstrated that self-regulated learning and student choice actually improved motivation and academic performance.”

Despite evidence that independent study benefits both middle and high school students, the current policy at Edgemont limits independent studies to 11th and 12th graders. It is time to change this policy to allow 7th to 10th graders to pursue independent studies in school, for credit, so that they too can reap its benefits.

Sincerely,

Niev Bhandare

Edgemont