District reports on independent‑study programs; El Camino cites high graduation and dual‑enrollment outcomes

Ventura Unified presented its annual update Aug. 6 on independent‑study programs, including Homestead (K–8), El Camino (secondary alternative/high‑college partnership), Flex and Home/Hospital instruction.

Hector, principal for Homestead and El Camino, explained that attendance in independent study is measured by work completion hours (four hours of completed work equals one day of attendance) and that master agreements are required and renewed annually or by semester depending on the program. Homestead reported 62 students with CASP gains in English language arts and math; El Camino reported about 224 students, a 98% graduation rate for the prior year (district dashboard figures undercounted summer completions), and heavy dual‑enrollment participation: roughly 761 dual‑enrollment attempts for 6,342 college credits attempted with a 90% pass rate on those credits.

Staff acknowledged persistent challenges: chronic absenteeism in independent‑study settings where work completion can lag, and the logistical difficulty of aligning college math coursework with CASP expectations. Principals described targeted interventions such as frequent in‑person math supports, tutoring, and a re‑engagement process for students who fall behind.

Home/Hospital instruction and Flex programs were also summarized: Home/Hospital served students with temporary medical conditions (five hours per week of instruction eligibility) and Flex continued as a limited-distance-learning option primarily for students with specific needs. Trustees asked for continued attention to data-reporting accuracy and supports for special‑education and English‑learner students in independent‑study settings.

Staff said updated 2023–24 dashboard data will be available in October and pledged ongoing monitoring of attendance, outcomes and supports.