Independent Directed Studies Policy
Independent Directed Studies (IDS) Overview
Under teacher supervision, students can earn additional Independent Directed Study (IDS) credits by pursuing curriculum in more detail. At HCOS students are enrolled in Ministry-Developed or BAA developed courses prior to the creation of an IDS course. Once all school and ministry offered courses have been exhausted an IDS course may be an option.
To participate in this method of learning, students must demonstrate the ability to work independently. Along with their teacher, they should also develop an Independent Directed Study plan that includes:
- A process for ongoing facilitation and assessment
- Criteria for determining successful completion
- A credit value (one, two, three or four credits) for the proposed IDS
At HCOS, students need to complete the approved classroom course curriculum before they pursue an Independent Directed Study in that course.
IDS Policy
This policy enables students to initiate their own area of learning and to receive credit towards graduation. This policy is not a student entitlement but an enabling policy intended to encourage schools to allow students to pursue further studies of interest.
IDS credits may be awarded by boards to students who have successfully completed independent work based on a subset of learning outcomes of Grade 10, 11 or 12 Ministry developed courses or Board Authorized courses. A student may study one or more curricular competencies in depth, or study more broadly a wide variety of learning outcomes from a single course.
IDS credits may only be used to satisfy elective requirements.
The maximum value for a single IDS course is four credits, but there is no limit to the total number of IDS credits a student may earn. The number of credits a student earns for an IDS will be set out in the plan developed by that student and a teacher, and approved by the Director of Innovations and Head of School. Grade 12 IDS credits may count toward the minimum of 16 grade 12 credits required for graduation.
IDS Procedure:
- Student and teacher create a course plan that includes curricular competencies and overview.
- Teacher will complete the Independent Directed Studies (IDS) Form. It is the responsibility of the teacher to ensure that all requirements are met.
Independent Directed Studies (IDS) Form
- The completed form will be sent to the Director of Innovations and Head of School for approval and course creation.