Independent study can be a useful option for a number of student types. Students who are academically gifted may benefit from independent study, as it allows them to move at their own accelerated pace. Additionally, students who have health problems or are otherwise unable to attend a standard class may find independent study an effective means of receiving the education they require. Depending upon the school or school district, independent study may be an option for any student who is interested in the program or only offered to a certain subset of eligible students.
Just because a middle school student is enrolled in an independent study program does not mean he is going at his education alone. In most cases, the child's education is still being overseen by an adult. In some instances, this adult is a certified educator who serves as a mentor to the student, while in others the adult may be a friend or family member overseeing the child's education in a homeschool program.
Children who learn through independent study are subject to the same standards as all other pupils. Under the No Child Left Behind act, all children, regardless of the way in which they receive their education, must test proficient by standards set by the state department of education. Because of this requirement to attain certain standards, many middle school students who are involved in an independent study program use the same or similar texts as those learning in a traditional fashion, as the materials are specifically designed to help the child attain the standards in question.
The ways in which students or parents interested in independent study get started in this type of education program depends at least in part upon where the student is enrolled as a student. Some school districts have a specific set of criteria that a child must meet to take part in a school-sanctioned independent study program, while others offer no program of this type at all. If your child attends a school that does not offer this type of program, but you wish for him to learn in this fashion, seeking out a charter or private middle school may be the best option.