Self-Directed Learning

OVERVIEW

MTCHS has identified some school standards that may be met through SDL activities. The following SDL activities align with those standards:

• • Work-based learning experiences including but not limited to internships, job shadows, and networking events.
  • Community service
  • Overload college credit opportunities
  • Other activities developed by staff that align and support school goals

All SDL activities must meet MTCHS defined requirements and attendance will be coded as SDL if activity expectations are met.

Additionally, Self-Directed Learner (SDL) activities allow a planned event to avoid being recorded as an Unexcused absence. These SDL activities are over-and-above normal classwork, and are not considered a substitute for in-person instruction. An absence may be coded as SDL only when Advanced Notice is provided and the following process is completed:

1. Parent/Guardian Notification: Parents or guardians must notify the school in advance of the planned abscence. Upon notification, the absence is initially coded as PRC (Parent Communication).
2. SDL Activity Assignment: The SDL teacher communicates to the parent and student the required learning assignment(s), which may include study, research, a project, and/or a presentation aligned to instructional standards.
3. Submission Timeline: All SDL work must be completed and submitted to the SDL teacher within 10 school days following the student’s return from the absence.
4. Attendance Coding Determination: The SDL work is then reviewed for completeness.
   1. If the SDL work is completed satisfactorily and accepted by the SDL teacher, the absence is re-coded from PRC to SDL.
   2. If the work is not completed or is not accepted, the absence remains coded as PRC.

Note: The SDL process is designed as a flexible alternative but is not a substitute for regular class attendance, nor does it exempt students from completing all regular classwork, assessments, or instructional expectations missed during the absence.