Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the Independent Study teacher and what do they do?
The IST is a credentialed teacher who provides professional educational support to students and their parents. The IST, in collaboration with the parent, develops the student’s learning plan, insures that the plan is implemented and monitors the progress of the student towards his or her educational goals. The IST is the family’s main liaison to the school and is the primary source of information for the parent.
What do I do if I can’t reach my teacher?
BASIS @ FAME teachers expected to respond to phone calls and emails within one business day. Our teachers are not required to work at night, on weekends or school holidays. In addition, BASIS @ FAME teachers do not work during the month of July. If communication with your teacher is an issue, please contact the BASIS program administrator.
What if I want to meet my teacher at a location other than my home?
The meeting between the family and the BASIS @ FAME teacher must take place at a mutually agreed upon location. You may ask your teacher to meet you at another location if necessary. The BASIS @ FAME teacher may also request alternate meeting locations if the one initially selected is deemed inappropriate for educational meetings.
Can I request a new teacher?
Parents have the right to change teachers. See the section in this document called: Change of Assigned Teacher.
What types of educational resources are available for my child’s education?
Books, math manipulatives, educational software, online classes, small group instruction and educational activities, the BASIS @ FAME curriculum library, and may other resources can be used to support a student’s educational plan. The Independent Study teacher will work closely with each family to select and secure the resources required to implement the student’s learning plan.
How do I find out about field trips, special events and academic contests?
Your BASIS @ FAME teacher will notify you about all BASIS @ FAME field trips and special events. All BASIS @ FAME field trips and special events will also be listed and described on the FAME website. In addition, a BASIS @ FAME newsletter will be mailed to each family prior to the beginning of each semester and posted on the FAME website. It will contain field trip and special event information. Parents can register their students for all field trips via the instructions provided on each event announcement.
Who decides on the grades?
The BASIS @ FAME teacher and the parent educator discuss students’ progress at every meeting. The BASIS @ FAME teacher is professionally responsible for determining the grade on all assignments, progress reports and report cards. However, parents have the right to appeal in writing any grade they feel was given in error.
What grading system is used?
Students in grades K-8 are evaluated using a letter code whereby students who are steadily progressing through their assignments would receive a S (Satisfactory) until they have mastered the individual skills, at which time they’d receive O (Outstanding). Students having difficulty with particular assignments would receive N (Not Satisfactory) on those assignments. Middle school students may be graded on a letter grade scale by parent request. High school students are always graded on a letter grade scale. The core subject areas of language arts, math, science, and social studies are included on the report card as well as PE. Only those electives, which were stated on the semester learning plan and documented through the submission of work samples each assignment period, are included on the report card.
Are students required to take standardized tests?
Yes, by California State our public school must administer any state-mandated test during specified time frames. The current state mandated tests are the STAR which students in grades 2-11 must take, and the California High School Exit Exam. In addition, there are language tests that students who have English as a second language must take. See the Assessments section of our website for more information.
