In the 1960's-70's several philosophers and futurists began predicting the breakup of the traditional, standardized, factory-like structure of the public schools system.
They wrote that if change did not come from within the system then it most certainly would come from without. They felt that the coming technology/information age would require the nurturing of creativity and diversity rather than the perpetuation of sameness that is fostered by the "factory" school model.
On nearly any day one can read or hear a comment on the state of public education in America. One can witness this growing discontent in the ever increasing numbers of private and charter schools, voucher systems and the number of children participating in home schooling.
Many traditional schools, including ours, have made great strides in addressing these issues but constraints such as financing, a shortage of trained teachers, size and even tradition limits the extent they are able to do so.
The staff members of Independent Study, both at Palmdale High School and at the other high school campuses, deeply believe in the "one size does not fit all" axiom. The whole premise underlying the creation of Independent Study, from the state down, is focused on addressing these issues by offering a small school environment, a safe and secure environment, and a personalized approach to instruction.