Board approves short‑term independent study for families choosing COVID quarantine

The San Francisco Board of Education on Feb. 8 approved an amendment to Board Policy 6.102.6 widening eligibility for short‑term independent study so students can stay enrolled remotely during a parent‑determined preventative quarantine.

The amendment, introduced by Deputy Superintendent staff and adopted after the board suspended the rules for immediate consideration, allows short‑term independent study for families who judge that in‑person instruction “will put their health at risk due to the current surge in COVID cases,” as the amendment’s text states. Board members cast a roll‑call vote after public comment and discussion of teacher supports; staff announced the measure at the meeting would be available immediately if families request it.

Superintendent Dr. Matthews framed the policy change in a broader health update. “As of January 29, the San Francisco Department of Public Health reported a seven‑day new COVID‑19 case per‑day average of 694,” she said, and added that weekly school‑site testing and vaccination clinics will continue to be expanded. Dr. Matthews emphasized that statewide masking changes do not alter SFUSD’s requirement that indoor masking continues in K–12 settings.

Staff said the amendment is meant for short intervals—15 days at most—after which families may seek an extension. The deputy superintendent described central supports for teachers, including district‑prepared grade‑level activities and online materials teachers may use for independent‑study assignments, and the district’s technology help desk and office hours for teacher training.

Student delegates and several board members urged that the policy be accompanied by teacher preparation and central supports. The deputy superintendent said curriculum and instruction teams will provide secondary‑level lesson templates and that the district is exploring a centrally managed asynchronous option for students who need it.

What happens next: Families who want short‑term independent study should contact their classroom teacher to request a short‑term independent study placement; schools will work with district staff to ensure instructional continuity. The policy change was adopted in open session by roll call on Feb. 8 and is effective immediately for short‑term needs.