Ventura independent study school honored Accelerated Learning Resources

Ventura independent study school honored

El Camino High School at Ventura College has been recognized as an exemplary independent study program in the state and a model for other campuses.

The school was one of only three in California — and the only one in Ventura County — named an exemplary program this year by the California Consortium for Independent Study and the California Department of Education.

“I’m excited to share what we do,” said El Camino Principal Kelsie Sims. “I think it’s exciting to be able to share all the growth that we have had and some of the great things we have going on.”

El Camino, a 9-12 school in the Ventura Unified School District, moved to a new facility on the Ventura College campus in fall 2008.

The arrangement allows students to take high school and college classes concurrently. Every student must take at least one college class per semester, and many take more.

“They can earn their AA degree while they’re in high school, which is a pretty unique opportunity,” Sims said.

El Camino has increased its state Academic Performance Score, or API, steadily over the past several years. It hit 821 in 2010, passing the state’s goal of 800.

The school’s success also shows in its active student body, which isn’t always the norm for independent study, Sims said.

State schools Superintendent Tom Torlakson announced the recognition publicly on Monday. School officials found out Friday at an independent study conference in Ontario.

Torlakson encouraged other schools to learn from the successful strategies used at the three campuses.

State officials noted that El Camino students start with a fundamentals class that teaches time management and study skills. They also receive calendars and pacing guides to help them keep up with assignments.

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