An independent study is a class a student takes to learn more about an area of interest to the student when a school doesn't already have a class addressing that topic or the student has taken all the classes the school offers for that topic and the student wants to explore the topic at an even deeper level. An Independent Study can also offer a student a pathway for earning credit while engaging in a hobby, skill, or other area of interest that might not seem to fit the traditional mold of a class topic. In an Independent Study, there is not set, pre-developed curriculum. The class guides the student through the process of creating a learning plan describing four essential components of an Independent Study: What do I want to learn? How will I learn it? How will I demonstrate what I've learned? How will my learning be assessed? Students taking an Independent Study must demonstrate a high degree of initiative and motivation.