This booklet is one of a series of teacher-written curriculum publications launched by the Bay Area Writing Project, each focusing on a different aspect of the teaching of composition. The purpose of the booklet is to help teachers, parents, and students understand the provisions of contract independent study and how to start an independent study program. The first section defines contract independent study and outlines ways to implement it. The second section provides examples of high school level independent study contracts that are community based, classroom based, based on special interests, designed for "turned off" students, and based on practical experience. The third section describes elementary school contracts for both nonattending and regularly attending students. The fourth and fifth sections explain how writing and basic competency needs can be met through independent study contracts. The last section offers examples of district program guidelines for independent study and samples of individual student contracts. (AEA)