ISM is a rigorous elective course for academically advanced junior and senior high school students. Students select a topic of study that interests them, then conduct informational interviews with professionals in this chosen field. From this process. students carefully choose a mentor with whom to work for the remainder of the year. With the help of their mentor, students utilize the knowledge acquired from research and informational interviews to create an original work and final product project. The course includes intense research (from primary and secondary sources), original idea generation, original product design, and written analysis of research. The ISM teacher works with students on professionalism, time management, effective oral and written communication, interpersonal skills, interviewing, résumé writing, and goal setting to help prepare students for success in their mentorship experience and in life after high school.
More about ISM: http://www.friscoisd.org/departments/independent-study-mentorship/about-ism