Independent Study and Mentorship (ISM) is an exciting, rigorous elective offered at Frisco ISD high schools, designed for high-achieving juniors or seniors.
Students interested in taking ISM must complete the application and interview process to be considered for the course. Once selected, students conduct research and interviews throughout the year on their chosen topic of study in order to select a mentor and gain real-world experience.
The course includes research analysis, original idea generation, product design, and hands-on experiences in a professional environment. The ISM teacher works with the students to develop skills in the following areas:
Professionalism
Communication/Networking
Interpersonal/Interviewing Skills
Public Speaking
Personal Branding
ISM receives weighted credit (5.5 points).
Intense Research
Topic-related Product Development
Original Idea Generation and Product Design
Public Speaking and Presentations
Resume Writing
Interviewing Skills
Business and Social Etiquette
Hands-on experiences in real work environments
Participation in District Events
Written assessments of research at highest levels of Bloom’s Taxonomy
Pediatric Oncology
Entrepreneurship/ small business
Computer Software Design
Graphic Design
Entrepreneurship/ small business
Landscape Architecture
Sports Photography
Museum Curator
Marketing
Elementary Education
Astronomy
Marine Biology
Writing
Veterinary Science
Constitutional Law
Cardio-Thoracic Surgery
Culinary Arts
Criminal Law
Cardiology
Quantum Physics
Ballet Company Administration
Engineering
Neo-natal nursing
Archeology
Optometry
Green Energy
*Topics change every year based on what the ISM students choose to research.
During the spring semester when the application window opens, students should check with the campus counseling office for detailed information on the application process.
The application process includes completing the application form, composing an essay, completing teacher recommendation forms, and administrative clearance based on academic eligibility, attendance, and behavior. Applications must be submitted on time.
Once all applications and teacher recommendations are reviewed, students who qualify for the interview process will be notified of their time slot.
A selection committee will interview applicants.
Once placement decisions have been finalized, students will be notified of their selection.
Students will need to meet with their counselor to confirm that ISM has been added to their schedule for the upcoming year.
Being a student in Frisco ISD’s ISM course is a privilege. ISM is a highly-visible program on campuses, in our district, and at mentors’ places of business in Frisco and other surrounding communities. Mentors give freely of their valuable time, expertise, and resources. Because of this, ISM students must be trusted to conduct themselves professionally and properly in many different situations both in and out of school. Students who thrive and are happiest in ISM embody the following characteristics:
have integrity and can be trusted to leave campus to conduct interviews and visit mentors during the school day
are highly intelligent and academically driven because the curriculum and schedule are demanding
are responsible and meet deadlines
can work independently
have a strong worth ethic
are committed to task completion
already have a strong interest in a field and possibly have already done some preliminary research in that topic or done volunteer work in that area
are mature
make good choices