1) Teachers and Parents
Since the late 1980's, Northside Independent School District has offered an honors level independent study course for high school juniors and seniors. The Independent Study Mentorship (I.S.M.) course is taught by one of Northside's Gifted and Enrichment teachers and by a community professional who serves as the academic mentor in the student's chosen field of study. The student is required to do extensive background research and then design and present an original, real-world product. I.S.M. has become the perfect course to challenge the student's skills in all content areas, as well as prepare the student for college and a possible career. Professional guidance for the development of quality products and portfolios facilitate a successful transition from high school to college. This is the John Marshall High School I.S.M. 2009 website!
2) Students
Independent Study Mentorship is a fun and active way to learn about a topic of your choice. Along the way you conduct research (create a portfolio), learn from an expert in that field, and create a tangible representation (product) of that knowledge.
Get to Know the Teacher
Mrs. Koch has been a teacher for 27 years, and the Independent Study Mentorship teacher for 9 years. She has plenty of experience. She guides all students with the placement of their puzzle pieces of the Independent Study Mentorship program to create their own masterpiece. Click here to learn more about Mrs. Koch and her role with the Indepedent Study Mentorship course.
Sitting down with a current I.S.M. student, Jessica N. (Sports Physical Therapy)
Question: Use one word to describe your I.S.M. experience.
Jessica: Rewarding.
Question: Why did you choose Sports Physical Therapy as your topic?
Jessica: I've been a patient and I was interested in what the doctors and nurses were doing. One day that will be me.
Question: What's one skill you've aquired from being in I.S.M.?
Jessica: I've learned a lot about time management.
Question: If you could change something about I.S.M., what would it be?
Jessica: Nothing, it's perfect.
NISD | Marshall High School | Independent Study Mentorship