• ISM is a unique course in which a student does an indepth study in a career field by working with a mentor.
• Students build knowledge of the career by observing, shadowing, participating in conversations, and doing work-related tasks in the placements, as well as academic assignments that relate to increasing awareness in the field.
• Mentors collaborate with students to design and guide the learning experience outside of the high school setting. This unique mentor relationship promotes many of the 21^st century skills that Westlake is teaching their students. For instance, some skills practiced in ISM are (but not limited to), “leadership, accountability, adaptability, personal productivity, people skills, self direction and business literacy.”
• Independence and initiative are two KEY concepts that come into place in this course.
• Students spend approximately two to three hours weekly with their mentor and work another two to three hours per week towards completion of a professional or collegiate level product. The final product demonstrates an application of skills or knowledge learned through the mentorship experience.
• Independent Study Mentorship (ISM) is designed for students in their Junior and/or Senior years, and it may be taken twice.

• Complete an in-depth study in an area of interest.
• Document 5 hours of work each week.
• Meet with a mentor on a weekly basis.
• Attend ISM class at least once a week.
• Sign in for attendance daily.
• Complete assignments.
• Produce an electronic portfolio OR a physical portfolio (notebook.)
• Create a product relating to the career field of study.
• Make a formal presentation (the final exam).
• ISM is a one-semester course, but may be taken twice.

There are still spots open. If you desire to study independently with a mentor while earning pre-AP credit, contact Vicky Abney (vabney@eanesisd.net) in WHS Research Center.