Interdisciplinary Study and Mentorship (ISM) is a district program and course that is offered at all McKinney ISD high school campuses. Once selected for ISM, students focus their study on a career topic of their choice. Over the course of the year, students will work to find a mentor in this field and shadow him/her second semester.
Course expectations include the development of an extensive research portfolio of journal and trade articles, written analyses of these professional articles, and written assessments of interviews and/or observations of people who work in that career field. Students deliver progressively longer oral presentations and improve their skills in public speaking, research, time management, communication, networking, interviewing and goal setting. In addition, ISM students polish other interpersonal skills in the areas of professional dress, email and phone etiquette, and engaging in meaningful conversation with professionals.
Course expectations include the development of an extensive research portfolio of journal and trade articles, written analyses of these professional articles, and written assessments of interviews and/or observations of people who work in that career field. Students deliver progressively longer oral presentations and improve their skills in public speaking, research, time management, communication, networking, interviewing and goal setting. In addition, ISM students polish other interpersonal skills in the areas of professional dress, email and phone etiquette, and engaging in meaningful conversation with professionals.
