Poolesville High School

    

 

 

 

  

   

Program Overview

Vision

ISP sees a high-quality education as a fundamental right of every child. ISP believes all children deserve respect, encouragement, and opportunities for learning. These key components of the Independent Studies Program provide a rigorous foundation for students, allowing them to gain knowledge, link skills, and develop successful attitudes. ISP provides, as its cornerstone achievement, successful well-rounded students, who are prepared to meet the challenges of higher education, explore career interests and succeed as responsible and engaged global citizens.

Staff

Terry Young, Head of House, Independent Studies Program

Michelle Hunsicker-Blair, Senior Project Coordinator

ISP Certificate Requirements

Earning an ISP certificate demonstrates that students have gone above and beyond the basic graduation requirements to pursue a rigorous, focused plan of study.  All ISP students are encouraged to take Honors or AP classes, as appropriate. Students have opportunities to explore college and career pathways and to seek learning experiences outside of the classroom by participating in educational field trips and leadership opportunities. In consultation with their counselors, students decide on a plan of study in one of the ISP Areas of Focus (see below), to be completed by the end of their senior year.

The ISP Senior Portfolio records and provides evidence of the following requirements:

• 4.0+ credits in a focus area of choice.
• Portfolio - An in-depth exploration of career interest and foundational documentation of the learning experience.

• Field Experience Hours—Students will complete at least 50-75 hours of work (paid or volunteer) committed to exploring or providing service in the chosen career pathway and produce a reflection on the work completed. Depending on the experience, student service learning hours could be earned toward those required for graduation.

• Senior Portfolio Presentation before a review committee - Culminating presentations must be executed at a sophisticated level in order for students to attain the ISP Certification.