A word to parents about the Independent Study Project (ISP)
Adapted from materials developed by Alan Perry and the AHS English Department.
Objectives: As a result of the ISP, the student will learn:
• a lot about an important topic
• how to utilize research sources
• how to synthesize research data
• how to better budget time
• how to organize a multi-faceted project
• how to argue a thesis using gathered outside references
• how to document outside references
• how to produce a research paper with proper format
• a lot about himself or herself
Points for a parent/guardian to keep in mind:
• Independent is the first word in the title of the ISP. The student has chosen the subject matter and the research sources, and he/she is in control of the outcome.
• Student stress usually results from procrastination.
• Students know due dates and objectives well in advance.
• Yes, this is an academic challenge and it has been designed as a challenge.
Hints for parent involvement:
• Regularly discuss with your student his/her ISP progress.
• Review the master assignment sheet and due dates.
• Empathize with the student’s challenge, but don’t be overly sympathetic.
• During the process, never accept the words, “What homework?”
• Continually stress the “Can do! attitude.
Services provided by your instructor:
• A clearly defined assignment
• A step-by-step process with periodic progress checks.
• Clear instructions for every step.
• Examples of successfully completed steps.
• Carefully developed scoring rubrics for each graded part of the project.
• Help offered during support period.
• AHS Stylebook which is available online as web pages or as an Adobe Acrobat .pdf file at http://www.ahschargers.com in Academic Departments, under English Department.