Haslett High School LINKS Course Syllabus
2013/2014
LINKS/Peer to Peer Course Syllabus
2013/2014
Staff Names: Lisa Basore – basorelr@haslett.k12.mi.us – 517/927-5475
Denise Applegate – applegdm@haslett.k12.mi.us – 517/449-5681
Haslett High School: 517/339-8249
The purpose of the LINKS/Peer to Peer support class is to provide opportunities for general
education students to learn to relate to people with different needs and develop an increased
understanding of individual differences. LINKS are matched with a student with special needs
and asked to model and reinforce socialization and independence skills.
“Students with adequate social skills are more likely to have positive outcomes, while significant
social difficulties place the person at risk for developing later problem behaviors (Koegel, Koegel, &
Surrat, 1992) and interfere with the development of peer relationships.”
Course Description: LINKS is an accredited class that pairs a student with special needs
with a LINK for one scheduled class hour each day. This class focuses on assisting special needs
students with socialization, independence, age appropriate behavior, and life skills. The class
teaches general information about autism facts, behavior, myths, and stereotypes. Our goal is
to spread awareness not only to students in the LINKS course but the whole community. The
student enrolled in LINKS will be a mentor, role model, and friend to a student with a special
need. In this role, the LINK student will be with their assigned ASD student a minimum of one
class period per day. In addition to being a mentor, role model, and friend, they will assist the
student in such things as appropriate classroom behavior, organization of assignments and
supplies, and focusing on what the teacher is saying. The LINK student will attend LINK
Staffings to discuss the progress of their student, and contribute ideas on how to more
effectively help the ASD student progress toward his/her goals.
Course Objectives: To promote, cultivate and nurture independence, appropriate social
behavior and life skills for life in and beyond high school.
The LINK course assists students in their consideration of a career in the Human Services
Career Pathway. Teachers, Psychologists, Speech Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Social
Workers, and many more occupations will increasingly work professionally with individuals
identified as having a variety of special needs. LINKS is a course that enables the student to
make a difference in another person’s life. In addition to the academic content of the course,
there is ample time to apply what you are learning as you become involved in the life of
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Haslett High School LINKS Course Syllabus
2013/2014
another student. Many previous LINK students have said that this has been one of the most
rewarding and fulfilling classes they have taken at Haslett High School.
Course Topics/key concepts and units of study: The Basics of Autism Spectrum
Disorder; What Makes a Good LINK; Behavioral Strategies; Goal Setting Strategies; Special
Education disabilities; Meeting Dynamics; Working in a group; Creative Communication and
Problem Solving; Leadership; Teaching, and Modeling, Thoughtful, Contributing Citizenship;
Fund Raising Techniques; The “unspoken rules” of our high school; Organizational tools for
school; Confidentiality; Supported Communication; Academic Supports and Strategies;
Accommodations; Collaborative Problem Solving; Strategies for working with individuals with
ASD and other special needs; Educational strategies for ASD students; Specific learning
strategies for test taking and self-advocacy; the Six Pillars of Character. Academic
modification.
In addition, LINK students will learn:

Leadership skills – The ability to formulate a plan of action, influence other students with
their ideas, and lead others.
•
Effective communication skills (both written and verbal) – communication with teachers,
other students and special needs students.
•
Skills related to Human Service occupations – having a positive impact on others, helping
others succeed.
•
About autism, what it is, and techniques in working with autistic individuals
•
Problem solving techniques – you will be faced with circumstances that require
imagination, perseverance, and patience.
•
Applied psychology in dealing with others – you will learn psychological principles AND be
able to apply them.
•
Goal setting – formulating a goal, writing it down, and measuring your progress.
•
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) – gathering information, establishing a base line and
implementing a plan for behavior change
•
Special Education disabilities in addition to ASD
•
How to understand and adapt to individual differences – tolerance and patience
•
Accepting responsibility - being responsible is a primary character trait for LINKS
•
Teaching skills and modeling techniques – this is how you will impact the student you are
working with.
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Haslett High School LINKS Course Syllabus
2013/2014
•
Citizenship responsibilities – recognizing your role in your society and the responsibilities
you have.
•
Reflective listening – learning how to let a person know you are listening.
•
Journaling and reflection – you will be writing a daily journal regarding your LINK
experience
•
Group process skills – working in a group to solve a problem.
•
How a behavior management plan works – exploring the makeup of a behavior
management plan.
•
How to identify and deal with stereotyping and discrimination – this is something special
needs students face every day.
•
How to advocate for others (and self) – learning how and when to speak up.
•
Fund raising techniques – there are extra expenses in the Autism/LINKS program, and you
will have a chance to assist in raising funds to meet these needs.
•
Applying the six character traits: Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness,
Caring, Citizenship
Required Materials: Pen/pencil and a GREAT/POSITIVE ATTITUDE!
Required Reading: Reading materials vary; all reading material will be supplied by the
instructor via hardcopy or online link.
Mandatory Meetings: Two to three Individual conferences with the LINKS teacher.
Students must attend all LINKS and Peer to Peer meetings during the lunch period, typically 2
LINKS meetings and 2 Peer to Peer meetings per month. Daily check-in with the LINKS
teacher for updates.
Finals Requirements: There are two finals per semester. One is an outing with your
student outside of school hours, which must be arranged and coordinated by the LINK student.
The second is during your finals hour to attend the event with your student during school
finals. A separate sheet with finals details will be supplied for you, with ideas and
requirements.
Conduct: A LINK is expected to conduct themselves in accordance with all school rules. A
LINK is privileged to sensitive and personal information regarding the student(s) they work
with. LINKS are strictly forbidden to share any personal information regarding the student(s)
they work with outside of school or with any other student not involved with said student.
Sharing personal or sensitive information may result in removal from the LINKS program.
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Haslett High School LINKS Course Syllabus
2013/2014
Emergency Procedures:
Fire Drills
The steady sounding of the fire siren is the signal for a fire drill or fire.
Students are to evacuate the building in a safe and orderly manner and stand at least
50 feet from the building. Students are to remain with the class and teacher they had
when the fire siren sounded. When the tone is sounded to indicate the end of the fire
drill, students will return with their teacher to the classroom.
Tornado Drills
At a tornado tone or announcement, students must carefully follow teacher directions.
Each class will go to their assigned shelter area. Because most serious injuries during
tornadoes are to the head, students are to sit on the floor, facing the walls, “drop and
tuck” heads with arms over heads.
Lockdown
There is no alarm for a lockdown; it is announced over the loudspeaker.
You must carefully follow teacher directions. Each class will go to their assigned shelter
area and remain quiet.
Your Ideas:
PLEASE! Share your ideas, they are invaluable! Do not be shy or afraid to share your thoughts,
concerns and ideas about your student or the LINKS program. You are with your student for an
entire hour each day, you observe their behavior, their surroundings, other student’s behaviors
toward your student, etc. you are on the front line and we need to hear your thoughts and
ideas!
Grading: You will be graded on the following
Daily attendance, participation in assigned meetings, completion of reports as required,
journaling on the class blog, posts on the class blog, trimester final exam, positive interactions
with staff and students at Grand Ledge High School, being a good role model, being a good
mentor, bonding indicators such as time spent with ASD student and interaction with ASD
student.
Attendance and Participation/Involvement with student: 40%
Assignments/Quizzes: 10%
Meetings: 20%
Final Exam: 30%
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Haslett High School LINKS Course Syllabus
2013/2014
Classroom Procedures
Student responsibilities and expectations:

All LINK students are expected to personally “check in” to the LINK room one time per day,
prior to their “LINK “ hour. A check in sheet will be available to indicate the students’
presence for their class on that day. If the student does not check in, an absence will be
recorded for their assigned class hour.
•
LINK students will be assigned to an individual class that is being taken by an ASD student.
The LINK will sit next to the ASD student, assisting them socially, with organizational
issues, attention issues, and academic support where needed. The LINK will be expected
to abide by the classroom procedures and rules of the teacher in charge of each classroom,
as well as show respect for that teacher and his/her authority.
•
Because attendance, punctuality, and responsibility are character traits we strive to
develop with our ASD students, these are very important for the LINK as a role model and
mentor.
•
School policy (as stated in the Student Handbook) for attendance will be closely followed.
Any LINK student who exceeds the number of allowable absences will be held accountable
to the School policy. Excessive absences and/or tardy records may result in lowered
grades, and denial of future LINK opportunities. Remember, a LINK is a role model for the
ASD student. It is the responsibility of the LINK student to keep Mrs. Basore or Mrs.
Applegate, the Teacher/Coordinator of the LINK class, informed as to reasons for tardiness
and absences.
LINKS MOTTO:
A LINK will respectfully, compassionately and with the utmost
integrity assist ALL students with special needs and ANY student in
need!
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