Course Syllabus
Grand Ledge High School
Trimester Course Syllabus
2009-2010
Name of Course:LINKS
Trimester: X1 X 2 X 3
Teacher Name: Paul Miller
Grand Ledge High School:
Office - (517) 925-5815
Teacher’s Direct Phone Number: 517-455-7104 (Home)
Contact Times: Throughout the school day
Email: millerp@glps.k12.mi.us
Purpose/Course Description: The student enrolled in LINKS will be a
mentor, role model, and friend to an ASD student. In this role, the LINK student
will be with their assigned ASD student a minimum of one class period per day,
except for “Training Day”. In addition to being a mentor, role model, and friend,
they will assist the ASD 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 ASD student, and contribute ideas on how to more effectively
help the ASD student progress toward his/her goals.
During a normal school week, the LINK student will be attending a LINK training
class one day of the week where you will learn more about the autism spectrum,
as well as methods/techniques for working with ASD students. There will be
assignments that will be worked on the remainder of the week, as well as tests,
quizzes, midterms, and final exams. Much of this will be done online with
Blackboard and the LINKS Make a Difference website/blog. Four days out of the
week LINK students will be with their assigned ASD student during their LINK
class.
Computer use: If a student does not have access to the internet at home, the
Library computers should be accessed to complete assignments. If the student
has difficulty accessing a computer at the Library, every effort will be made to
provide access to the internet in the LINK room. The student is expected to
initiate contact with Mr. Miller if he/she is having difficulty completing
assignments due to lack of access to a computer with internet connection.
Grand Ledge High School
Course Syllabus
The LINK class 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 ASD (Autism
Spectrum Disorder). 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 another student. Many previous LINK students have said
that this has been one of the most rewarding and fulfilling class they have taken
at Grand Ledge High School.
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.
•
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.
Grand Ledge High School
Course Syllabus
•
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
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
Asperger individuals; Educational strategies for ASD students; Specific learning
strategies for test taking and self advocacy; the Six Pillars of Character.
Textbooks Used and Other Sources: No textbooks are used. Teachergenerated information will be provided.
Materials Needed (Supplies Suggested): Pencil/pen, paper
Methods of Instruction: In-class discussion/lecture, assignments on the class
blog and Blackboard.
Evaluation/Grade Calculations:
•
Marking Period Grades:
- Tests & Quizzes
- Written Assignments and application of material learned
•
Trimester Grades
- 1st Marking Period
- 2nd Marking Period
- Trimester Exam
20%
80%
45%
45%
10%
Types of Evaluation and Assessment: 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.
Course Syllabus
Grand Ledge High School
Grading Scale:
93-100
90-92
87-89
83-86
80-82
77-79
A
AB+
B
BC+
73-76
70-72
67-69
63-66
60-62
0-59
C
CD+
D
DF
Assignment Expectations: All assignments are to be original to the student,
complete, and in the form expected by the teacher. Assignments are expected to
reflect the best possible effort by the student.
Late Assignments: The student is expected to initiate contact
with Mr. Miller if he/she anticipates being late with an
assignment, or is already late. Mr. Miller will expect an
explanation as to why the assignment is late, and an
agreement as to when the assignment will be turned in.
School policy will be followed on late assignments, and
assignments missed due to absence.
Classroom Procedures
Student Responsibilities expectations: • All LINK students are expected to
personally “check in” to the LINK room 10 minutes prior to the second bell for first
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. The only exception will be the “Training
Day” for the week. Attendance will be taken each hour on “Training Day.” Note:
There is a new attendance policy. Become familiar with this.
•
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
Grand Ledge High School
Course Syllabus
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.
•
The LINK student will attend one training class per week with Mr. Miller.
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 Mr. Miller, the Teacher/Coordinator of
the LINK class, informed as to reasons for tardiness and absences.
Consequences: Consequences will follow the school policy as stated in the
Student Handbook.
Consequences: Consequences will follow the school policy as stated in
the Student Handbook.
Passes: All students must have a hall pass and permission of the teacher in
charge to leave the classroom. A unique hall pass will be provided to LINK
students for the purpose of LINK duties with a ASD student. LINKS are expected
to be with their ASD student at all times during the assigned class period.
Cheating: The act of obtaining answers or completing assignments in a
fraudulent or deceitful manner. Disciplinary action will be determined by staff
and administrators. Possible zero grade for assignment and possible
suspension. (One hour – three days)
Attendance:
Grand Ledge High School’s attendance policy is based on two facts. First of all,
it is the school’s task to teach promptness and responsibility. Good attendance
habits in school will help make students reliable adults. Moreover, their
attendance record becomes part of their permanent record. Many employers
consider attendance to be equally as important as a student’s grade point
average.
Reporting Procedures:
Grand Ledge High School
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Course Syllabus
Documentation in the form of a phone call or written note must be
received by the attendance office for each absence (517) 925-5818.
Documentation must be received within 48 hours of the student’s return to
class.
Documentation will be kept in the student’s attendance file. This is
significant in the appeals process.
There are three types of absences:
1) Explained (AE) – Absences due to personal illness, professional
appointments, funerals, or serious personal or family problems.
Arrangements for all work, tests, or quizzes missed due to an explained
absence must be initiated by the student with all teachers prior to or upon
the day of return. All make-up work must be completed and submitted to
teachers in direct relation to the number of days absent, i.e. two days absent
equals two days to submit all make-up work. Teachers reserve the right to
prioritize any make-up assignments, tests, or quizzes within the make-up
window.
2) Unexplained (AU) – Absences that are not in the explained category.
Examples would be shopping trips, barber or beauty appointments, missing
the bus, oversleeping etc. In the case of an unexplained absence, the
student will not receive credit for any homework or missed test during the
absence. The student will be issued detentions or possible suspension
depending on the number of truancy offenses.
3) School Related Absences (AS) – Absences due to a school field trip,
college visit, athletic event other school related activities. Arrangements for
all work, tests or quizzes missed due to a school related absence must be
initiated by the student with all teachers prior to or upon the day of return.
All make-up work must be completed and submitted to teachers in direct
relations to the number of days absent, i.e. two days absent equals two days
to submit all make-up work. Teachers reserve the right to prioritize any
make-up assignments, tests, or quizzes within the make-up window.
 Family Vacation Policy – Parents are discouraged from having their
students excused from school for vacations or trips. A student who wishes to
take part in a planned vacation will be excused if the request is made at least
five (5) school days in advance of the scheduled vacation. Arrangements for
all work, tests or quizzes missed due to an excused absence must be
initiated by the student with all teachers prior to or upon the day of return.
All make-up work must be completed and submitted to teachers in direct
relation to the number of days absent, i.e. two days absent equals two days to
submit all make-up work.
 Checking out of School – A student who must leave school for any
reason during the day MUST OBTAIN A DISMISSAL SLIP AND SIGN OUT
IN THE OFFICE BEFORE LEAVING. Failure to sign out may result in an
unexcused absence for those hours missed and detention/suspension will be
assigned.
Grand Ledge High School
Course Syllabus
 Seven Absence Limit –A student must not exceed seven (7) total
absences in each class per trimester. Once a student has accumulated
seven (7) absences in a class, he/she must:
1. Earn a passing grade (60%) in the class; and
2. Pass the final comprehensive exam (60%) at the end of the trimester.
If (1) and (2) above are not achieved, the student will receive an “F” for
the class and will not receive credit for the trimester.
Tardy Policy: Being tardy is not a responsible practice. A tardy is defined as
not being in the room when the bell completes ringing. Tardies cannot be
excused; however students are given two (2) tardies per trimester without penalty
(for emergencies). Teachers will record tardies as part of their attendance taking
procedures.
 Three (3) tardies to class equal one absence.
 Excessive tardies may result in the loss of privileges and/or disciplinary
action.
Additional Operational Information: LINKS is a unique class. Because of
that there may be questions about procedure, assignments, tests, and policies.
Please do not hesitate to contact Mr. Miller at 925-5913 or
millerp@glps.k12.mi.us or millep@comcast.net