LINKS- Semesters 1 and 2

Mattawan High School

2015-2016
Corrie Thornton
MHS: 269-668-3361 ext. 1290
Cell: 419-350-8381
School Email: cmthornton@mattawanschools.org
Purpose:
The student enrolled in LINKS will be a friend, mentor, and role model to a student with an Autism Spectrum
Disorder or Cognitive Impairment. In this role, the LINK student will be with their assigned student a
minimum of one class period per day. In addition to being a friend, mentor, and role model, 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 Case Conferences to discuss the
progress of their student, and contribute ideas on how to more effectively help the student progress toward
his/her goals.
During a typical school week, the LINK student will be required to journal daily about their experience, fill out
an attendance log, and complete assignments. Assignments will involve articles, modules, and other
information sources with responses including question/answer format, papers, and quizzes/tests. A final
exam is required

Standards/Objectives Taught (based on number of semesters taken)

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 and cognitive impairments, what it is, and techniques in working with these individuals
Problem solving techniques you will be faced with circumstances that require imagination,
perseverance, and patience.
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 and CI
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.
How to advocate for others (and self) learning how and when to speak up.

Textbook/Materials:

3 ring binder or folder to keep your Basic Info Sheet, Syllabus, Seating chart (the class you are in),
Weekly Logs, Interventions & Accommodations Sheet, Readings and Assignments & Quizzes. There
is NO textbook.
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 Mrs. Thornton as soon as the problem occurs if he/she is having
difficulty completing assignments due to lack of access to a computer with internet connection.

Grading Scale:
100%-93%= A
92%-90%= A89%-86%= B+
85%-83%= B
82%-80%= B79%-76%= C+

75%-73%= C
72%-70%= C69%-66%= D+
65%-63%= D
62%-60%= D-

Classroom Expectations and Grading Criteria:

Types of Evaluation and Assessment: Daily attendance, participation in assigned meetings (case
conferences and others as needed), completion of reports/papers as required, journaling, semester final
exam, positive interactions with staff and students at Mattawan High School, being a good role model, being
a good mentor, bonding indicators such as time spent with student and interaction with student.
Attendance-calling/texting when absent, signing in, log sheets, case conferences
30%
Assignments/Quizzes
30%
Connection (journaling, response writings, etc), Application of content to student, bonding
indicators, mid term evaluation
40%

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.
Assignments are to be turned in to the assignment crate (turn in folder). Hard copy assignments will be
returned to individual folders when graded.
Unless stated otherwise:
Assignments are due every 3rd Monday by the end of the school day. (dates will be sent
out via Remind)
Journals & Logs are due Monday by the end of the school day (for the previous week)
Please include the Name of the assignment and the Week # at the TOP.

Exam: Students will complete a comprehensive project as one half of their examination. The other half will
be based on the connection the student has made with his/her assigned student. Direct observations (case
conferences, in-class), indirect observations (assignments, journals), and evaluations (filled out by
supervising teacher) will be made to determine this portion of the grade.

Late Assignments: Unless you speak with me AHEAD of time regarding specific assignments, grades
will be docked 10% of grade earned for each week they are late. They are due Mondaysturned in any day
the following week = 10% docked (and 10% more for each week thereafter)

Cheating: Cheating is the act of obtaining answers or completing assignments in a fraudulent or deceitful
manner (or planning to do so). Disciplinary action will be determined by Mrs. Thornton and possibly
administration. Consequences could range from failure of the assignment/quiz/test to loss of credit for the
course.

Classroom Expectations:

LINK students will be assigned to an individual class that is being taken by a student with CI or ASD.
The LINK will sit next to the 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.
No cell phones (unless you are trying to reach me regarding an issue).
No working on your own classwork/homework unless you have cleared a specific situation with me.
You are an EXAMPLE! Act the way you would like your student to act. When in doubt, check with
Mrs. Thornton. If supervising teachers report problems with any of the above things, grades may
be docked accordingly. Your job is to work with your student. If you are not doing so, your grade will
reflect that, based on my discretion.

Passes: All students must have a hall pass and permission of the teacher in charge to leave the
classroom. LINKS are expected to be with their student at all times during the assigned class period.

Attendance: It is the schools task to teach promptness and responsibility. Good Attendance habits in
school will help make students reliable adults. Please refer to the Student Handbook for Mattawan High
Schools' Policy. It will be strictly enforced and will be a portion of the daily grade in this course.
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 their student. It is the responsibility of the LINK student to keep Mrs.
Thornton the Teacher/Coordinator of the LINK class, informed as to reasons for tardiness and absences.

LINKS- Semesters 1 and 2

Mattawan High School

2015-2016
I understand that journals and logs are due EVERY MONDAY (for the previous week).
I understand that ALL assignments will be posted on the website with resources attached and will
also be on the table in hard-copy format. It is my responsibility to access the assignments and
complete them on time.
I understand that if I have questions about an assignment or student issue, I need to text, email, or
stop in to see Mrs. Thornton ASAP!
Mrs. Thornton will try to send out weekly reminders of due dates, case conferences, etcbut I
understand that the responsibility to complete/attend these things is mine.
I understand that assignments 1 week late or more will be docked 10% per week (based on grade
earned). Anything turned in after Mrs. Thornton leaves on Friday (unless she is absent) will be
counted as being turned in on Monday of the following week. (turning something in on Friday is still 4
days past the due datedont push it ).

Student:
Print Name

Signature

Email Address

Cell#

Date

Parent/Guardian(s):

Print Name

Signature

Email Address

Cell# / Home # / Work #

Best time and way to reach me:

AM / Afternoon / PM

Date

Cell# / H # / Wk# / Email

Print Name

Signature

Email Address

Cell# / Home # / Work #

Best time and way to reach me:

AM / Afternoon / PM

Date

Cell# / H # / Wk# / Email