Welcome to the JJHS LINKS class website!
A little bit about the LINKS program here at Jenison Junior High School...
Many of our students with autism need extra one-on-one support either from a teacher or paraprofessional, but studies have proven that students with ASD respond better to their own peers rather than a special education teacher or a paraprofessional. The LINKS program allows for our students with ASD to receive those extra supports in a more natural way, by placing a non-ASD student with them.
The LINKS student (non-ASD student) will sign up for the LINKS class as an elective and will be placed with a student with ASD during one class hour (his or her elective hour). The LINKS student will act as a peer advocate, mentor, role model and friend for the student with ASD. Together, the students will work toward the goal of independence and socialization. He or she will assist the student with autism in such things as being a meaningful member of a pair or group, organization of assignments and supplies, and focusing on what the teacher is saying. The LINKS student will also be with the student with ASD everyday in the assigned class for the purpose of helping them socially, academically, behaviorally and to promote independence.
LINKS students will have their own learning expectations. The class will meet once a week for instruction that focuses on training students in the methodology of working with people with autism. They will also complete assignments and projects that promote the application of their learning.
Once a month the LINKS students will attend a case conference to discuss the progress of the assigned student with autism. As a group, the LINKS students will also brainstorm new ideas to better support their peer. At the end of the semester, each LINKS student will receive a grade based on attendance, assignments, participation and projects for the class.
Many of our students with autism need extra one-on-one support either from a teacher or paraprofessional, but studies have proven that students with ASD respond better to their own peers rather than a special education teacher or a paraprofessional. The LINKS program allows for our students with ASD to receive those extra supports in a more natural way, by placing a non-ASD student with them.
The LINKS student (non-ASD student) will sign up for the LINKS class as an elective and will be placed with a student with ASD during one class hour (his or her elective hour). The LINKS student will act as a peer advocate, mentor, role model and friend for the student with ASD. Together, the students will work toward the goal of independence and socialization. He or she will assist the student with autism in such things as being a meaningful member of a pair or group, organization of assignments and supplies, and focusing on what the teacher is saying. The LINKS student will also be with the student with ASD everyday in the assigned class for the purpose of helping them socially, academically, behaviorally and to promote independence.
LINKS students will have their own learning expectations. The class will meet once a week for instruction that focuses on training students in the methodology of working with people with autism. They will also complete assignments and projects that promote the application of their learning.
Once a month the LINKS students will attend a case conference to discuss the progress of the assigned student with autism. As a group, the LINKS students will also brainstorm new ideas to better support their peer. At the end of the semester, each LINKS student will receive a grade based on attendance, assignments, participation and projects for the class.