Introduction to LINKS Student Advisement What Parents and Students Need to Know…

What is LINKS? A program that creates smaller learning communities in larger schools Designed to keep students from “falling through the cracks” Designed to “bridge the gap” between what is taught in core classes and give students individual help with

What is LINKS? LINKS stands for “ L earning, I ndividualized N eeds, K nowledge and S kills” The purpose is to: improve L earning for ALL students identify and meet I ndividualized N eeds increase K nowledge and S kills …for ALL students

The LINKS Program promotes student success in school and life by: Relationship with a caring adult Career goal Connection with post secondary options

How LINKS works… Each student will be assigned an advisor to work with him/her throughout high school Students will be placed in small advising groups that meet at least weekly throughout high school

Advisors will work to help students learn better focus on individual needs increase student knowledge about options after high school and the 21 st Century workforce Improve skills for school, community and work success

LINKS Advisors will: Facilitate weekly lessons (standards based) Be the “go to” person for parents Help students with academic and career planning Help students develop and maintain an academic and career portfolio

LINKS Advisors will: Refer students to counselors as needed Contact parents with concerns about attendance, behavior, and grades ALSO…let parents know about some good things students are doing

LINKS Advisors will: Assign and check on activities on Career Cruising – a computer tool to help student plan for the career that is best for them. Meet with students and parents to help plan each year’s schedule Advocate for each student’s success

Why LINKS? LINKS will bridge the gap between what is taught in the core curriculum and the skills necessary in the work place by addressing six major Skills Areas:  Career Exploration and Planning  Academic Development  Self-Knowledge  School Success Skills  Work Ethic  Life Skills

9 th Grade / Freshman Year Activity Read the 9 th Grade OnTrack mini-magazine Took a career interest inventory Explored careers and colleges at learnmoreindiana.orglearnmoreindiana.org Took a learning-style assessment Participated in job shadowing Discussed my future plans with my counselor and family Took the Learn More Indiana 9 th Grade Career & College Information Survey Made sure I am on track to graduate Other: 1 0 th Grade / Sophomore Year Activity Read the 10 th Grade OnTrack mini-magazine Took a career interest inventory Explored careers and colleges at learnmoreindiana.orglearnmoreindiana.org Participated in job shadowing Passed the ISTEP+ Graduation Qualifying Exam (GQE) Took the PSAT and/or PLAN (fall) Visited an area career center Started researching scholarship opportunities Discussed my future plans with my counselor and family Made sure I am on track to graduate Other: LINKS Checklist Activity Took the Learn More Indiana 11 th Grade Career & College Information Survey Registered online for Indiana e-Transcript Explored careers, colleges, apprenticeships and other training programs at learnmoreindiana.orglearnmoreindiana.org Read Next Indiana: A Guide to Life after High School Registered for rigorous courses to make the most of my senior year Took the PSAT/NMSQT and/or PLAN (fall) Took the SAT and/or ACT (spring) Took an ASVAB assessment Attended a college fair Visited at least one college campus, training center or apprenticeship site Applied for athletic eligibility to the NCAA Clearinghouse (if applicable) Participated in Junior Prep Interviews with 21st Century Scholars (if applicable) Called the Learn More Helpline at to get answers to college, career and financial aid questions Discussed my future plans with my counselor and family Made sure I am on track to graduate Other: 1 2 th Grade / Senior Year Activity Retook the SAT and/or ACT to increase scores (if applicable) Visited college campuses and/or training programs Submitted college or training program applications Attended the financial aid program at my high school Submitted a FAFSA application for need-based financial aid at by the deadlinewww.fafsa.ed.gov Applied for scholarships Developed a budget for life after high school Attended College Goal Sunday in February Completed my Affirmation Form for 21st Century Scholars (if applicable) Registered for the 21st Century Scholars Pledge Ceremony (if applicable) Called the Learn More Helpline at to get answers to college, career and financial aid questions Made sure I am on track to graduate Other: Activities I need to complete each year to ensure that I am well-prepared for post-secondary success. 9 th Grade/Freshman Year1 1th Grade / Junior Year CAREER AND COURSE PLANNER This Career and Course Planner is designed to complement the LINKS Student Advisement Program. You will use this tool to help you document your career plans, assessment results, experiential learning and course work to help you make meaningful plans for your future. Student Identification Student Materials

Students may receive elective credit for LINKS. This is an easy and meaningful way for students to earn credit if your school offers LINKS for credit. To learn more about LINKS go to our state website at:

Contact us… If you have specific questions about LINKS contact your school LINKS coordinator or Barbara Ashcraft, WVDE Coordinator