The LINKS program aims to help students succeed academically and develop important life skills. It provides a curriculum addressing academic development, self-knowledge, career planning, life skills, and work ethic. LINKS also establishes mentoring relationships between students and caring adults. The goals are to help students feel connected to school, address their individual needs, and improve outcomes like attendance, behavior, achievement, and career preparation. Valley High School adapted its existing advisory program to incorporate LINKS, with teachers using prepared lessons covering relevant topics for their grade levels.

1. Learning, Individualized Needs, Knowledge and Skills L I N K S

2. The purpose of the LINKS Advisement Program is to advance student learning, success, and development in a proactive, deliberate, developmental manner by establishing a personal relationship with at least one caring adult who serves as an advocate for the student What Is The Purpose of L I N K S?

3. LINKS provides a curriculum that will bridge the gap between what is taught in the core curriculum and the skills necessary for success in school and in the work place by addressing six major skills areas: What Does L I N K S Provide ?

4. Academic Development Self-Knowledge School Success Skills Areas Addressed by L I N K S

5. Career Planning Life Skills Work Ethic Areas Addressed by L I N K S

6. At least 6,500 students drop out of high school each year Nearly 7,000 youth appear before a judge or probation officer every year Why Our Students Need L I N K S

8. Only 15 of these graduates earn a four year degree within six years of graduationWhy Our Students Need L I N K S

9. West Virginia is #1 state in prescription drug use and is increasing in use of illegal drugs annually West Virginia employers report that West Virginia graduates do not have adequate work place readiness skills West Virginia has the highest out-migration and the lowest in-migration in the nation Why Our Students Need L I N K S

10. Provide a consistent advocate for each student in the school Promote collaboration and cooperation among all staff members to help students with academic, career and personal/social needs Goals of LINKS

11. Help each student identify and address his/her unique academic, career and personal/social needs Address specific school needs to help promote a positive and safe school climate Goals of LINKS

12. Help each student feel connected to school and the community. Develop a team of stakeholders who encourage each student to progress and succeed Provide a way to consistently deliver content standards and guidance curriculum for every student Goals of L I N K S

13. Faculty are informed and prepared to work with all students School attendance is improved Expected Outcomes of L I N K S

14. Behavior problems are reduced Achievement (grades and test scores) is improved Drop-out rates are lower Expected Outcomes of L I N K S

15. Career planning is facilitated Students are better prepared for the workforce Expected Outcomes of L I N K S

16. Valley High School’s Academic Advisory Program began approximately 20 years ago with the School-to-Work movement Mrs. Terry Glover was the county office contact for the program and she directed each school to develop a program to fit their individual needs Valley has consistently used the A/A period since that time Valley High School and A/A

17. Valley High School teachers worked together at grade levels to develop appropriate activities based on the needs of their students and recommendations from the state. Valley High School used programs from other counties as guidelines to formulate our A/A program Hampshire County’s plan was a favorite among the staff Valley High School and A/A

18. Over the years, the county programs have been combined, revised, and adapted to develop what the state now calls the LINKS (Learning, Individual Needs, Knowledge, and Skills) program Valley High School’s Academic Advisory program was one of the main programs used for the new model From Academic Advisory to L I N K S

19. Along with our homeroom advisors we decided what issues to focus on with each grade level We then formulated notebooks that combined lessons from our A/A program and the L I N K S program Valley High School and L I N K S

20. Our teachers have full access to lessons, activities and other resources that require little or no planning on their part Having the lessons prepared ahead of time by the building coordinator and counselor leaves teachers with more time to focus on the students rather than the planning of A/A Valley High School and L I N K S

21. Three times a month our homeroom teachers are working with students to address the academic, social, and career aspects of student life Valley High School and L I N K S