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You
are here: LINKS For Learning
LINKS For Learning is an after-school and summer enrichment program currently serving children in grades 1-5 in Livingston Montana. LINKS For Learning provides after school and summer enrichment activities for Livingston's children and families designed to encourage success in school, a lifelong interest in learning and a commitment to community involvement.
Livingston Montana is a town of approximately 7000 residents located in Park County. Situated on the Yellowstone River 50 miles north of Yellowstone National Park, Livingston is geographically isolated with the nearest town 30 miles away over a mountain pass. Access to the larger libraries, sports facilities, cultural events, and academic enrichment opportunities offered there are prohibited by distance, poverty and lack of public transportation. Livingston's original economic mainstay was a railroad repair shop established in the 1800's. In 1986 this industry shut down, resulting in high unemployment, a reduced tax base, closure of many businesses, a lack of employment opportunities and lowered incomes throughout the community.
The repercussions of these changes to the county's economic and social health are still being felt today. Poverty and low educational attainment of adults are factors that place Livingston's children at increased risk of academic failure and substance abuse. High drop-out and substance abuse rates among high school students attest to the need for increased academic and social support systems.
The LINKS For Learning program strives to increase academic success and reduce the high dropout rate through improved school performance at the elementary level. Research indicates that in addition to economic and social deprivation, academic failure in elementary school and early lack of commitment to school place students at risk of dropping out. Funded primarily through a 21st Century community Learning centers grant, LINKS began in June 1999 and continues today.
LINKS For Learning Program Goals:
Goal 1: Increase academic performance and commitment to school
Goal 2. Provide affordable, safe, supervised after-school and summer enrichment activities for children
Goal 3. Provide families with opportunities to help their children succeed in school
Goal 4: Reduce substance abuse and anti-social behaviors
LINKS offers after-school programs at both of Livingston's elementary schools from 3:00 – 5:30 p.m. Mondays – Thursdays. LINKS offers homework assistance, reading support, physical activity and a variety of enrichment opportunities including art, drama, science explorations, cooking and mentoring. LINKS programs are free of charge and available to all Livingston children. Although the programs are free, registration is required and children are expected to attend at least three days per week. LINKS strives to mix children from different socioeconomic backgrounds to create diverse groups of children who learn to work and play together. LINKS also offers activities to the families of participating students.
At this time 108 students are enrolled in LINKS after-school programs, 53% of whom are from families living at or below the federal poverty level. There are no YMCA, Boys and Girls Clubs or other regular after-school programs in Livingston. Providing affordable, safe, supervised programs at both elementary school sites helps working parents and increases families' connection and commitment to schools. Providing a school-based program increases the opportunities for integration with the regular school day. Classroom teachers, Title I specialists, building principals and counselors are available to discuss program and individual student goals for the after-school program.
A typical LINKS afternoon starts with a healthy snack and relaxed time to visit with friends and staff. Following snack twenty to thirty minutes are devoted to homework and reading. Children work in small (15-20) self-contained groups with at least two staff members per group. Academic support is offered through homework assistance, reading activities and enrichment opportunities. Reading activities include one-on-one reading time with staff and community members as well as small group games and activities designed to strengthen specific reading skills.
Physical activity is an important part of each day. Children spend thirty minutes each day engaged in either organized physical games and activities or free play outside. Following the physical activity time, children spend the rest of the afternoon in enrichment activities. This time is designed by LINKS staff with input from the children. Most staff members choose a theme and the group dives into exploration of that theme.
Art, science, drama and writing activities revolve around investigations of the theme. A favorite activity at all age levels is game day. One day each week children choose from a variety of board and card games. This develops social skills as well as critical thinking skills. We find that within our population many children reach second grade not knowing how to take turns in a clockwise direction, and unable to graciously accept defeat. It is amazing to observe the growth over the year in these skills.
When asked what classroom teachers would like most from the LINKS program, practice with social skills and cooperation are always the priority. Enrichment activities allow these skills to be developed through games and small group activities.
LINKS also offers two ten-day summer programs. These take place at one of the school sites from 8:30 am – Noon. For the past three summers we have been focusing on outdoor education. With the Yellowstone River flowing through town, as well as a pond and small creek within walking distance, water studies have been provided a rich topic through which to weave reading, language arts and math skill building activities.
We maintain low student to staff ratios and enjoy a highly qualified, dedicated staff. We work closely with local, mental health service providers to share services and activities. Working with the Montana Outdoor Science School, Montana Watercourse and the International Fly Fishing Federation, LINKS is able to offer outstanding training for staff and excellent experiences for children. These programs are either free of charge or extremely low-cost. Keeping these programs affordable and of high quality has created a wonderfully diverse group of participants. Summer programs offer new and fun ways of learning while helping maintain critical reading and math skills during the summer break.
Encouraging positive connections between families and the school is an important goal of the LINKS program. LINKS staff work to create family-friendly environments at the end of the day. We encourage parents to spend time in the program before taking their children home. Over the past two years we have increasingly more parents who take time to observe the program, play a game with their child or visit with staff. This is important time for creating a positive connection with the LINKS program and with the school.
A popular family activity offered by the LINKS program is Soup Night. These are free soup (or pancake) suppers followed by literacy or math activities. Attendance at Soup Nights is very high – over 80% of participating children attend with parents, grandparents and siblings. Students help prepare and serve the meals. These are very relaxed evenings with parents, staff and children enjoying time to visit and learn new games. These soup nights have been instrumental in developing a strong sense of community among LINKS families and staff.
LINKS enjoys strong working relationships with community partners. Coordinating with mental health providers allows us to more effectively serve children and families with specific needs. Local businesses offer field trip opportunities, on-site programs and have donated books, games and materials. Big Brothers and Sisters of Park County coordinates our America Reads program. We have twenty-seven reading mentors, twenty of whom are high school students. These volunteers spend 45 minutes each week with a LINKS student. Half of the time is spent reading and half of the time is devoted to developing the mentoring relationship. Board games, playing outside, or participating in LINKS activities together allow mentors and "littles" time to get to know each other. Evaluations of reading fluency have shown this program to be very effective. National studies indicate that such mentoring programs are also effective in reducing substance abuse in both the "little" and the mentor. It is extremely popular with children and parents and provides high school students with an opportunity for community service.
As a 21st Century Community Learning centers program, LINKS completes rigorous evaluations of student performance annually. While it is impossible to determine the specific effect of an after-school program on the academic growth of an individual, teacher and parent surveys indicate confidence that LINKS is having a positive impact on student performance. Evaluating program goals is more difficult as high school completion and substance abuse rates will not be seen for several years.
We follow current research in effective program practices and apply those practices to the LINKS program. Ongoing staff meetings and training allow us to make program changes where necessary and appropriate. Research indicates that programs implementing effective practices can expect greater engagement in learning; improved classroom performance; higher academic performance and commitment to school; and family and community satisfaction. We are finding such outcomes through parent and teacher surveys.
Evaluating the full impact of after-school programs remains a challenge. The unknown or unexpected outcomes may be extremely important. An interesting and unexpected outcome of the LINKS program was discovered early in our first year. In April 2000, the LINKS program received the Park County Child Abuse Prevention Program of the Year award. In the months following the start of the LINKS program, the number of reported incidents of child abuse related to homework and school performance was drastically reduced. LINKS For Learning has an advisory board that sets goals and priorities and monitors program progress. LINKS For Learning continues to respond to school and community needs in supporting the children and families of Livingston.
"After-school programs are an important first step in the process of changing not only how we educate our children, but also how we – school and community – come together to ensure their success. Getting it right for children is what this is all about."
--William S. White, President and CEO, C. S. Mott Foundation
Julie Hancock has been the program director of LINKS For Learning since the program began in 1999. Julie has a BA degree in Biology from the University of Wisconsin and a BA degree in Elementary Education from the University of Wisconsin. She enjoys blending both backgrounds creating outdoor education opportunities for children through summer and after-school programs. Contact Julie via email: jhancock@livingston.k12.mt.us
©June 2004 New Horizons for Learning
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