Build Independence Beyond the Classroom

A study published in the Links Implementation Manual (Arick, Hoffman, & Magee-Arick, 2012) examined outcomes for students with moderate to severe disabilities using the Links Curriculum. Instructors from across the United States implemented a structured pre-post assessment protocol to measure students' independence in functional and community routines. Results showed that 90% of students made measurable gains in independence, demonstrating that the Links Curriculum is an effective, evidence-based approach for building real-world skills in natural environments.

A large-scale field test conducted for the Oregon Department of Education (Arick, Hoffman, & Nave, 2000) evaluated the reliability and validity of the assessment system used in the Links Curriculum. The study involved 30 school districts, 133 instructors, and 478 students with moderate to severe disabilities, one of the largest validation studies of its kind. Results confirmed that the Links assessment system is a highly reliable and valid tool for measuring student independence, giving educators confidence that the data it produces accurately reflects real student progress.