Challenge Education Focuses on Team Building and Problem Solving

Written by Marsha Horn, Director of Special Education

Throughout the district, students constantly are reminded of the 5 Critical Values identified by Portage Township Schools.

These values are the cornerstone of a district-wide initiative that promotes pro-social behaviors, behaviors that society would deem critical to success. These behaviors are to be used not only within the school environment, but also throughout students’ daily lives. PTS students are challenged to have the courage to demonstrate these essential traits: Compassion, Fairness, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility.

Challenge education is a collaborative partnership between Portage Township Schools and Porter County Education Services that focuses on team building and problem solving. The program emphasizes experiential education where trained facilitators provide guidance to groups of students as they encounter a diverse course of hands-on challenges and activities. These challenges are designed to help build self-confidence, change perceptions, and allow students to see their peers taking on different roles than those typically demonstrated in the traditional classroom setting.

The Challenge education courses are located in a wooded and naturalistic enclosure on the campus of Fegely Middle School. Various groups, including athletic teams, academic teams and clubs, in addition to many fourth-grade classes, take advantage of the facilities. This location includes both high and low rope courses, in addition to a team’s course. Each of these courses focuses on a distinct range of challenges and activities with specific outcomes and goals.

Additionally, certain elements have been developed or modified for teachers to implement in the classroom setting. Activities differ in time requirements and complexity, so they can be used with students of various ages and ability levels, both in general education and special education classrooms. Challenge education activities have also been successfully implemented as part of the looping program at Portage High School, with gains being noted not only in social behaviors, but academic performance as well.

Social skills training or affective education has not traditionally been a part of a student’s education experience. However, as we attempt to prepare students for their post-secondary goals, the need for implicit instruction in character development has been recognized. The Challenge Education program provides students with the opportunity to participate in activities that focus on group interactions and emphasizes how one’s decisions or actions can affect an entire group. Challenge Education programs consist of four keep components:

Introductory stage – recognizing others as individuals and breaking down stereotypes

Development of self – recognizing skills and strengths, developing a strong self-concept

Expression/Communication – ability to effectively communicate (including both talking and listening) and developing an awareness of personal verses group needs

Creative thought/cooperative group work – this includes acknowledging different perspectives, being accountable, and accepting both success and failure.

It is important to note that participation in a Challenge Education program is not a single event. The key components of this program need to be emphasized and reinforced on a regular basis. The Challenge Education program incorporates the PTS 5 Critical Values as part of its focus, emphasizing character development of the individual student and the student as part of the larger school community.