Workshop Title: The Muncaster Challenge A Personal Journey to Freedom

Presenters:

Stephen Durand, Sylvia Frierson, Reginald Smith, and Students Muncaster Challenge Program, Montgomery County Public Schools

Description:

T he Muncaster Challenge Program

(MCP)

is an alternative approach to educate highly disruptive middle school youth recommended for expulsion. MCP incorporates cooperative learning, strengthens interpersonal skill development and positive peer interaction, promotes self-esteem, and encourages student empowerment and responsibility. The MCP staff is dedicated to establishing a classroom environment where students can attain the acceptance they need through a sense of belonging, caring, sharing and cooperation.

MCP

is an interactive classroom that utilizes an individualized computer program for academics. Three days of the week are spent in the classroom, focusing on academics that are integrated into the experiential learning activity. On the other two class days, students participate in high adventure activities, such as team cycling and power hiking. Through the experiences gained in both settings, students are taught the social skills of basic interaction, group communication, and team building skills and conflict resolution. The Muncaster Challenge Program incorporates a balance of self-reliance, independence, positive interaction and teamwork with an academic program that follows Montgomery County Public Schools CORE Learning Goals.

Contact:

Mr. Stephen Durand, Muncaster Challenge Program 6300 Muncaster Mill Rd.

Rockville, MD 20855 (301) 548-4960 Click here for a program profile (MS WORD file) Click here for Experiential Learning article (MS WORD file)