The Challenging Horizons Program (CHP) is an evidence-based service learning organization created to train undergraduates to deliver behavioral and academic interventions while providing high quality services to elementary school students. The CHP at Leaphart Elementary School is funded by a 21st Century Learning Center grant. This program has been designed to provide academic assistance and behavioral support to 40 students in the 3rd through 5th grade who have been identified by teachers and administrators as being at need for supplemental education services.

CHP staff members attend several training sessions before working with any elementary school students. CHP staff must meet three expectations which are program fidelity, knowledge and implementation of behavior calls, and appropriate ways to communicate with children and staff. All CHP staff members are expected to be respectful and professional while working with students and other staff.

The CHP has four core program rules which are 1) Participate, 2) Follow Adult Directions, 3) Be Respectful, and 4) Communicate Appropriately. Proficiency in understanding the rules, how to respond to negative behavior, and how to record rules is one of the unique and important factors in the success of our program. Staff members are reminded that their focus during program should be on promoting and recognizing positive behavior, and the best way to achieve success with the rules is to create an engaging learning environment. All counselors learn all of the rules verbatim. Teachers and other staff are familiar with all of the rules and work with the counselors to follow the rule call system. Counselors must also have a thorough understanding of how to record rule violations. This allows them to deliver immediate, specific, decisive, consistent, and contingent responses to negative behavior.

The CHP takes place Monday-Thursday from 2:30 p.m. - 5:40 p.m. The students are divided into four different groups and remain with their group from check-in until recess. CHP begins with check-in procedures. During check-in, staff members greet students, and record whether or not the students have brought required materials to the program. After check-in, the students enjoy a short snack time before going to their academic groups. There are three academic groups at the CHP: Math, Science, and PALS (the primary intervention to improve student’s reading fluency and accuracy).  Students attend two of the three academic groups each day on schedule that rotates throughout the week. Following academic groups, students have a homework/study time session. After homework time, students may participate in recess for the remainder of the program if they have completed all of their homework and have had it checked by a staff member.

If you have any additional questions about the CHP at Leaphart Elementary School, please contact Liz Visbal, the Program Coordinator, via email at visbal26@gmail.com or by phone at 706-302-8403.