Division Overview
Ombudsman Educational Services partners with school
districts to provide at-risk students with an alternate route to a high school
diploma. At-risk students generally have issues with attendance, credits or
academic skills, or adult responsibilities that keep them from being successful
in traditional school.
Students who attend Ombudsman alternative programs remain enrolled in
their home school districts. This allows school districts to benefit from
improved graduation and attendance rates as well as retain funding streams. School
districts can also utilize federal stimulus
dollars from the ARRA, School Improvement Grants
and Race to the Top awards
to fund Ombudsman programs that help improve outcomes for at-risk students,
support important academic achievement goals, reduce dropouts and improve
graduation rates.
Nationwide, 85 percent of Ombudsman students graduate, earn necessary credits or return to their district school closer to or at grade level. This number is significant, as 100 percent of Ombudsman students are considered at risk when entering the program.
Choice Theory and Reality
Therapy
The foundations of the Ombudsman program are Choice Theory and Reality Therapy, methodologies
developed by William Glasser, M.D.
By applying Dr. Glasser’s principles to the classroom, Ombudsman gives students
greater accountability for their learning and helps them gain a better
understanding of the consequences of their choices.
By modeling behavior and encouraging students to make
positive choices, Ombudsman team members help students learn:
- that every situation presents a choice;
- to identify potential outcomes of choices they are considering;
- to set goals;
- to develop a plan to achieve those goals; and
- to take responsibility for the choices they
make.
When Ombudsman students are coached in the value and rewards
of accountability for their academic performance, many experience success and
report self-confidence for the first time, even if they have been unsuccessful
in past academic endeavors. This renewed sense of confidence contributes to
improved dropout and graduation rates for Ombudsman’s district partners and the
states in which they operate.
Environment and Culture
Ombudsman applies the core philosophies of Glasser’s Choice Theory
and Reality Therapy in
its classrooms and makes it easy for students to make good decisions. Ombudsman
accomplishes this by providing an environment with:
- personalized instruction;
- prescribed learning paths;
- small classrooms;
- flexible schedules;
- highly structured classroom environments;
- high academic expectations;
- instructors who model positive behavior;
- encouragement to make good choices;
- on- or off-campus programs; and
- technology-based curriculum.
By providing highly individualized services, including a written
Individual Learning Plan (ILP) for each student, Ombudsman guides all students
toward success, regardless of their learning style or skill level.
Ombudsman PLUS
Ombudsman PLUS is an alternative education program for at-risk middle and high school students who have challenging educational and behavioral needs that may keep them from being successful in a traditional classroom setting, but who can succeed if their needs are addressed appropriately in a supportive environment.
Ombudsman students benefit from computer-assisted instruction and teacher-lead instruction in small and large groups. They follow a customized academic program aligned to state standards and created to meet their specific needs, with the goal of transitioning back to their home district. This comprehensive program provides the academic, emotional and behavioral support students need to be successful in the classroom and in life after high school.
Ombudsman operates schools and programs in 20 states. Click map below for locations.
Click below to download detailed information about Ombudsman programs:
Sources