Ombudsman believes every student can succeed with the right instruction in the right environment. But not all students find success in a traditional middle or high school setting. Ombudsman provides an alternative for students who find that large classes, hallway commotion and personal issues distract them from learning. Ombudsman offers an alternative program for students who have dropped out or are at risk of dropping out because of credit deficiency, personal challenges, truancy, suspension, learning disabilities or family obligations. At Ombudsman, students can succeed no matter their obstacles in life.

Ombudsman helps middle and high school students who are at risk of dropping out of school by providing them the right environment and right instruction to match their learning styles.

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.