One hundred percent of students referred to Ombudsman are at risk of dropping out of school, and 85 percent of them graduate, earn credits or return to their district school closer to or at grade level due to the individualized support they receive at Ombudsman.

At-Risk Students
Ombudsman is designed to help students in grades six through 12 who are facing issues such as

• academic skill deficiencies;
• credit deficiencies;
• medical conditions;
• expulsion; or
• long-term suspension.

Ombudsman also helps students who may be:

• chronically truant;
• disruptive in a traditional school setting; or
• in need of an individual educational plan.

Some Ombudsman students are English language learners. Others are students who simply feel like they just don’t fit in in a traditional school setting, so they are referred to Ombudsman, where their opportunities to succeed are greatly enhanced.

Ombudsman students are successful. Their progress is measured by BASI (Pearson’s Basic Achievement Skills Inventory), the diagnostic assessment administered by Ombudsman at multiple points during a student’s education. Ombudsman uses BASI results along with other assessment tools to create individualized learning plans for students when they enter the program. Upon completion of the program, students are tested again to track their academic progress. According to the standardized BASI results, Ombudsman students achieve more than one year’s academic growth during one year’s time.

Program Options
Ombudsman offers flexible program options tailored to each district’s needs.

• Traditional: Middle and high school program offered off campus
• Middle Grades: Middle and/or high school program offered on campus
• Plus: Middle and/or high school program specifically for students with special needs, including social, learning or emotional challenges
• Transitions: On-campus middle and/or high school programs delivered in conjunction with an off-campus program to provide a broader spectrum of alternative services to students
• Mi Camino: Middle and/or high school program designed for English language learners
• Restart: Recovery program for middle and/or high school students who have already dropped out of school
• Night School: Middle and/or high school program after traditional school hours for students who work or care for family members.
• Summer School: Middle and/or high school program held during the summer.

Curriculum & Instruction
Ombudsman supports a competency-based education model, meaning students work at their own pace on Essential Skills and Content Skills programs that are based on their individual skill levels. Students spend about three-quarters of the day working on computers to master their subjects with assistance from teachers and instructional staff. The rest of the day is spent doing writing assignments, participating in group projects and conducting research.

Ombudsman teachers guide students to make good choices about their academic progress, attendance and consideration for others in the learning center. There is one instructor for every 10 or fewer students, so students receive individualized attention – and they stay on task, focused, motivated and engaged in learning. The result – students feel bright, capable and responsible for their achievement.

Instructors
Ombudsman provides small learning communities where the student-to-instructor ratio is 10 to one.  All teachers are certified and meet the federal Highly Qualified Teacher requirements as defined by No Child Left Behind. Ombudsman teachers are supported by instructional assistants who possess a minimum of a bachelor’s degree.

Educational Setting and Schedule
Ombudsman centers are typically located off campus and are located within the district’s public transportation and/or school bus routes. Centers are open Monday through Friday and offer multiple flexible sessions. Schedules follow the district calendar and students remain on district rolls.

Financial Benefits
There are no “hidden costs” and no additional costs for salaries/benefits, administration, facilities, equipment, supplies or maintenance.