The Ombudsman Educational Advocacy Program
By: Adam Zaobiedny
The Ombudsman Educational Advocacy Program, located in several states (one of which is in my homestate of Illinois), is a program which is specifically geared towards helping at-risk teenage students (at-risk middle and high school students are often more likely to drop out of school than other students within the same age bracket). The Ombudsman center in Illinois is located at 1585 N. Milwaukee Ave in Libertyville (60048).
At the Ombudsman educational centers, the main objective is to keep students within their schools and eventually, graduate with a high school diploma from their school district. Students' performance at Ombudsman has been monitored over several years with results showing a high rate of success for students who complete the program. "One hundred percent of Ombudsman students are at risk when they enroll in our learning centers. Nearly all of them – 85 percent – graduate, earn credits or return to their district school closer to or at grade level" (Ombudsman: Measurable Results, www.ombudsman.com).
One way that the Ombudsman program aids students is through the flexible schedule it offers. Students who have difficulties concentrating or keeping up in class are given the opportunity to attend shorter class days to help keep students both attentive and engaged. The Ombudsman scheduling system additionally works so that it allows every individual student to have their own educational needs met. "During a compressed three-to-four hour class day, students stay on task so they remain focused, motivated and engaged. On average, Ombudsman’s attendance rate is 86 percent for its entire student body" (Ombudsman: Measurable Results, www.ombudsman.com).
Students also use technology to help them work both easier and more efficiently. The computerized software which Ombudsman provides allows students to work at their own pace and takes away embarrassment if the student submits an incorrect answer. By using computers, teachers can also easily mark each particular student's skill level and find out how they are performing. "Students in an Ombudsman learning center spend about three-quarters of the day working on computers to master their subjects with assistance from teachers and instructional staff" (Ombudsman Educational Services: http://www.iser.com/atrisk-ombudsman-nat.html.)
I selected this organization in particular because I believe that teachers today more than ever are merely pushing students along without the necessary skills and developments students need. Students also seem to have a "self-fulfilling prophecy" of giving up and failing class or dropping out of school, when they feel they cannot understand their teachers or classes. As a future teacher myself, I relaize that no student should be given up on and that every student learns in different ways. At Ombudsman, teachers not only encourage student development, but facilitate that development.
I have learned a lot through researching the Ombudsman webpages about the program and its function in the lives of students. One clear point of interest I found very interesting was the control of the student's lives around using computers to learn. While I agree with the application of using technology to teach, I was a bit skeptical of using computerized methods to teach children, but I am also very aware that, as teachers, we must change with the world around us. This method has proven to be quite unique and successful for students. As the old mantra goes, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it!"
Generating this working website was somewhat difficult for me to complete. Although I had made a website in the past for a school project, I had not reviewed the steps to making one in a while. The easiest parts for me was the setup, I knew that once I had found my data and links I wanted to use, I would need to place them all together. Thus, the most difficult process was the coding of the actual information to create the website. I felt that overall, I understood the process, but I admit I needed several key points from one of my family members who was more skilled in making websites than myself. Once I added both the links and text, I decided on several images to add to the site as well. The pictures were collected from the Internet and are cited at the bottom of the page. Thank you once again for visiting my website!
For additional information about the Ombudsman Advocacy Center and at-risk teenagers, click on the links below:
Ombudsman Webpage
At-Risk Teens Webpage
Iser Educational Webpage
Critical Issue: Rethinking About At Risk Students Webpage
At-Risk Conditions Webpage
Cited Sources For Images:
1. www.ombudsman.com (Ombudsman Logo)
2. www.flickr.com (School)
3. www.postnewsline.com (Students At Computer)
4. www.flickr.com (Student Daydreaming)
5. www.pbs.com (Teacher Helping Student)
Copyright © 2008
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